Race Information

By mid January, some people lose their impetus for keeping their resolutions. Sound familiar? Need a kick?

Come run the Kick Your Resolution 5K in St. Louis Park. Whether you want to kick it into high gear or to the curb (we won't judge), this is the event for you.

Everyone can get a little exercise and then enjoy some hot chocolate, sweets, good food and a roaring bonfire! The 5K course starts at the Louisiana Oaks Park in St. Louis Park and will provide a beautiful evening run for all race participants, with everyone's lighted glow sticks showing the way.

Grab some friends and enjoy a great evening of fitness, fun and fervolity.

Photos

Parking

There is a parking lot on the lower south side of Louisiana Oaks Park, on the corner of Louisiana Ave and Walker St. There is overflow parking off many of the residential streets two blocks from the park (no parking next to the park). Directions and parking areas are designated on the Directions/Parking link.

Course Information

The race will begin near the pavilion at Louisiana Oaks Park.  Runners head down the flat paths of the park winding into a quaint residential neighborhood of St. Louis Park.  Upon returning to the trails system in the upper park, Oak Hill, you will be greeted by a slight uphill climb into a winter wonderland of lights, beautiful trees and fun festivities.  Winding through Oak Hill Park will leave you breathless as the trails traverse throughout heavily lighted trees and beautiful landscape.  As you exit the upper park back into Louisiana Oaks you will wish you could run through the lights one more time.  Well, guess what? You get to.  The route is a double loop through both parks and back to the finish just near where you started in Louisiana Oaks.

Extreme Weather Conditions Notice

This is a winter run, therefore we could be faced with extreme weather conditions on race day. Please make certain you dress appropriately for the conditions. If there are extreme weather conditions the weekend of the race, Final Stretch organizers retain the right to shorten the route or cancel the event entirely. All entry fees are nonrefundable. Please check www.finalstretch.com for up-to-date weather information and event changes.

Background

This is our third year hosting Kick Your Resolution.  We wanted to put together a beautiful winter course for runners to enjoy and found a gorgeous lighted park just on the west side of Minneapolis/St. Paul, inside the loop. After the race, you can enjoy a bonfire.  There is also sledding and skating available before and after the race for the entire family!

Race Awards

Awards will be given to the top male and female runner in each age category: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-60, 70 & up.  All participants are also eligible for the many exciting door prizes. Award ceremonies will immediately follow the race near the start/finish line in the park.  You MUST be present to win!

Participation Levels

* 2011 Participation Level - 100 runners

* 2012 Participation Level - 100 runners

* 2013 Anticipated Participation Level - 300 runners