What’s New at the 2016 Med City Fall Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K?
The Med City Fall Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K are back for the second year, and promise to be just as grand. Head to Minnesota’s third-largest city for the weekend of September 24 – 25 for a flawlessly executed event by our good friends over at Final Stretch. Everyone involved is looking to capitalize on the success of lasts year’s events, with a few new things for 2016.
Just over 1,000 runners participated in the Med City half, 10k, and 5k events last year, and each one was able to take in the beautiful Rochester scenery. Enjoying cooler fall temps (fingers crossed), a fast course, and scenic river run, this course is ideal for a PR!
Rochester is also an easy drive for a weekend race at only 90 minutes outside the Twin Cities Metro. Since race day packet pickup is available, you could do the trip all in one day, or stay at one of the plentiful and affordable hotels. The Centerstone Plaza Hotel is offering a $79/night deal for race weekend, convenient to the finish line, and comes with free late checkout for runners!
New in 2016
New for 2016, the finish has been moved to the Apache Mall, complete with amazing cover band, Nite Shift, post race party, food, and other fun.
But perhaps the biggest change this year is the two day challenge. Runners can participate in the 5K on Saturday, then the 10K or Half Marathon on Sunday, and get a special two day challenge award. Additionally, if you ran in any of the spring Med City events, tell volunteers when you pickup your packet to receive a fun “Scheels Med City Events Circuit Award!”
The Race Courses
The 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon courses are all point to point, with transportation provided from the finish to the start. That’s an unusual luxury for a 5K or 10K!
The half marathon is also unique in that it begins at the Rochester International Airport…on the tarmac! When race organizer Wally Arnold approached officials at Signature Flight Services about using some of their parking spaces for the race, they suggested using the tarmac instead to give runners a unique experience. Runners even get to hangout in a hangar before the start to protect them from the elements. Truly luxurious!
The rest of the course involves a tour of the Southeast Minnesota countryside, followed by a 200 foot drop in elevation during miles 5 through 8. The course then meanders through the Mayowood bike path, which wraps near the Mayo family’s historic estate. From there, runners follow the course down the Zumbro River and finish at Apache Mall.
10k runners join the half marathon course at mile 7, and stay together all the way to the finish. The 5k course makes a quick loop and then joins the half marathon (and 10k) course at mile 11.
But Don’t Take Our Word For it!
We reached out to some folks on social media to get their take on the Med City Fall Half Marathon and other races. Here’s what they said:
Gwen Renee Jacobson, a participant from 2015, told us via facebook that this is a great course for any first time half marathoners. “[There is a] great start running past airplanes at the airport, and a net downhill [course] with the last half on a beautiful trail through woods. Great race support, medal, shirt, and a band at the finish. My favorite fall half marathon!”
Mike Schmitt, one of the pacers with TerraLoco Pace Team, reminds us that this is a net downhill course, and promises to be very fast. It’s also exceptionally well organized, and will meet or exceed the expectations of new and seasoned runners alike. “The race director and race facilitator, Final Stretch, have a rich history in putting on events and pay attention to every last detail. Runners of all calibers, from first timers to veterans, are treated with care.”
Kasey Kuker, a singer with the finish line band, Nite Shift, is excited to also be pacing the 1:50 group this year. She ran the race last year and can’t wait to run again.
Are you Running?
Are you planning to run the second annual Med City Fall Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K? Share in the comments below!
