Frequently Asked Questions
For questions particularly about the virtual races, please visit the Virtual FAQ section.
What time are the in-person events on Saturday June 8?
- 8:15 am Welcome & Warm-up on the lawn in front of the Northrop Auditorium Plaza
- 8:40 am Kid 1/2-mile
- 9:00 am 5K race start
- 10:15 am Karuna Yoga post-race cool down
Where is the in-person race on Saturday, June 8?
-
The race will start and finish on Northrop Plaza, 84 Church Street SE. NOTE: This is a different location than the past two years and has been changed since we sent out initial registration info!
How do I get my race packet?
- Tuesday, June 4 and Wednesday, June 5 from 12-2pm at the Motion Center (355 Randolph Ave, Suite 200, St. Paul)
- Thursday, June 6 from 3-6PM at the Motion Center (355 Randolph Ave, Suite 200, St. Paul)
- Friday, June 7 at Mill City Running, 3-6pm (411 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis)
- Race morning: Saturday, June 8 from 7 am-8:30 am at Northrop Plaza (84 Church St SE SE, Minneapolis)
We strongly encourage picking up prior to race morning, thank you!
All local Twin Cities registrants for both in-person and virtual events should plan to pick up your goodies during one of the listed times (unless you chose the mailing option at registration). As a special incentive, Mill City/Saint City Running is offering a 20% off coupon for everyone picking up in person. If you will be picking up for more than three people, please notify us in advance if possible, and we will have your gear ready for you so you don’t have to wait. Note: There are no race bibs for the kid's race so you do not need to pickup anything - just show up on race morning ready to have fun!
Where Do I Park?
Parking ramps nearby:
- Church St Garage - 80 Church St. SE (closest, less than 1 block away)
- Washington Avenue Ramp - 501 Washington Ave SE (less than a quarter mile from Northrop)
- 4th St Ramp - 1625 SE Fourth St (just under half-mile walk, link to walking directions can be found here)
Is public transportation available?
Yes, you can reach Northrop Plaza by bus lines 2, 264, 3 & 6. The closest light rail station is on the GREEN LINE, the East Bank station is under a half mile away. For help planning your trip on public transportation you can use a website such as this one.
Is there a bag drop available during the race?
- This year we WILL have an informal bag drop for those who would like near the registration table. Please note MiMS does not accept responsibility for your items so please do not plan to leave valuables.
Can I switch between the in-person and virtual events after I register?
- If you register for an in-person race but decide you would rather switch to participating virtually, simply contact us to transfer your registration. If you register for the virtual event, the ability to transfer to the in-person race will be dependent upon any current restrictions on the size of the field and the number of people already registered but we will do our best to make the change for you.
How do the teams work?
- Creating or joining a team is a way to make your race experience extra fun - giving you a great excuse to connect with friends or family and win prizes! Team members can be a combination of any age, gender, distance and in-person or virtual registrants -- so friends and family from anywhere can join you. One team member will create the team when they register and then send the team name out to your future teammates, who will choose that team when they register. Race staff are happy to help if you have any questions. Teams are encouraged to run at the same time from wherever they are, use technology to connect with one another, and get creative in making a fun race experience!
- How does it work? During your registration, you will be asked if you want to join or create a team -- then follow the prompts to choose your team. If you create a team you will receive a special welcome email with a URL you can use to invite teammates to join you. If you decide to join a team after you've already registered, no problem -- you can go to your RunSignUp profile and manage your registration at any time. For any questions email us at dra5K@mileinmyshoes.mn and we’ll be glad to help you.
Will Mile in My Shoes members be participating?
- There are over 200 MiMS Alumni Members and Run Mentors who will be training for the Downtown Run Around. Look for members' stories and track runners' training progress on our MiMS Community Facebook group.
Is the Downtown Run Around accessible?
- We welcome athletes and spectators of all abilities to participate. The race start and finish is on the front lawn of the Northrop Plaza. There are no stairs on the race route. The 5K route is unfortunately not accessible to those with limited mobility.
Are strollers allowed?
- Strollers are allowed on the 5K race course and during the Kid ½-mile race. We ask that if you plan to run with a stroller during the 5K that you start at the back of the group and, because this is a double-loop course, make efforts to be conscientious of the faster runners who may come up behind you and move out of the way for them.
Are dogs allowed?
- While we are not encouraging you bring your dog to the event, we will allow dogs but we ask you to be extremely mindful of other participants. If running with a dog please start in the back/to the side and be extremely respectful of those who may not be comfortable with your pooch.
Have a question you don't see answered here?
- Email us at dra5k@mileinmyshoes.mn
