River Run prepares for 20th annual race

Registration opened April 1 for Jensen Center fundraising event

By River Run Race Director Chelsea Graham and Jensen Center Executive Director Brent Frankenhoff

The annual River Run, a major fundraiser for the Jensen Community Center, is scheduled for October 10, 2026, and early bird registration opens Wednesday, April 1, at runsignup.com/Race/WI/Amherst/JensenCenterRiverRun. Early bird registration for $40 was available through the month of April. The cost then increased to $45 per person until October 2. Same-day registrations on October 10, which are not guaranteed an event shirt, will be $50. The Falcon Fun Run, a half-K event limited to children ages 5 to 10, remains at $5 throughout the entire registration period.

Started in 2007 on the grounds of the Jensen Center, the event soon outgrew that space and was relocated to Central Waters Brewing Company in the Amherst Industrial Park. Although COVID did not allow the race to be run in 2020, we still distributed t-shirts and beer to those who registered. With 2026 marking the race’s 20th anniversary, we encourage participants old and new to sign up and make this a special event.

The fundraiser serves as a primary source of funding for the Jensen Community Center and could not be accomplished without the help of such local businesses as Emerson Automation Solutions, Legacy Steel, Amherst Bible Church, Sharpe Engineering, Blenker Construction, Northwind Solar, and the Village of Amherst as well as our River Run sponsors: Northwind Solar, Central Waters Brewing Company, Stuczynski Soils and Design, Legacy Steel, Re/Max Lyons Real Estate, Sullivan Investment Management, Shambeau & Thern Real Estate, Farmers State Bank, and Amherst Family Foods. And we would be remiss if we didn’t offer an extra-special thank you to Amherst residents and business owners who see more traffic and people for a few hours the day of the race. This event is definitely a chance for us to show off all that Amherst has to offer!

As part of this anniversary celebration, we’re inviting those who have run or walked the race in the past to share their River Run Reflections. An example from Chelsea appears below. Email your story to brent@jensencenter.org.

Each year, this event just keeps getting better. A town like ours relies on the Jensen Center for so many programs, entertainment, and strength-building community events. From all of us who work on the Run, thank you for the support of this important event for our area.

Mark your calendars for October 10, 2026, and the 20th River Run.

River Run Reflections

By Chelsea Graham

Paul, Milo, and Chelsea Graham, 2008

Nearly 20 years ago, when our family first moved to Amherst, we were looking for something simple: a way to feel at home. We started seeing flyers for the River Run and thought it might be the perfect opportunity to meet people in the community. It wasn’t just a race to us, but a chance to connect with neighbors who valued health, community, and supporting something bigger in the area.

What we didn’t realize at the time was how much that one decision would shape our lives here. Fast forward almost two decades, and I now have the privilege of serving as the race director. 2026 will mark my 12th year in that role, and every year I’m reminded how special this event and this community are. The River Run didn’t just introduce us to Amherst; it connected us with friendships, purpose, and a deeper appreciation for the people who make this place feel like home.

This year marks the 20th Annual River Run, and it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on what events like this represent. They’re about more than miles or finish times. They’re about showing up for each other.

As October approaches, I invite you to think about who you’d like to spend time with, the memories you’d like to make, and the organizations that make our community stronger. Then come be part of it with us on October 10 at Central Waters Brewing Company for the 20th Annual River Run. We’d love to see you there.