Thank You for a Great 2026 Race!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 29th Annual Grandpa's Run for the Walleye on July 4! More than 800 participants took part in the 5K, 10K, and Kids Sunfish Dash, making it our largest turnout since 2016.

From runners chasing personal bests to families, four-legged friends, and our youngest racers taking on the Sunfish Dash, it was another memorable Fourth of July morning in Crosslake.

A special thank you to the volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and participants who make this event possible year after year.

Save the Date: The 30th Annual Grandpa's Run for the Walleye: Saturday, July 3, 2027

Next year marks a milestone — the 30th Annual Grandpa's Run for the Walleye! Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 3, 2027, and join us in Crosslake as we celebrate three decades of running, community, and support for the Whitefish Chain. Check back here for 2027 race details and registration information as they become available.

Supporting the Whitefish Chain

Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye is sponsored by WAPOA, and proceeds from the race directly support fish habitat projects and conservation efforts throughout the Chain. WAPOA monitors water quality across more than 40 lakes, supports aquatic invasive species prevention and response, and works to preserve the shoreline health that makes the Whitefish Chain one of Minnesota’s premier recreational lake systems.