Grandpa's Run for the Walleye costs between $10 and $35 to enter, making it an affordable option for July 4th racing. Set in Crosslake, Minnesota, the event takes place at the Crosslake Community Center and offers both 10K and 5K running distances. The race starts at 8:15 AM, giving runners an early morning effort before holiday festivities. Whether you're targeting the longer 10K distance or prefer the shorter 5K, this small-town event provides a straightforward racing opportunity on Independence Day.
From the Race Organizer
The 29th Annual Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye will be held on the morning of Saturday, July 4th, the same day as the fireworks over Cross Lake. Both the 5K and 10K races will be on certified courses. As in the past, both the 5K and 10K race will be professionally chip timed. The Saturday, July 4th schedule is as follows: 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Race Day registration and Packet Pickup 8:15 AM 10K Race Start 8:30 AM. 5K Race Start 9:30 AM. 5K & 10K Awards Ceremony 9:45 AM. Kids Sunfish Dash (up to 10 years old). Participants can pick up race packets and sign up (if not done previously online) between 4 PM and 6 PM, Friday afternoon, July 3rd at the Crosslake Community Center. The cost of registration for the 5K is $30 before June 23rd; or $35 June 23rd through Race Day. The registration fee for the Kids Sunfish Dash is $10. All 5K and 10K registrants prior to June 23rd will be guaranteed their choice of a long or short-sleeved performance shirt. Credit Cards will be accepted. Awards • Award to top male and top female finisher in 5K and 10K • Medals for top three male and female finishers in each division 5K Division ◦ 14 and Under ◦ 15-19 ◦ 20-29 ◦ 30-39 ◦ 40-49 ◦ 50-59 ◦ 60-69 ◦ 70 + 10K Division ◦ 40 and Under ◦ 41 + The 5K and 10K races will be chip timed by Pickle Events. Results will be available at: www.pickleevents.com All children entered in the Sunfish Dash prior to June 23rd will be guaranteed a T-shirt. "Swag Bags" will be awarded to all children participants at the completion of the race. Strollers and dogs on leash are welcomed for the 5K and 10K. Dog water dishes are located at each water stop (2 on the 5K and 4 on the 10K). Grandpa's Run for the Walleye is sponsored by the Whitefish Area Property Owners Association. Proceeds from the race are used to protect and enhance fish habitat on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes.
Hotels Near This Race
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Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye 2026 — Crosslake, MN
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for July 4.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Crosslake, MN.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye 2026 — Crosslake, MN?
Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye 2026 — Crosslake, MN takes place on July 4, 2026. The race is held in Crosslake, Minnesota.
Where is Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye 2026 — Crosslake, MN held?
Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye 2026 — Crosslake, MN is held at Crosslake Community Center in Crosslake, Minnesota.
Where can I find hotels near Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye 2026 — Crosslake, MN?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Crosslake. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
