Ten Runs, Two Months

Once we flip past that February page in the calendar, we consider it springtime which means the season of 5Ks, 10Ks and more has begun. More than 15 races are taking place around the metro area in the next two months alone, and whether you’re running with a family or training for a marathon, there’s a race for you. We understand if you don’t want to wear shorts just yet—it did snow yesterday—but we hope to see you enjoying the fresh air anyway.

Here are 10 upcoming races for you to check out:

March 11: Brewery Running Series Kickoff Event

OK, so this one isn’t a race, but it’s the kickoff event for 36 different brewery runs this spring and summer, so really, we’re giving you even more of a bang for your buck. Score discounts on series registration and merchandise, free beer tastings, raffle prizes and, most importantly, get hyped for the race series that mixes some of the best things in life: running, craft beer and local nonprofit support. The first race of the series is April 7 at Headflyer Brewing in Minneapolis.

March 24: Hot Dash

Get Minnesotan and get flannelled at the annual Hot Dash. Whether you do the 5K or the 10 mile course, you’ll get a hearty sampling of hotdish recipes and other Minnesotan snacks after the race. Just don’t eat too much, otherwise you’ll slip into a food coma—you’ll want to stay awake for the live DJ, activities, beer garden (for those 21-plus), photo booth, mini massages and more.

April 1: Easter Sunday Rise ‘n Shine 5K

The early bird gets the worm at this 5K. After your run at 8:30, head right on down to the Claddagh Irish Pub & Restaurant for breakfast, beer and beverages, all included with the race fee. With such a productive morning, you’ll have plenty of time to go back and hide the Easter eggs for any little ones.

April 8: Goldy’s Run

It’s game day of a different kind: Support the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital and get your feet in gear at Goldy’s Run. Starting at TCF Bank Stadium, home of the Golden Gophers football team, go on a 5K or 10-mile jaunt and have a picture perfect finish by crossing the 50-yard line. As an extra incentive to train for that 10-mile run, you’ll be running not just around campus but along the beautiful Mississippi River, too.

April 14: Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K/5K

Billed as the sweetest race around, the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K/5K is perfect for folks with a sweet tooth who still want to get off the couch. Besides the delicious chocolate that awaits after the race—and no gluten and nuts are in any ingredients—there are sweet stations throughout the course with tasty nibbles like marshmallows and chocolate chips.

April 14: Y Run

Get the whole family out with this race. Choose your distance with a one mile walk/run, 5K or 10K. Before and after the race, you can keep playing with camp games and activities, pop-up sports clinics, and more.

April 21: ALS SuperHero Dash

We all remember the ice bucket challenge, but ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, has been around a lot longer than that. Luckily events like the ALS SuperHero Dash have been around, too. Use your powers for good to help raise awareness and support for those fighting ALS with the annual 5K and 10K. As they say, old or young, “every SuperHero makes a difference!”

April 21: Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup

Organized by the Great River Coalition, this race remembers some of the smallest members of our ecosystem—the pollinators. Celebrate Earth Day weekend by breathing in the fresh air of Boom Island during the 5K and then stick around for the river cleanup. Bee costumes, colors and teams are not only encouraged, they’re rewarded, so start getting the buzz out and get your running team together.

April 21: Allina Health Trail Mix Race

For those of you who have been hitting the winter cross training a little more, thaw out your outdoor legs with a trail race across the hills, prairies and woods of the Three Rivers Parks district. If the 25K and 50K distances seem a little daunting, sign up for the 12.5K solo run or sign up as a two- or four-person team to tackle the longer runs together. Proceeds go toward purchasing adapted equipment to make the outdoor lifestyle accessible to everyone.

April 28: The Great Inflatable Race

You won’t be able to help but giggle as you run your way through this 5K. The Great Inflatable Race is putting obstacles in your path, sure, but they’re nothing but fun. Fight your way through the giant obstacle courses, slides and more, and bounce your way to the finish line.