Author: admin
PDF Training
Run Minnesota offers three free PDF Training Plans free with a membership. These plans are designed to help you to prepare to walk/run your first 5K or train for a faster 5K or 10K.
Walk/Run a 5K
Run a 5K
Training for a 10K (6.2 miles)
Join
Membership
Become a member of Run Minnesota, the oldest and largest running organization in Minnesota, supporting runners of all ages and abilities since 1961. As a non profit, our mission is to connect the Minnesota running community and support runners of all ages and abilities through education, programs, and advocacy. Whether you run socially, recreationally, or competitively, Run Minnesota wants you to achieve your running goals.
Become a member
Renew Membership
Member Log-in
Standard
One person, One Year
$
35
YEARLY
- Locked in Pricing at the 2nd Lowest Tier for All Run Minnesota Races as long as registration remains open (Savings up to $80)
- Locked in Pricing at the 2nd Lowest Tier for all Run Minnesota Training Programs as long as registration remains open (Savings up to $120)
- YMCA of the North Discounts & Freebies ($110 value)
- Discount to Minnesota Brewery Running Series Global Running Day Event
- Discount to MidSummer Mile
- Access to Member Only Events and Other Perks
- Discounts at locally participating running stores ranging from 10-20%
One Person
Up & Running
One person Under 25 Years Old, One Year Membership
$
30
YEARLY
- Locked in second lowest price tier for all Run Minnesota Races as long as registration remains open (Savings up to $80)
- Locked in Pricing at the 2nd Lowest Tier for all Run Minnesota Training Programs as long as registration remains open (Savings up to $120)
- YMCA of the North Discounts & Freebies ($110 value)
- Discount to Minnesota Brewery Running Series Global Running Day Event
- Discount to MidSummer Mile
- Access to Member Only Events and Other Perks
- Discounts at locally participating running stores ranging from 10-20%
One Person
MOMENTUM
One Person, One Year
$
75
YEARLY
- Locked in Pricing at the LOWEST Pricing Tier for all Run Minnesota Races as long as registration remains open (Savings up to $120)
- Locked in Pricing at the LOWEST Pricing Tier for all Run Minnesota Training Programs as long as registration remains open (Savings up to $150)
- 10% Discount to All Run Minnesota VIP Experiences at Races
- Additional Discounts to Minnesota Brewery Running Series Events
- Team Discount to Twin Cities Twilight Relays
- $25 Gift Card to Purchase Run Minnesota Gear of Your Choice Through Our Online Store
- Discounts at locally participating running stores ranging from 10-20%
PREMIUM
Women’s Running
Join us for 8-weeks of group training, education, and camaraderie with the support of a community of other women runners. This program is developed to encourage those who are just starting their running journey and those who are seeking the next level in their running with informed training from a certified running coach.
2021 Tentative Dates coming soon…
Sign up to receive email notifications about upcoming training programs
Marathon Training
This Run Minnesota Training program is designed to prepare you for a fun and successful marathon! We offer spring and fall sessions, with the option to either train with a group or train independently.
Hosted in the Twin Cities and led by certified coaches, Run Minnesota group training includes Tuesday and Saturday supported group runs, a training plan with multiple mileage options designed to meet the needs of everyone from beginning marathoners to more experienced runners, twice weekly workout emails from your coach and a free training shirt. We emphasize teamwork along with the fun and camaraderie that can be provided through running with others.
We also offer an online training option for those who prefer running alone and/or for those whose schedules simply don’t align with our in-person group run calendar.
Sign up to receive email notifications about upcoming training programs
2026 Spring Session
Official Twin Cities training program for Grandma’s Marathon & the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon!
GOAL RACE: GRANDMA’S MARATHON
PROGRAM DATES: March 1 – JUNE 20
16 WEEK TRAINING
2026 Summer Session
Official training program for Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon!
GOAL RACE: Twin Cities Marathon
PROGRAM DATES: June 15 – October 3
16 WEEK TRAINING
Program Descriptions
SPRINT TIER – online
Starts at $120
Members Enjoy Locked-in Pricing
- Training plan with multiple mileage options for various fitness levels
- Twice weekly workout emails from a certified coach
- Access to Online Community to Keep You Motivated
TEMPO TIER – IN PERSON
Starts at $250
Members Enjoy Locked-In Pricing
- Certified Coaches Leading the Program, Building the Plan, and Emailing 2x Week
- 2x Weekly Group Runs (Tuesdays & Saturdays)
- Team Leads to Pace All Abilities
- Access to Guaranteed Entries or Discounts to Sell-Out Races
- Exclusive Access to Brand Activations, Deals & Giveaways!
- Online Community & In Person Events for Fun & Improving Your Training
GROUP RUNS!
Half Marathon Training
Next Half Marathon Training Session
Train smarter—and have more fun doing it. Run Minnesota’s Half Marathon Training program combines a proven plan, certified coaching, and an inclusive community to get you to the start line confident.
Options: Tempo (in-person) * Sprint (virtual)
Pricing: Sprint starts at $120 & Tempo starts at $220 (pricing increases as the program start approaches)
Join Run Minnesota and enjoy locked-in pricing as long as registration is open!
Half Marathon Training
This Run Minnesota training program is designed to prepare you for a fun and successful half marathon. We offer seasonal sessions with the option to either train with a group or train independently.
Hosted in the Twin Cities and led by certified coaches, our training includes supported Tuesday and Saturday runs (Tempo), a training plan with multiple mileage options for everyone from first-time half marathoners to experienced runners, and twice-weekly workout emails from your coach.
Prefer to run on your own schedule? Choose Sprint (Online) for coach-led structure without the group-run calendar.
At a Glance
- Two ways to train: Tempo (in-person) or Sprint (virtual)
- Certified Coaches: Coaches who have run the races, build the plan, and communicate with you throughout the training
- Pricing: Sprint starts at $120 and Tempo starts at $220
- Members enjoy locked-in pricing (join Run Minnesota to save)
2026 Spring Session
Official Twin Cities Training Program for the Gary Bjorklund Half Marathon.
Weren’t able to get in to the Gary Bjorklund this year? Join our training program to gain access to guaranteed entries!
Program Dates: March 1 – June 2026
Duration: 16 Weeks
2026 Summer Session
Official Training Program for the Twin Cities 10 Mile and Half for More!
Program Dates: June 15 – October 3
Duration: 16 Weeks
Member Savings
Run Minnesota Members enjoy locked-in pricing for training programs while registration is open—so you don’t get hit by later price tiers.
2020 Award Announcement
Dennis Barker
Pat Lanin Distinguished Service Award winner.
Molly mclain
MDRA Volunteer of the Year.
MDRA Recognizes two individuals for their impact on the MN Running Community
Minneapolis, Minn. – The Minnesota Distance Running Association annually recognizes achievements for the Pat Lanin Distinguished Service Award and MDRA Volunteer of the Year.
Dennis Barker, Minnesota Coach and Author, is the 2020 recipient of the Pat Lanin Distinguished Service Award. The Minnesota Distance Running Association (MDRA) has presented this award annually since 1982 to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the running community in Minnesota. Dennis is author of The River Road, coach of 24 U.S. National Champions & 73 top-3 finishers and is currently coach of the Nova Classical Academy Cross Country Team.
Molly McLain, MDRA Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair and Promotions Committee Member, is the 2020 recipient of the MDRA Volunteer of the Year. Since 1984, MDRA has presented this award annually to recognize a volunteer or group for their commitment of time and energy to supporting the MDRA mission. Molly volunteers to help with social media, promotions and strategy, and was instrumental in the formation of MDRA’s Diversity Committee and the drafting of the Diversity Statement.
The award winners will be recognized at the MDRA Annual Meeting which is tentatively rescheduled for summer of 2021.
Pat Lanin is the founder of the MDRA and pioneer of the Minnesota running scene.
The Minnesota Distance Running Association is a membership supported group whose goal is to connect the Minnesota running community and support runners of all ages and abilities through education, programs, and advocacy. The group organizes a number of races and training programs during the year in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
COMMUNITY GIVING THROUGH THE MDRA FOUNDATION
All the grantees have a message for MDRA members,
“Thank you!”
I just so appreciate MDRA for joining the running community in supporting each other and for having such a large role in that support.
By Tim Pratt
For most runners getting your first pair of running shoes was a life changing moment. A rite of passage. A confirmation that we were making a commitment to our love of running.
As we know running is a committed community. And MDRA members are serving as matchmakers if you will thanks to Community Giving Grants from the MDRA Foundation. Three organizations received grants this year and those organizations are using the grants on shoes, supplies and support for people who are learning to love running as much as we do.
Trinity First Cross Country Team
Trinity First is a Pre-K through eighth grade school in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis. Access to outdoor spaces for physical activity is limited. The school started a cross country team as an easy entry way to get students to engage in physical activity. About 30 to 35 students from different cultural backgrounds and ability levels participate.
This year teacher Anna Schield set up a virtual fitness challenge where students can earn a new pair of running shoes. “This will be amazing for our program, because many of our students are from low income families and they come to practice in skateboard shoes, basketball shoes and general, worn out tennis shoes,” said Schield. “Having a pair of new running shoes will make a big difference in terms of their self-confidence, running form and mechanics, and all around physical movement!”
And that physical movement is helping the students more than physically. “It’s been really great to see each runner grow in their self-confidence… as they notice in practices that they are able to complete ‘more laps around the park’ at the end of the season than they could at the beginning of the season,” said Schield.
Patrick Henry Cross Country Team
Similarly, the cross country team at Patrick Henry High School in the Webber-Camden neighborhood of Minneapolis is using the grant to provide running shoes for their athletes and covering registration fees. In the past coach Emily Noel has used her personal money to cover costs.
“Quality running shoes give kids the confidence and is the first step in seeing themselves as a part of the distance running community,” said Noel. A community she notes is dominated by white culture.
Just like any good team, Noel says, “The athletes have developed a culture of acceptance balanced with a commitment to personal improvement.” Students explore running, get to be part of a community and reach personal goals. “They are committed because they run a little farther, run a little faster, hold that plank a little longer or stretch a little deeper every day to reach their goals of self-improvement. They are caring because they value and respect their teammates.”
Mile in My Shoes
Mile in My Shoes (MiMS) is based in homeless shelters and re-entry centers for people exiting incarceration. Every new Resident Member is outfitted with a new pair of running shoes and a full set of new running gear.
Additionally, Members receive incentives like a GPS running watch as they achieve milestones. The MDRA grant will help cover these costs along with additional equipment such as safety gear and hydration belts.
Just like the schools, MiMS sees their participants grow physically and mentally. “MiMS is a catalyst for community building, boosting health and wellness, building leadership and self-efficacy and spurring personal and social action,” according to Executive Director Mishka Vertin.
“We have had dozens of our runners over the years complete the Twin Cities Marathon and City of Lakes Half Marathon while living at a shelter or halfway house. For those of you who have completed a distance like this – recall what it was like to train for that first long distance race. Now imagine doing that while sleeping in a room with hundreds of other people each night, having to carry around everything you owned all day and having little control over your nutrition. Those are our runners!”
Your role could go beyond the grant. Members are matched with Run Mentors. You can sign up to be a Mentor on the MiMS website www.mileinmyshoes.mn
All the grantees have a message for MDRA members, “Thank you!” “I just so appreciate MDRA for joining the running community in supporting each other and for having such a large role in that support.
Thank you for all the work you do in so many areas, including helping younger runners develop an appreciation for not only running, but healthy habits of physical fitness and wellness in general,” said Trinity First’s Anna Schield.
The MDRA Foundation is set to participate in the 12th annual Give to the Max Day, set to take place Thursday, Nov. 19. 100% of #GTMD20 donations will be used to fund grants.
Nominations open for Pat Lanin Distinguished Service Award
Since 1982, the MDRA has presented the Pat Lanin Distinguished Service Award annually to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the running community in Minnesota. Pat Lanin founded MDRA in 1961.
Who is eligible to be nominated?
• Any individual who has made a significant contribution to the running community in Minnesota.
• Someone who has not received this award in the past.
• Current MDRA Board of Directors are eligible to receive this award.
Who can submit nominations?
Current MDRA members, MDRA Board of Directors, MDRA staff.
Who chooses the recipient of the Pat Lanin Distinguished Service Award? MDRA Board of Directors.
Timeline:
Nominations must be received by October 31.
Award is presented at the MDRA Annual Party.
Pat Lanin Distinguished Service Award nomination form includes the following:
Nominee’s Name and contact information
Nominator’s name and contact information
Explain why this person should be awarded the Pat Lanin Distinguished Service Award. Provide specific details how this person has made significant contributions to the running community in Minnesota. Examples of information that would be helpful to include in your nomination:
- Numbers of runners impacted by individual
- Organizations that have been strengthened by individual’s contributions
- The community need they helped address
- Breadth of their impact
