It’s time to sign up for the Brimson Sisu! The 4.4-mile race with rotating venues will take place at Petrell Hall located in the Fairbanks Township – Brimson area on Saturday, August 17th this year. “It’s rustic for sure,” said Bill Zwak, the race’s director, of the hall. “But it’s definitely historic. It’s kind of a landmark in the Brimson area.”
Bill lives and teaches physical science in Duluth, and he owns a cabin at Bassett Lake. He’s taken on the challenge of organizing the event for the past 5 years and has been part of the Sisu for a long time.
“It’s been part of my family’s summers and part of the Brimson area summers for as long as it’s been around,” he said. “That’s why I keep doing it. To keep the tradition alive and to support the fire department.”
The fundraiser brought in $7,500 for the Brimson Area Volunteer Fire Department with 220 runners and walkers registered last year. It is the largest fundraiser for BAVFD.
With the growing number of participants, more help is needed. “Always looking for people to help, at the race in particular,” said Bill. Volunteers to help control traffic, pass out t-shirts, sell merchandise, sell food, etc., are much appreciated. Donations are appreciated, as well.
“Donations of merchandise that might be used for prizes is important or if somebody wants to do a monetary donation to help us cover the cost of propane, hot dogs, buns, and food that we purchase,” said Bill. “The more we take in the bigger the donation to the fire department, ultimately.”
The current count of businesses sponsoring the event is close to 100. With donations of merchandise and funds, Granite Gear, AutoZone, Due North Pizza, Valentini’s, Jamar, Super One, Walmart and many others ensure the prizes are awesome and the event has the funds it needs to run.
Kids are welcome to participate, and prizes are offered to different age groups under 18. One of them will be sure to win “youngest finisher.”
As always, the Brimson Farmer’s Market will follow the event and set up shop at the hall, giving everyone a chance to grab up some goodies while they wait for friends and family to find their way back to the finish line.
This year will be the first without the race’s founder, Kathleen Anderson, who passed away in March. Kathleen and her husband at the time had organized the local race because they were sick of needing to travel to participate in a race. By all accounts, she was really something special and is deeply missed by those who knew her.
“She was one of the first people I met up here,” said Lynn Bogey, who was friends with Kathleen for 40 years. “She was an icon in our community.”
Lynn worked with Kathleen at one time helping her with her business. Wintermoon Summersun is located a stone’s throw from Petrell Hall and focused on dogsledding in the winter and kayaking in the summer. The adventures, under Kathleen’s guidance, were life-changing for those who had the opportunity to experience them. “They could really feel a lightness and inner growth,” Lynn said, who added this was especially true for the women who took part.
The Sisu this year will pay tribute to Kathleen and her efforts in the race and her involvement in the community.
“She loved her sled dogs,” said Bill. “And she loved the color purple, as well, which is why the t-shirts this year will be purple and the image on the t-shirt will be one of her favorite sled dogs.”
I asked Lynn what Kathleen would think of the homage. “I think she’d be tickled,” she replied. “She was a character in so many ways.”
To sign up for the race go to racesignup.com and search “Brimson.” For questions, volunteer opportunities, and donations contact Bill Zwak at 218- 428-3981 or email brimsonsisu1@gmail.com.
