On Friday, organizers got the route ready for riders on Saturday morning, sweeping parts of the 146 miles starting in Maplewood to ride in honor of retired firefighter Walt Lindahl.
The Bemidji Fire Department held its annual Relief Association Recognition Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 18, for the first time in several years after being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
When the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon weekend kicked off Friday evening, runners could be seen sporting their typical activewear to race along Lake Bemidji. But a distinctive pair stood out amongst the many tennis shoes and moisture-wicking polyester of the runners. Clad in full firefighter uniform and gear was Bemidji firefighter Kelly McDonald and Lakeport firefighter Elias Carlson, who ran the 5K race in support of Bemidji firefighter Walter Lindahl, who is in need of a double lung transplant.