Where to Run in Minneapolis - Running Routes in Minneapolis
Between the river, parks and lakes, Minneapolis has many beautiful places to run. Circuits of Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun, and Lake Harriet are popular, either one lake or a combination of more than one. There are trails along the much length of the Mississippi River in the city, along Minnehaha Creek, and in other lakes and parks in the city.The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a well-signposted network of trails encompassing the most attractive parts of Minneapolis, is a good place to start looking for places to run. Runners also use bike paths and bikeways, such as the dedicated off-road Midtown Greenway.
Where to Run in St. Paul - Running Routes in St. Paul
St. Paul's Summit Avenue is a veritable freeway for runners, getting very busy especially on summer evenings. Running around a lake is the classic Twin Cities training run. Lake Phalen and Como Lake are the most popular, with the latter convenient for longer runs, incorporating the trails of Como Park.The St. Paul side of the Mississippi River has trails along most of length of the river in St. Paul, the most attractive part is in the west of St. Paul, on the border with Minneapolis.
Running Shoes, Clothes and Other Gear - Running Stores in the Twin Cities
Independent running stores, owned and operated and staffed by passionate runners, are the best place to get kitted out with running shoes, clothing, accessories and other gear.Running Stores in the Twin Cities There are a couple of specialist running stores in the Twin Cities.
Chain retailer The Running Room has several stores in the Twin Cities.Find Running Buddies and Training Partners - Running Clubs
The Minnesota Distance Running Association organizes races and training groups and programs for races 10 miles and longer.
Club Run is a Minneapolis based running club for fun and serious runners, with training programs and social events.
The Running Room stores organize practice sessions for anyone to show up and join in.
Meetup.com is a website that organizes special interest groups. Join an existing running group in the Twin Cities, or start your own.
Running All Year Round - Winter Running
As soon as spring begins, runners start appearing on the streets and trails of the Twin Cities. But some hardy souls run all year round. Running in the winter is not as bad as it sounds - use trails cleared of snow and ice, bundle up in layers, and here's more tips for outdoor winter running.Running All Year Round - Indoor Winter Running
The Metrodome becomes a running track in the winter months, when the stadium is not being used for another event. There is a small fee for entry.
The Minnesota Distance Running Association holds indoor running training session at gyms and other facilities in the Twin Cities.
At the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, you can run, walk or skate around the Warner Coliseum. There's a small entry charge.
Races and Running Events in the Twin Cities
These websites list races in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the Twin Cities.
Think You Could Do The Amazing Race? Try The Great Urban Race
The Great Urban Race is an annual event - part race, part scavenger hunt - that has teams of two running all over Minneapolis, solving clues, eating odd food, and using their wits and moxie to reach the finish line first. It's an exciting morning out and will give you a great story to tell in the bar that Saturday night, plus the chance to get into the finals in Las Vegas and win a big cash prize.Twin Cities Marathons
The biggest event in the running calendar is the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, held every October. The race begins at the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis, circles Minneapolis lakes, follows the Mississippi River, crosses into St. Paul and follows Summit Avenue towards the State Capitol and the finish line.
Over 10,000 runners compete and an estimated half-million specatators cheer them on. Registration usually opens in April and the race traditionally sells out within days.
Other marathons for local runners
