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Thies & Talle participates in the first annual Travathon

Residents October 5, 2017

On Saturday, September 23rd, 2017 Thies & Talle staff members volunteered and participated in the first annual Travathon.  The Travathon was put together by the Armadillo Project, which was started by Shelly Hanson.  Shelly started the Armadillo Project in honor of her son, Cpl. Travis Nowak, who passed away on November 10, 2016.  The Armadillo Project’s purpose is to bring awareness to suicide prevention (22 veterans a day pass away from suicide), help military veterans and their families during the time a veteran is in the process of military separation from the service and entering civilian life, and to help connect those in need with the resources that are available to them. 

The Travathon is a blend of events for every age and ability!  The main race consisted of a 5K run, a 1K kayak trip, a 5k bike ride, and finally an archery shoot.  All times were scored individually with time credits given during the archery section of the course.  For the kids, there was a Little Man Travathon which included a 1K run, 1K bike ride, obstacle course, and archery shoot.  There was also a 1K fun run/walk.

The first annual Travathon, which was named after Shelly’s son, and setup with his favorite activities, was a huge success!   With individuals from all areas of Minnesota helping and participating, it was a fantastic way to bring people together for a great cause.  A special thank you goes out to JoAnn Wirkkula (Southview), Connie Havercamp, Lori Broz, and Michael Clement (Birch Court), Abby Adams (Birchwood East), Tanner Nowak and Taylor Skalsky (Duluth Hillside), Ryan Hydukovich (Lakeside), Carole Hydukovich, and Kris Clement (Park Villa).

kayak ryan travvol