Inky Lunta 78 Challenge

The Inky Lunta 78 Challenge - Powered by G.E. is an event honoring Ironwood's very own sports legend, beloved coach, and pioneer fitness leader, Gary Engstrom. In true Gary fashion we've increased the challenge to 78, as Gary would be turning 78 this year. We are also honoring the memory of Jonathan A Erickson with this year's Inky Lunta as Gary and Jonathan were close friends and often were together for a run or a bike ride or a xc ski. Inky (Gary) had a way of calling forth the best in everyone who came under his spell: “Let’s do this—it’ll be fun!”

The Gogebic Range Health Foundation is proud to be hosting this fundraiser with proceeds of the event benefitting the Jonathon A Erickson Fund for mental health projects throughout the Gogebic Range.  If you would like to make a donation to the Jonathon A Erickson Fund,  please make checks out to the Gogebic Range Health Foundation and send to E 6112 Bluffview Rd, Ironwood, MI 49938. 

To continue Inky’ (Gary's) legacy and in memory of Jonathan A Erickson, we offer the “Inky Lunta 78 Challenge”: together we thrive. 

Starting March 1st, over 78 days, walk/run/roll/ski/paddle/strength train or engage in any other form of physical activity to accumulate a total of—your choice:

• 78 minutes
• 78 hours
• 78 Kilometers
• 78 miles 

Register for one of the challenges and enter your activity each day. Each race is $20 with the option to add a T-Shirt for $20 and/or Fleece Hat for $20. 

Youth Inky Lunta event is free with the option to add a T-Shirt for $20 and/or Fleece Hat for $20. You can also make an additional donation during the registration. 

March 1, 2025: Kick off event at Cold Iron Brewery. (More information to come)
May 2, 2025: Final gathering event (More information to come)