Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Carlton, Willow River, Hinckley, Pine City, Rush City, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.
Day 5
Starting location: Groningen, MN
Finish for the day: Pine City, MN
Miles completed: 24
The weather report: 90°+ on the blacktop and direct sun
Day five on the Miles for MnFIRE journey proved one thing for sure: when two firefighters have a goal in mind, they will work together — and crush that goal.
Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are walking more than 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health. The entire walk will take nine days, most of which are planned with approximately 18-mile stints. But today, day five of the journey, was a behemoth – nearly 24 miles in less-than-ideal conditions.
The day started out well in Groningen, but as the route moved through Hinckley and Mission Creek, the team had to turn away from the shady Willard Munger Trail and onto the black asphalt of Highway 23, the St. Croix Scenic Byway, and Old Highway 61, both blasted with direct sunlight.
But they did it, in good spirits, and finished in Pine City before the rainstorms hit. It wasn’t easy, but there were many bright spots in the day to boost their spirits. The biggest highlight was crossing the halfway mark of their journey.
“It feels really good to get over the midway point,” says Bode. “We had lots of friends join us today, which was nice. It helped take our mind off the walk.”
Joining Foote and Bode today were several retired and active firefighters, MnFIRE mental health providers from ProNetwork, and Gracy, a support-dog-in-training from Soldier 6. Because of her puppy-sized stride, once in a while Gracy caught a ride in a stroller.
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And, good news travels! Today, both the White Bear Press and Forest Lake Times published stories about Miles for MnFIRE. As the story of this journey continues to spread throughout Minnesota, we hope more people can join in supporting Foote, Bode, and the MnFIRE mission.
How can you do that? Your financial donation will help provide resources to Minnesota firefighters across the state. To contribute, click here. You are also welcome to join us on the Miles for MnFIRE trail. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here. And finally, we invite you to the finish line. The team is on schedule to finish at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul on Sunday, Sept. 21. Join us for the celebratory finish of this major accomplishment.
Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for more updates along the way.
Some photos by Ric Rosow
