Runners Take to the Lakewalk for Food Allergy Awareness

The ALEIA Project held the Northland 5k for Food Allergy Saturday morning along Lake Superior in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The ALEIA Project hosted the Northland 5k for Food Allergy on Saturday morning along the Duluth Lakewalk. Runners and walkers of all ages crossed the finish line at Leif Erikson Park in support of allergy awareness.

The ALEIA Project held its annual 5k fundraiser, with over a hundred participants. For many of them, the run along the lake was about more than just getting their steps in.

“I personally have a gluten allergy, so I know firsthand how food allergies really do impact life,” said runner Megan Wilson. “I love that this organization helps raise awareness of that, especially in the schools. I know as an adult its hard to get my friends to understand that you can’t just pick the croutons off the salad and have it be okay. The fact that they’re out there advocating for these kids and adults too with food allergies, just helping raise awareness that that is a real thing really matters to me.”

For its co-founders, the ALEIA Project has always been personal. Even the name ALEIA has a special place in their hearts, spelling out the names of their children with severe food allergies. Alex, Lorelei, Everett, Ian, and Ava.

“We started about 2021 and we’re doing this for food allergy awareness,” said ALEIA Project President Emily Homan. “There’s three co-founders: myself, Erica Hanson, and Rose Sterling, and we all have children with anaphylactic food allergies. We saw kind of a gap in schools and the community, all over, and we wanted to help fill that gap with support, resources, and awareness.”

The 5k is the ALEIA Project’s one big fundraiser for the year. The money brought in will fund their work all year long, including free resources for families and classes on allergy awareness. Along with donations, the run creates a sense of community.

“As someone with allergies, it just makes you feel like you’re not alone in it,” Wilson said. “And all the ages out there! These little kids that were just zipping past me, this is so awesome that everyone is out here today.”

“It’s really exciting to see everybody here,” Homan added. “I’m so thankful that they all come out and I’m so thankful for the weather and how beautiful it is. But yeah, it means a lot to see everybody out here and running.”

Once they crossed the finish line, runners, joggers, and walkers were able to enjoy the nice weather with their friends and families. A DJ was cranking the tunes, kids were playing lawn games, and there was plenty of allergy-conscious food to enjoy.

This isn’t the finish line for the ALEIA Project, however. The organization says they have plenty of work to do to empower and support the Northland’s food allergy community. Homan said that’s something everyone can be a part of.

“If you’re unsure or don’t know, ask questions,” Homan said. “Don’t make assumptions, don’t assume someone is overreacting. If you don’t know what’s going on, ask. I mean more than anything, someone with a food allergy would like to have you ask them how you can help or ask to know more, more than anything, just so you can understand better.”