The 39th running of the City of Lakes Half Marathon will be virtual.
The race has changed but the cause remains. Register to run our virtual event and support the Minnesota Distance Running Association and our Charity Partner, Mile In My Shoes .
City of Lakes Virtual Announcement
To protect our communities and runners' safety, the 39th edition City of Lakes Half Marathon will be held virtually in 2020. Our decision is based on current Minnesota Department of Health restrictions that do not allow for public gatherings large enough to host a race of our size. These restrictions on size are not expected to significantly change within the timeline that would allow for us to adequately prepare a successful COVID safe event.
We will begin sending registrants emails on the Virtual Guidelines for completing and submitting your Virtual City of Lakes Half Marathon Race by July 1.
The City of Lakes Half Marathon is organized by the Minnesota Distance Running Association, a non profit formed in 1961 to connect the Minnesota running community and support runners of all ages and abilities through education, programs and advocacy. Our mission remains real during this time of Covid-19 more than ever. By running with us now, you are helping to ensure the future of the Minnesota Distance Running Association and the work it does in the Minnesota running community.
You are also supporting our City of Lakes charity partner, Mile in My Shoes (MiMS). Based at shelters and re-entry centers, MiMS is a Twin Cities-based nonprofit that brings the transformative power of running to people experiencing homelessness and other barriers. Last year, over a dozen Mile in My Shoes Resident Members completed the City of Lakes Half Marathon, and the FundRacing team raised over $12,000 to support this amazing program! This year there are currently 9 Resident Members training to run City of Lakes Virtually.
Our registration policy states there are no refunds, transfers or deferrals. Issuing refunds, deferrals or credit would be both logistically prohibitive and potentially financially devastating to our non profit organization. There are early season, upfront and non-refundable costs associated with all of our events. MDRA puts on well organized, low frills races, to make running accessible and affordable. Our race pricing reflects that. There is no cushion to absorb this unprecedented situation.
While we are truly disappointed to have to make this decision, we are looking forward to seeing the miles run virtually and to the future when we can run together.
Our Charity Partner - Mile In My Shoes
Become a Mile in My Shoes FundRacer!
Last year, over a dozen Mile in My Shoes (MiMS) Members - people experiencing homelessness and other barriers - completed the City of Lakes Half Marathon, and our FundRacing team raised over $12,000 to support this amazing program! This year you can get in on the action - join the 20 MiMS Members and their volunteer pacers currently training to run City of Lakes Virtually and help us reach our 2020 goal of $20,200 - by becoming a Mile in My Shoes FundRacer.
What is a FundRacer? FundRacers tap into their circles to raise critical funds for MiMS while training for a race. Because MiMS is a 501(c)3 organization that relies solely on donations, every FundRacer plays a critical role in allowing MiMS to bring running to more people experiencing homelessness. By raising $500 for Mile in My Shoes, you not only get a FREE entry into this year’s City of Lakes Half, but you score tons of goodies - including a 20% discount at Mill City Running and our exclusive MiMS supersoft hoodie - along the way!
