Carter Klein has already had a big fall. The Jefferson senior was elected Boys State governor, and now he's organizing a 5K. Care for the Cure, the nonprofit Klein founded, will hold its first Race for the Ribbon 5K run/walk at Bush Lake on Oct. 24.
The race is personal for him. Klein started Care for the Cure to honor his mother, Heather May Klein. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years before she died of stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 2023. Klein said she didn't let the disease slow her down: "She refused to let that stop her. Shortly after meeting with doctors she went out and ran the half marathon on her own." That story helps explain why the fundraiser is a run.
The nonprofit supports breast cancer patients and groups that help them, including the Hope Lodge in Rochester. Klein has already raised more than $3,000 by selling bracelets and pins through Jefferson's student council.
Race day starts at Shelter 3 at Bush Lake. Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m., organizers will greet runners and make announcements at 9 a.m., and the race starts at 9:15 a.m. The course follows the trail system around the lake. Bring a jacket, because it's late October in Minnesota.
Teams can register for $100. For $300, a supporter can sponsor a commemorative sign with a personal message or photo honoring a loved one. Those signs will probably be what people remember most from the day.
Once the race is done, food, games and other activities start at 10 a.m. The morning also includes the "Souper Run for the Bridge for Youth," a potluck-style soup contest. People bring their favorite soups to share and then vote on the best one.
