NEW RACE: The Inaugural SCHEELS Spring Mankato Half Marathon and 5K
Due to the repeated success of the Mankato Marathon, which we’ve covered before on Minneapolis Running, the team at Final Stretch will be hosting a new spring race!
The Fast Facts:
The inaugural SCHEELS Spring Mankato Half Marathon and 5K will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 in Mankato, Minnesota. The half marathon begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the start of the 5K at 9 a.m. Finisher medals and long-sleeved tech shirts await runners of both courses, which begin and end at River Hills Mall in Mankato. Sign up for the race here on the Final Stretch website.
Reasons to Run the SCHEELS Spring Mankato Half Marathon & 5K:
Because the race is new, we can’t give you reviews or recommendations from last year’s runners, but there are still plenty of promising reasons to add this new race to your 2017 racing calendar.
Related: Try our FREE Half Marathon Training Plan!
Ring in Spring
This winter’s record highs and clear roads have allowed many Minnesota runners to log more outdoor miles than usual, providing a great base for a spring race. Awake your speedy muscles from winter hibernation for the 5K, or go the distance in the half marathon to close out your winter training.
Check Your Pace
Spring races provide a great opportunity to test your current fitness level and provide a benchmark for your season. If you’re training for a summer marathon like Grandma’s Marathon, an important part of many marathon training plans is the “race pace workout.” Use this spring half marathon to practice your pacing strategies and make sure your goal time is appropriate for your fitness level.
Unsure of how to pace yourself or aiming for a PR? Line up with one of the race-sponsored TerraLoco pace groups in the half marathon, which finish in 5-minute increments from 1:40 (7:38/mi) to 2:30 (11:26/mi).
Scout A New Route
If you’re not a Mankato-area resident, don’t let the driving distance turn you off. Mankato is only a 90-minute drive from Minneapolis, and offers a refreshing change of scenery away from your normal racing routes. The half marathon incorporates the Singing Hills Trail, a local favorite running route with beautiful views. But don’t let the “Singing Hills Trail” name fool you; the race promises “no BIG hills,” which may just clinch the deal for runners on the fence about committing to this race.
Bring Your Friends
Better yet, grab your running buddies and make it a group race road trip! There’s a financial incentive to bringing your friends, too. Refer a friend with your unique promo code (given at registration) and receive $5 off your race entry per runner who registers with your link! Plus, your matching long-sleeved tech shirts and finisher medals will make for a great finish line photo op.
Go for a Course Record
As the inaugural race, the winner will be automatically granted the course record! Here’s your chance to add your name to the record books.
And if That Doesn’t Convince You…
Both races begin and end at the River Hills Mall in Mankato, so it’s only natural that you’ll need to treat yourself to some new spring running gear at the Scheels store after the race!
Will You Be There?
Will you be racing the inaugural SCHEELS Spring Mankato Half Marathon and 5k? Let us know in the comments below or by signing up for the race, and tagging Minneapolis Running on Twitter or Instagram!
