Despite the City’s best efforts to continue a fifteen year tradition of an “in-person” five kilometer race/walk this year, in support of public health efforts during the pandemic, the decision has been made to run a virtual race in 2020.
Mendota Heights Mayor and Race Director Neil Garlock made the announcement Tuesday morning. “It was our hope that Minnesota would have been in Phase 4 of Reopening by July 1st, but that is not the case,” said Garlock. “That would have allowed us to run at least a modified race this year. Unfortunately, that can’t happen.”
He did say that instead, a virtual race will be held. While participants may select their own course, they are encouraged to run the traditional course in Mendota Heights, which begins and ends at the Scott Patrick Memorial at the Village in Mendota Heights.
They may run or walk the race anytime beginning July 9th, and keep their time on a race/run app of their own choosing. Results of those runners with times under 30 minutes should be sent to [email protected] by 11:59 PM on Sunday, July 12th, in order to qualify for race results.
Winning times for the top ten fastest finishers for both males and females will be announced later.
Participants will be eligible to qualify for nearly 130 door prizes.
A race T-shirt is included in the race registration fee. Those who wish to register, or pick up their T-shirt may do so at Mendota Heights City Hall (1101 Victoria Curve) during the following times:
- Thursday, July 9th--7 AM to 4:30 PM
- Friday, July 10th--7 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday, July 11th--7 AM to 10 AM
“While we are disappointed that we can’t “run” the race in person this year, we are optimistic that this new race experience may encourage even more registrants, all of whom will be supporting the nearly 8200 Special Olympics athletes across the state. It is a great way to help them, and remember Officer Scott Patrick, who was killed while making a traffic stop on July 30, 2014.”
For more information about the race and to register for the virtual race, visit mendota- heights.com.