I like events that own up to their reality right from the start. Minnesotans take pride in embracing the outdoors all year and seasons long, so there’s no reason not to call a run through snow, in often-times windy, plummeting temperatures, exactly what it is: the Freeze Your Caboose Off 4M (this weekend in Saint James, MN)!
Completing it is a matter of pride and bragging rights—something we Minnesotans like, however modestly. And any level of runner can tackle it and appreciate the experience. (You know there’s also a fun T-shirt to claim at the end.)
That’s actually just one of many runs occuring all winter. Many benefit a charity, and others are just good fun and exercise—a great way to explore Minnesota and fight the winter blues.
One regular option, ideal for avid runners traveling to the Twin Cities, is City Running Tours (now running—bah dum cha!—in Austin, Boston, Chicago, NYC, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C. and our own Minneapolis). Sign up online ($25 per person for 5K Runs; $30 per person for 5K Beer Runs) for the regular or beer runs and then meet a trained runner/tour guide on the day. The routes highlight many aspects of downtown, including sports arenas, theaters, notable buildings, parks, and of course the bars along the way (if included). Tour guides are avid runners familiar with the city and scene, who will fill you with notable facts throughout the run and answer questions.
Here’s a list of what’s upcoming the next few weeks:
- Friday, Feb. 22: City Running Tours Minneapolis: 5K Beer Run! (Running tour | Mpls., MN)
- Saturday, Feb. 23: City Running Tours Minneapolis – 5K Cherry & Spoon Group Run (Running tour | Mpls., MN)
- Saturday, Feb. 23: City Running Tours Minneapolis: 5K Beer Run! (Running tour | Mpls., MN)
- Saturday, Feb. 23: Kenyon 5K Run For The Roses (5K run, 5K walk | Kenyon, MN)
- Saturday, Feb. 23: Spring Fever Charity 5K (5K run, 5K walk | St. Cloud, MN)
- Sunday, Feb. 24: Freeze Your Caboose Off 4M (4M run, 4M walk | Saint James, MN)
- Friday, March 1: City Running Tours Minneapolis: 5K Beer Run! (Running tour | Mpls., MN)
- Saturday, March 2: City Running Tours Minneapolis – 5K Cherry & Spoon Group Run (Running tour | Mpls., MN)
- Saturday, March 2: City Running Tours Minneapolis: 5K Beer Run! (Running tour | Mpls., MN)
- Saturday, March 2: City Running Tours: Uptown & Lakes Tour 5K (Running tour | Mpls., MN)
- Saturday, March 2: Plunge 5K (5K run | Mpls., MN)
- Saturday, March 2: White Bear Winter Frolic 5K (5K run, 5K walk | White Bear Lake, MN)
- Friday, March 8: City Running Tours Minneapolis: 5K Beer Run! (Running tour | Mpls., MN)
- Saturday, March 9: 100% Irish for a Day 5K & 10 Mile (10M run, 5K run, 5K walk | Mpls., MN)
For more, visit runningintheusa.com.
Remember, this is supposed to be fun, and safe. Wear layers, and don’t be afraid to include a hat, gloves, goggles, neck collar, face mask, running tights, wind and water-resistant pants, and of course a jacket with lining!
