3Bear 5K organizers donate $4,500 to Great Headwaters Trails Foundation
By Gary Ridderbusch
In an effort to support bike trail opportunities, maintenance and development in eastern Vilas County, organizers of the 3Bear 5K recently donated $4,500 to Great Headwaters Trails Foundation (GHTF).
The 3Bear 5K was held in Land O’ Lakes on July 4th as part of the town’s Fourth of July festivities. The annual family-friendly event, sponsored by Luoto’s Fitness at Lando Center, is designed for runners, walkers and bikers of all ages. According to Landocenter owner Cheryl Pytlarz, a majority of the profits from the event are donated to GHTF to build bike trails linking eastern Vilas County to its western trails. Pytlarz said 2024 marked the fifth annual 3Bear 5K and youth fun run that attracted 253 participants for the 5K and 30 for the youth fun run (second annual event in 2024).
“We want to support the community in a way that aligns with the gym‘s health and fitness mission,” said Pytlarz. “Bike trails offer this in a scenic and fun way.”
Pytlarz said the 3Bear 5K is a big attraction for entire families. “They come in patriotic attire, some pushing their children in strollers, some on bikes and some bringing their dogs,” she said. “It even has serious runners as there are medals for the winners.”
Luoto’s Fitness, owned by Erin Luoto, is a sponsor of the annual Ride with Leinie event hosted by GHTF on the Conover-Phelps Trail. The 3Bear 5K is also a location to buy raffle tickets for an e-bike and more giveaways at the Ride with Leinie event held a couple of weeks after the races. The winner of the 2024 e-bike raffle purchased their tickets at the Land O’ Lakes races.
Pytlarz said Luoto’s Fitness makes the donation to GHTF because the trail organization is focused on connecting the eastern towns in Vilas County, which includes Land O’ Lakes, to towns in the western county area that includes the popular Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System offering 52 miles of paved trails that link St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters and Mercer. Meanwhile, GHTF is proposing to develop the River Trail that would connect Eagle River to St. Germain. That system also would extend to Three Lakes via the Three Eagle Trail.
“Most importantly, the trails offer outdoor silent-sport fitness opportunities for the residents in the area,” said Pytlarz. “We are hoping their presence will build a reputation that Vilas County is a healthy and active community to raise a family and retire. Secondly, the trails are a tourist attraction to help with the local economy.”
Pytlarz added that GHTF is a well-run organization “that is a pleasure to work with and support. Its leaders are passionate and persistent and traits are required to have more trails built in the future.”
Tim Wright, GHTF president, said the donation will be used by the organization to develop more trails in the county and maintain the current trails in eastern Vilas County. GHTF recently presented to the towns of Conover and Phelps $5,000 each to help maintain the Conover-Phelps Bike Trail. “We truly appreciate the support we’ve received from the 3Bear 5K team,” said Wright. “Their support goes a long way in helping us work towards our mission of developing and supporting more biking and walking trails in eastern Vilas County.”
Laura Van Valkenberg, GHTF vice president and Ride with Leinie ride director, said bike ride events promote and support a healthy lifestyle. “Luoto’s Fitness and Great Headwaters share a common interest in encouraging physical activity,” said Van Valkenberg. “The 3Bear 5K and Ride with Leinie help do just that in a fun way.”