Minneapolis here... I live near L. Harriet/L. Calhoun, so it makes for some fun runs and people watching. Currently gearing up for Chicago Marathon, Oct. 22nd.

Dan

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Phatso1184:
... new to the Minneapolis area ...
How do I pick up the trails along the river? I live in Dinkytown, so I tried to pick them up behind the U, but they only go for about a mile or so before it hits this weird slope and just stops. I KNOW there's more trails but have no idea where to get on them.
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http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=2749[/URL" target="_blank">

hope that link works for you. Zoom in for more detail. That's a good main loop that covers the most popular of the trails.

You can access about 50 miles of trails from where you are without driving anywhere, and with minimal road crossings. Send me an e-mail if you have any troubles or would like to go out for a run noonish some time - depending on pace - let me know.

the MDRA should have links to some fine routes from your place, too.

Anyone else signed up for the Get In Gear 5k/10k? April 29 at Minnehaha park in Mpls.

Got soaked today out there on Minnehaha Parkway. Anyone else? I used to hate running in the rain, but now it's almost refreshing.

Has anyone checked out the Star Tribune newspaper website Grandma's marathon blog? It's a first-timer trying to finish in Duluth....

www.startribune.com/blogs/marathon[/URL" target="_blank">

I ran around Harriet, Calhoun and Lake of the Isles yesterday. First time I've ventured into the city. Met up with a chat friend. I was expecting a few other runners and stuff but holy cow I was quite surprised by the masses around yesterday. Despite that enjoyed the route and will be trying it again someday.

I'm from South Dakota, but will be traveling to Minnesota in a few weeks. I am wondering if there are any good paths or trails to run on in the Grand Rapids, Coleraine and Lake Winnie areas. Thanks!

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Sarah[/URL" target="_blank">

quote:<HR>Originally posted by sarahjean77:
I'm from South Dakota, but will be traveling to Minnesota in a few weeks. I am wondering if there are any good paths or trails to run on in the Grand Rapids, Coleraine and Lake Winnie areas. Thanks!

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Grand Rapids (MN) actually has a running club. Here is an excerpt from the runmdra website about them

Itasca Runners Club: The Itasca Runners Club is an informal group that meets at 6:00 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month at the Itasca County Family YMCA. The group holds monthly group runs, puts on several local races and sponsors a youth running program in the summer. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact Grant at 218-327-1161.

ALSO:
Races in the Grand Rapids area:

May 6 - Run Around Woman Plus 30K & 5 Miler (Longville, MN)

June 24 - Blackwater Barge Festival Woods Trail Run 5k & 1/2 mile kids fun run (Cohasset , Mn)

August 5 - Tall Timber Days 10K & 5K (Grand Rapids, MN)

September 17 Woodtick 12K (Grand Rapids, MN)


The Woodtick 12k is run on the Taconite Trail, a paved bike path. So there are some suitable trails in the area. For more info I suggest you call the number listed above.

I will be running the Run Around Woman Lake 30k (in 5 days), and probably the Woodtick. On August 5th I will probably run Cross Lake instead of Tall Timber.