Heart of the North Lions Club holds "Off the Vine" 5k walk/run fundraiser

Runners, joggers, and strollers alike came to the Northern Sun Winery in Bark River Saturday. They were taking part in the "Off the Vine" 5k run/walk sponsored by the Heart of the North Lions Club.

Proceeds from Saturday's fundraiser benefits diabetes awareness and other Lions Club health and wellness projects. Organizers say diabetes effects thousands of people in the U.P.

“There are so many people in our area, myself included, pre-diabetic and it seems like everybody I talk to, they either know somebody that has diabetes or they have diabetes themselves or they are pre-diabetic,” said Sheryl Rains, Lions Club Member and Race Organizer. “So, the more awareness that we can raise, the better.”

More than 40 runners participated in Saturday's race.

You can find more information about the Heart of the North Lions Club on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/heartofthenorthlions/