Courtesy Photo Runners are seen at the start of the 2024 Stoneport Quarry Run.

ALPENA – Runners, walkers, families and friends are invited to the 11th Annual Amrize Stoneport 5K Quarry Run/Walk on Saturday, Aug. 9. The run begins at 9 a.m. at 11351 E. Grand Lake Road, Presque Isle. All funds raised from the Quarry Run support patient care and advanced technology at the Alpena Cancer Center.

Also known as the Quarry Run, the 5K is one of Michigan’s most unique races as it allows participants access to the historic Stoneport Quarry, an active limestone quarry first established in the early 1900s. The event is an exciting chance for participants to make their way along a scenic 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) course near the edge of the large limestone pit, which offers scenic vistas of the quarry’s rocky basin and stunning views of Lake Huron. Top finishers in their race division receive truly one-of-a-kind medals made from limestone bored directly from the quarry itself.

Over the years, the event has raised over $300,000 for the Alpena Cancer Center.

“The race originally came about as a way to support our employees and their family members whose lives were impacted by cancer,” said Tim Cordes, Amrize Stoneport plant manager. “To this day, we continue to donate all monies raised to the Alpena Cancer Center. We are so proud to be able to do so in honor of our employees and their families.”

Ann Diamond, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation, said of the race, “It’s hard to comprehend the immense impact that this race has had on the Alpena Cancer Center, its patients, and their families. Their support has assisted with renovations, the purchase of lifesaving equipment and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. They have touched countless lives across our communities, and we are so very grateful that they continue to support the Cancer Center with this unique event. From everyone at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, we thank every participant in this fantastic race. Their generosity helps to provide excellent cancer care right here in Northeast Michigan.”

Cordes added, “We’re so happy that the race provides our community with the opportunity to see the quarry up close. Along with supporting the Cancer Center, this event also celebrates the beauty of our natural resources as well as an industry that has shaped this region, its history and culture for the last hundred years. The race is a special chance for the public to be given access to this area and we’re happy to provide that opportunity.”

The cost to participate is $25. Online registration ends at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 5 although same-day registrations will be accepted on-site. T-shirts will be available for an additional cost. This race is professionally timed and can be used to record training or competition results. A virtual 5K is also an option for those unable to attend.

Those interested in the virtual option may submit their time for consideration while still supporting the Cancer Center. Those interested in registering for the race may visit https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/PresqueIsle/Stoneport5kQuarryRunWalk.

Those with questions may contact Ashley Worth at 989-916-9293 or Diamond at 989-356-7738.