BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - The Back in Shape 5k event hosted by Northwestern Health Sciences University offers something for runners, walkers and even spectators. The event is on June 12, 2010, in Bloomington, Minnesota, and features a 5k run, a walk, kids' events and a huge mascot race.
The Center for Diagnostic Imaging Back in Shape 5k has posted the fastest 5k times in Minnesota for the past three years. In 2009, the top runner finished with a time of 14:09. This annual run also has one of the largest purses in the state. Participants are treated to a great race, an array of food, sports massages, an open pool and raffle prizes.
"The Back in Shape event attracts everyone from elite runners to families who are looking for kid-friendly activities," says Ryan Chapman, community relations coordinator at Northwestern. "The event continues to grow because of community support and participation."
The Kids' Fun Runs, sponsored by the Richfield Bloomington Credit Union, kicks off with a massive mascot race. More than 15 mascots will compete for bragging rights. The race will feature Vinnie the Vertebrate, Goldy the Gopher and Mr. Bubble, among others. Additional activities for the children include prize drawings, face painting, balloon twisting, a bounce house and a DJ providing musical entertainment.
For the nonrunners, the Patrick Holmes Memorial Walk is a three-mile out-and-back course. The walk is held in memory of Patrick Holmes, an exercise therapist at Northwestern who died in the I-35W bridge collapse in 2007.
On race day:
- 6:45 a.m. registration begins
- 7:30 a.m. pre-run Spring Forest Qigong energy session
- 8 a.m. 5k race start
- 8:30 a.m. pre-walk Spring Forest Qigong energy session
- 9 a.m. walk start and awards ceremony
- 9:15 a.m. Kids' Central opens
- 10 a.m. mascot race
- 10:15 a.m. kids' runs start
For more information or to register for the event, visit www.nwhealth.edu/backinshape.
Northwestern Health Sciences University offers a wide array of choices in natural health-care education, including chiropractic, Oriental medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic massage and human biology. The university has nearly 900 students on a 25-acre campus in Bloomington, Minnesota.
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