For the first time since 2019, the Med City Marathon will return in the spring.
Sponsored by ActivePT this year, the race has been a mainstay of Rochester’s event calendar since its inception in 1996, and in preparation for its return from the Covid year, race organizers have spent the entire weekend mobilizing runners and runners. We aim to make it an event for So are non-runners.
“We’re trying to create this whole feeling that it’s a marathon weekend, right? We want everyone in the community to be able to participate. People who just want to see how it goes.Yeah, come on down.You can enjoy the live music and cheer on the people at the finish line,” said race director Evin Hokos.
The weekend kicks off on Saturday, May 28th at 2pm with the TerraLoco Health and Fitness Expo. In addition to shoes and the like, race organizers invite local artists to exhibit their work. Expos are where racers check in and receive their race packets, but the general public is also welcome to attend.
Sponsored by the Altra Federal Credit Union, the 5K Run is the first foot race of the weekend. Kicks off at 6:30 PM on Saturday, May 28th. The course winds along the Zumbro River and ends at the downtown finish line. USA Athletics accredited, his exact length is 5,000 meters (3.1 miles). However, that formality doesn’t detract from his 5K fun.
“The truth is that anyone can do a 5K. I really believe in that,” Haukos said. “If you want to walk even if you feel unprepared, just have fun. Come out.”
In addition to the individual 5K races, this year the organizers have introduced the 5K Team Challenge. This challenge pits teams of five against each other for a fun contest aimed at sparking friendships. It’s aimed at business groups, but anyone who wants to form a team can join.
There is also a kids race with medals. Kids can attend for free thanks to the sponsorship of GLK Orthodontics.
After the race on Saturday, the Finish Line Festival area promises live music and free beer (for those who ran). The Med City Block Party runs from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and is open to all. The outstanding Annie Mac plays a set on Saturday night.
The big race ends on Sunday 29th May. At 5:20 am that morning, the shuttle begins transporting runners from downtown to Rochester International Airport. Rochester International Airport is the starting line location for the full marathon, half marathon, and 20-mile run. At 7am, the starting pistol for each race will be fired.
The full marathon course takes runners from the airport to downtown Rochester. A half marathon course can be run in a short time. It starts at high altitude and goes all the way downhill.
Similar to the previous night’s 5K race, Sunday’s long race culminates in a party at the finish line, complete with live music and free beer (again for runners 21+ only).
In 2021, Haukos estimates that a total of 1,500 to 2,000 people will run across the event. This year they hope to get back on track — close to 4,000.
About the rebranding and new logo, Haukos said, “It’s time to make a fresh start and change everything.
“The last few years have been chaotic for everyone in the racing industry,” said Haukos. “With this event in May, there is no question that everyone is finally ready to return to a normal year.”
Bryan Lund is a Rochester-based writer and regular contributor to Med City Beat.
Cover photo courtesy of Med City Marathon
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