Quarry 5K Run/Walk offers unique experience for a good cause

Presque Isle — People from all over Northeast Michigan will descend upon the Lafarge Presque Isle Quarry on Saturday for the 5th Annual Stoneport 5K Quarry Run/Walk.

This race offers one of the most unique opportunities for people all across the United States, running in a quarry with plenty of hills and rocks.

“The terrain makes it very challenging,” said Plant Manager Allan Idalski. “When you go down into the quarry, you’ve got to come back out.”

In the past four years, over $150,000 has been raised by sponsors, runners, and donors. The race hopes to bring in $35,000 for the MidMichigan Cancer Center in Alpena. This money will help the center upgrade medical equipment. The event is dedicated this year to a friend, father, grandfather, and all around good guy, Ray Haske.

“Ray was special to us because he made a donation every year of a handmade wooden chair to our raffle and it was always the one thing people wanted,” said Idalski.

Haske worked for 30 years as a heavy equipment operator at the Calcite Limestone Quarry in Rogers City. He was known for making limestone medals for the race winners. Ray passed away from cancer in February of 2018. The man was a role model to many and will be missed in the community.

“For our business, he was a big rock guy,” said Idalski. “Me personally, as a geologist, you’ve got to love the rock guys… yeah it’s always tough but it’s for a great cause.”

Registration is still available for the race. Folks can register online by visiting https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/PresqueIsle/AnnualStoneport5KQuarryRunWalk

Otherwise, people can register at the event, starting at 8:00am. The race begins at 9:00am. To find out more information, visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/StoneportQuarryRun/