THE INKY LUNTA 78 CHALLENGE – HONORING GARY ENGSTROM AND JONATHAN A. ERICKSON
Ironwood, MI – January 13, 2025 – The Inky Lunta Committee, in collaboration with the Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF), has announced the Inky Lunta 78 Challenge, an event honoring Ironwood’s legendary sportsman, coach, and fitness pioneer, Gary “Inky” Engstrom, and his close friend, Jonathan A. Erickson.
This year’s challenge celebrates what would have been Gary Engstrom’s 78th birthday, with participants taking on the theme of 78 in true Gary fashion: “Let’s do this—it’ll be fun!” Beginning on March 1, 2025, participants will engage in a 78-day journey of physical activity, selecting from one of the following challenges:
- 78 minutes
- 78 hours
- 78 kilometers
- 78 miles
Participants are encouraged to walk, run, roll, ski, paddle, strength train, or engage in other forms of activity to complete their goals. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jonathan A. Erickson Fund, which supports mental health initiatives, as well as community health and wellness, through grant-making across the Gogebic Range.
Event Details:
- Registration: Open now at runsignup.com/inkylunta78. The cost is $20 per challenge. Participants can add a T-shirt or fleece hat for $20 each. Log your activity each day.
- Youth Event: Free to participate, with optional T-shirts and hats available for purchase.
- Deadlines: T-shirt and hat orders must be submitted by February 16, 2025.
- Kickoff Event/Tshirt/hat pick-up: Scheduled for March 1, 2025, at Cold Iron Brewery.
- Final Gathering Event: Will take place on May 2, 2025 (details to follow).
Donations to the Jonathan A. Erickson Fund can be made by check, payable to the Gogebic Range Health Foundation, and mailed to: E6112 Bluffview Rd, Ironwood, MI 49938.
For more information, visit runsignup.com/inkylunta78.
The Inky Lunta Committee and the Gogebic Range Health Foundation are excited to invite the community to participate in this meaningful event, continuing Gary Engstrom and Jonathan Erickson’s shared legacy of health, wellness, and community spirit.
