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| EVENT NEWS |
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NEW FOR 2010 CHIP TIMING!! Final Stretch is pleased to
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| GENERAL RACE INFORMATION | ||||||||||||||
| Name: | Running Opener | |||||||||||||
| Distance: | 5K Walk/Run & 10K Run & 1K Fun Run | |||||||||||||
| Location: | 1615 Phalen Drive E, Saint Paul, MN 55106 | |||||||||||||
| Date: | April 3, 2010 | |||||||||||||
| Time: | 9:00 am for 10K, 9:05 am for 5K, 10:15 am for the Fun Run | |||||||||||||
| Fee: |
Kids that run the 1K Bunny Fun Run are welcome to participate in the post-race Easter Egg Hunt. |
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Late Registration |
*Late and Race Day Registration: For those of you who are registering for the race at the last minute, we have a few different options:
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Check out the Running Opener slideshow compiled by Gary Westlund from Charities Challenge.
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Race Information
The race was moved to St. Paul in 2008. We have found that the runners preferred this new location. The race is now run around Lake Phalen, just northeast of downtown St. Paul, off I-35E and Maryland Ave/Wheelock Pkwy (see Course Map for directions). This venue was selected for the beautiful trails and the great picnic area at this park. The start and finish line are located in the picnic area on the west side of Lake Phalen. This beautiful new location is sure to amaze you with the scenery in this metropolitan jewel. I have been told by many people and now I believe, this truly is an oasis in the middle of the city.
The Running Opener Run is excited to announce the addition of the Minnesota Pacers Pace Team to the 2010 10 K Run. Want more information on this exciting free offer, click here!
Parking
There are many parking lots in the Lake Phalen park system on the west side. Directions and parking areas are designated on the Parking link. If no parking is available in the lots, street parking is allowed in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Course Information
This is a spectacular course with the 5K completing one lap around Lake Phalen and the 10K completing two laps. Both courses are certified and both will be fast. The great thing about these two courses is that they will be held on the park trails around the lake. Therefore, you will not be crossing any streets or have to deal with any traffic or motorists!!! The trail around the lake is fairly flat with only a few small hills. There will be mile markers at every mile and water stops on each side of the lake. Please come and try our great course which will surely be a must on your yearly calendar of events! For 2010, we have the Minnesota Pacers helping to pace the 10K runners. Please visit the Training tab for more information on this great new opportunity!!
Background
This exciting spring race is in its 9th year of kicking off the running season for people in the Metro area. The Running Opener has always been in a central metropolitan location and makes for an opportune start to the 2010 year for runners.
EVENT SPONSORS
Race Awards
Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female runners in each age category: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & up. Award ceremonies will immediately follow the race near the start/finish line in the park. Top runners for 2009:
| RACE | MALE | FEMALE |
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| 5K | George Spears (18:14) | Nikki Borner (18:55) |
| 10K | Joseph Maloney (33:19) | Marie Boyd (39:55) |
Race Success
This has been a very popular spring race with runners of all age groups. The Running Opener has seen increased event participation despite interesting spring weather and change of location for the 2008 season. Final Stretch is working hard to make this an even better race for 2010!
2010 Anticipated Participation Level – 450 Runners
2009 Participation Level – 370 Runners (rain)
2008 Participation Level – 450 Runners (change of location)
Race Benefits
Charities Challenge