This event has been created by the Matt Kjelland Memorial Foundation, an IRS 501(c)(3) Public Charity. The event is a fundraiser with all proceeds donated to Mental Health & Suicide Prevention non-profit groups, along with sponsoring a Memorial Scholarship at the Alexandria Area High School. The Foundation’s Mission Statement is located on this website.  On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Kjelland Family, we wish to Thank You for your participation and financial support !
The Matt Kjelland Memorial Run/Walk is a community event created to honor the life and memory of Matt Kjelland and Susan Kjelland, and a fundraiser for Mental Health initiatives and Suicide Prevention programs. Matt was an incredible young man. He was a loyal friend and always quick to put others before himself. Help us honor and celebrate his life by participating in this Memorial event while raising funds to help others.  Matt suffered from chronic Lyme Disease, clinical depression and took his life in September of 2016.
Sue passed unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm in February of 2020.
Details:
Who: All Are Welcome
What: 10K Run & 5K Runners/5K Walkers. Competitive Divisions with Age Group Awards. All participants will receive a Finisher’s Medal.
Alternate 1-Mile+ Options Walking course and a 1K Kids Fun Run are also part of the event.
KIDS:  For all events, FREE for kids 10 Years Old and Younger
Cost: 10K = $30 until Aug 22, from Aug 23 to September 21 = $35.00
5K Run = $30.00 until Aug 22, from Aug 23 to September 21 = $35.00
5K Walk= $25.00 until Aug 22, from Aug 23 to September 21 = $30.00
1 Mile Family Fun Walk= $20.00 until Aug 22, from Aug 23 to September 21 = $25.00.
Kids 1K Fun Run= FREE / *For liability reasons please register your child for this event.
(age 10 & under only)  Each child will receive a Finisher’s Ribbon.
All registrants will receive a complimentary T-shirt and Finisher’s Medal as part of the registration fee. You will be asked to select a shirt size during your registration.
Where: Alexandria City Park & Central Lakes Trail in Alexandria, MN
Other: There will be a social time during and following the race. Food, prizes, Silent Auction, family entertainment, and great fellowship!
Registration:  You may register online via this website, by mail by printing this form (Registration Form),and sending it with your check to Matt Kjelland Memorial Foundation, PO Box 601, Alexandria MN 56308 or on day of event.  Contact us for more information regarding paper registration: [email protected] or 320-808-3130
Donations: 
On-line donors can specify which area of our mission that you wish to designate your funds or indicate “at the Board’s discretion.  Mail in donations are asked to indicate their preference also.
Donation designation areas: 
1) Mental Health/Suicide Prevention
2) Matt Kjelland Memorial Scholarship
3) Matt Kjelland Community Memorial Basketball Courts-Downtown Alexandria.
4) At Foundation Board’s Discretion for division among the 3 choices above. 
* The Matt Kjelland Memorial Foundation in an IRS 501(C)(3) Public Charity 
Proceeds from the event have been donated to local & regional non-profit mental health assistance organizations, including but not limited to; ATCC Mental Health(CAPS), Bio-Girls Self Esteem Development, and Community Suicide Awareness/Education programs.
                                                                       Race Day Schedule:
8:00am – 9:00am:  On-site registration open, Silent Auction open, and an optional injury prevention Dynamic Warm-up session will be provided for runners/walkers led by Fitness Professionals.
8:45 am – 9:30 AM: Program: This presentation will include comments honoring Matt’s life, description of the mission & accomplishments of the Foundation, announcement of special guests, general event information, followed by a beautiful song by local vocalist.  DJ Thumper will be present to provide entertainment in City Park.
10K Run Start: 9:30 AM / 5K   Run Start: 9:45 AM / 5K & One Mile Family Walk Start: 9:50 AM /  Kids 1K Fun Run Start: 11:00 AM /  Awards Ceremony: 11:15 AM
During and after the race there will be a social time with music, entertainment for the kids, Silent Auction, concessions, etc.  Make it a fun family time celebrating Matt’s life and legacy.
Awards will be given in Male & Female categories for each of the age brackets below – 5K Run,10K Run only (Run Chip Timed by Pickle Events!!!)
14 & under   15-19    20-29    30-39     40-49    50-59     60-69   70 & Over