2026 Jared Anez Eagle Lake Race Series

KA

From Kami Anez

  • Date Sat 1st August 2026
  • Time 7:00AM CDT
  • Location Willmar, Minnesota
  • Price Free - $64.60
  • Races 8 races
  • Distances 5km, Half Marathon

Event summary

Join us for the 9th Annual Jared Anez Eagle Lake Race Series on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in beautiful Willmar, Kandiyohi! Organized by the dedicated Kami Anez, this exciting event is designed for runners, walkers, and families alike. Participants can choose from thrilling race distances including a challenging 13.1-mile Half Marathon, an enjoyable 5K Run/Walk, and a delightful Kids Fun Run for children aged 10 and under. The Half Marathon is part of the prestigious Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series, offering finishers not only a medal but also valuable points in the series.

In addition to the races, the event features a fun-filled Bean Bag Tournament for those who prefer a more laid-back activity. Each 2-person team can register for just $30, with the tournament kicking off at 8:15 AM. The day promises excitement for everyone, including a visit from an ice cream truck and a heartfelt tribute to Tim Cayler. All proceeds from this inspiring event support scholarships for high school students pursuing STEM education, continuing the legacy of Jared Anez, who was a beloved community member. Mark your calendars and be part of this uplifting celebration of family, community, and fitness

Organiser's Description

Sections in yellow need updating for 2026

WELCOME TO THE 9TH ANNUAL JARED ANEZ EAGLE LAKE RACE SERIES!

THE MORNING'S EVENTS INCLUDE: HALF MARATHON, 5K RUN/WALK, KIDS FUN RUN, and BEAN BAG TOURNAMENT!

NEW FOR 2025: ICE CREAM TRUCK AND A TRIBUTE TO TIM CAYLER



HALF MARATHON: 13.1 miles. This is included in the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series and each official finisher will be awarded points in the series along with a finisher's medal and gift. The course will be supported through 3 hours; after the 3 hour cut off, you are considered a self-supported pedestrian and are not guaranteed an official finish time. All in-person participants are eligible for overall and age group awards. Participants will receive a race T-shirt with their race packet (guaranteed if registered by July 19).

7:00 AM HALF MARATHON START



5K: Participants are welcome as runners or walkers; strollers or wagons are welcome. No pets, please. Participants will receive a race T-shirt with their race packet (guaranteed if registered by July 19).

8:15 AM 5K START

VIRTUAL HALF MARATHON AND VIRTUAL 5K: Virtual race submissions will not be eligible for awards or Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series points. All virtual Half Marathon finishers will receive their race medal in the mail after their race submission.



KIDS FUN RUN: Kids 10 and under are welcome to run or walk the Kids Fun Run at 9:00 am - it's FREE! Each participant in the Fun Run will run through the finish line arch and receive a ribbon. The Kids Fun Run will start and end near the race finish line. You may sign up for the free kids fun run but registration is not required.



BEAN BAG TOURNAMENT: For those who want to participate in the day's events without running, this is for you! Each 2-person team should register before August 1 if possible, but we will also take same day registration before 8:00am. 2-Person Team Entry is $30. Tossing begins around 8:15 am. If there is unfavorable weather, the bean bag tournament will be held indoors in the Big Red Gym.



Jared Anez was a father, husband, local agriculture business owner, school board chairman, and an active member of the Willmar community who passed away unexpectedly in March of 2017. Jared was passionate about education, family, faith, and a healthy, active lifestyle. These values are demonstrated daily by Jared's wife, Kami, and their 6 children, Sam, Savannah, Harley, Jonas, Sullivan and Lawson and we are grateful for everything they bring to the Willmar community. We are honoring Jared's legacy and the Anez Family's commitment to education and community with this race series.



We are proud to celebrate Jared's legacy by funding scholarships from race proceeds for high school students pursuing post-secondary education in a STEM-related field. Last year, for the graduating class of 2024, the Jared Anez Memorial gave $10,500 to the Willmar High School and New London-Spicer High School Scholarship Programs! A total sum of $77,000 in scholarships has been given over the last eight years. We couldn't make this contribution to high school students each year without the donations from our community sponsors, donors, volunteers, and all of the participants who choose to run and toss with us! Thank you to all of you!

Races

  • 5k Adult Registration

    Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt Guaranteed With Registration Through July 19th

    Sat 1st August 2026 (8:15AM CDT)

    $27.50

    OPENS 10 FEB 26
    Participants are guaranteed this year's race t-shirt in their chosen size if registered by July 19th.
  • 5k Student Registration (17 Yrs and Under)

    Incl. $1.90 Fee & T-Shirt Guaranteed With Registration Through July 19th.

    Sat 1st August 2026 (8:15AM CDT)

    $16.90

    OPENS 10 FEB 26
    Participants are guaranteed this year's race t-shirt in their chosen size if registered by July 19th.
  • Half Marathon Adult Registration

    Incl. $4.60 Fee & T-Shirt Guaranteed With Registration Through July 19th

    Sat 1st August 2026 (7:00AM CDT)

    $64.60

    OPENS 10 FEB 26
    Participants are guaranteed this year's race t-shirt in their chosen size if registered by July 19th.
  • Half Marathon Student Registration (17 Years Old and Younger)

    Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt Guaranteed With Registration Through July 19th

    Sat 1st August 2026 (7:00AM CDT)

    $54.00

    OPENS 10 FEB 26
    Participants are guaranteed this year's race t-shirt in their chosen size if registered by July 19th.
  • Virtual 5K

    Incl. $2.20 Fee & T-Shirt Guaranteed With Registration Through July 19th

    $22.20

    OPENS 04 FEB 26
    Participants are guaranteed this year's race t-shirt in their chosen size if registered by July 19th.
  • Virtual Half Marathon

    Incl. $3.40 Fee & T-Shirt Guaranteed With Registration Through July 19th.

    $43.40

    OPENS 04 FEB 26
    Participants are guaranteed this year's race t-shirt in their chosen size if registered by July 19th.
  • Kids Fun Run

    Sat 1st August 2026 (9:00AM CDT)

    Free

    OPENS 10 FEB 26
  • Bean Bag Tournament 2-Person Team Entry

    Incl. $2.80 Fee

    Sat 1st August 2026 (8:15AM CDT)

    $32.80

    OPENS 18 MAR 26
    There are no age categories for this tournament.

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Location

2701 30th ST NE, Willmar, 56201, MN, United States

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