Rochester's annual spring marathon is back up and running

For the first time since 2019, the Med City Marathon is returning to spring.

The race, this year sponsored by ActivePT, has been a pillar of the Rochester events calendar since its inception in 1996, and for its return-from-Covid-year, race organizers aim to make a whole weekend out of the event for runners and non-runners alike.

“We are trying to create this whole feeling of it being a marathon weekend, right? We want to make it inviting for everybody in the community to come out. Maybe you're just a person that just wants to watch to see what it's all about this year. Yeah, come down. You can enjoy the live music and cheer people on the finish lines,” said race director Evin Haukos.

The weekend kicks off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, with the TerraLoco Health and Fitness Expo. In addition to shoes and the like, race organizers have invited local artists to showcase their work. The expo is where racers will check in to receive their race packet, but the public is welcome to attend, too.

The 5K run, sponsored by Altra Federal Credit Union, is the first footrace of the weekend. It kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 28. The course winds along the Zumbro River and ends at the downtown finish line. It is USA Track & Field certified, and measured to a precise length of 5,000 meters, or 3.1 miles. Do not let its official-ness detract from the fun of a 5K, however.

“The truth is, anybody can do a 5K. I really believe that,” said Haukos. “Even if you feel like you're not ready, if you want to walk it, just enjoy it. Come on out.”

In addition to the individual 5K race, this year, organizers have introduced a 5K team challenge. The challenge pits teams of five against one another for a fun contest meant to inspire camaraderie. It’s aimed at business groups, but open to anyone who wants to field a team.

There is also a kids race, complete with medals. Kids participate for free, thanks to sponsor GLK Orthodontics.

After Saturday’s races, the Finishline Festival area promises live music and a free beer (to those who ran). The Med City Block Party runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is open to anyone. The masterful Annie Mack will play a set Saturday night.

The big race goes down on Sunday, May 29. At 5:20 a.m. that morning, shuttles will start transporting runners from downtown to the Rochester International Airport, the location of the starting line for the full marathon, half marathon, and 20 mile run. At 7 a.m., the starting pistol will fire for each race.

The full marathon course takes runners from the airport all the way into downtown Rochester. The half-marathon’s course makes for a quick run — it begins at elevation and goes downhill the whole way.

As with the previous evening’s 5K races, Sunday’s long races culminate with a party at the finish line, complete with live music and free beer (again, only for runners over the age of 21).

In 2021, Haukos estimates that 1,500 — 2,000 people ran in total across the events. This year, they’re hoping for a return to form — closer to 4,000 people.

“It's time for a fresh start, fresh look for everything,” Haukos said of the rebrand and new logo.

“The last couple of years have been chaotic for everybody in the racing industry,” said Haukos. “There's no doubt in our mind that everybody is ready to finally get back to our normal year with this event being in May.”

Bryan Lund is a Rochester-based writer and regular contributor to Med City Beat

Cover photo courtesy Med City Marathon