4/27/2010 - Final Stretch and Great Mankato Convention and Visitors Bureau are proud to announce that we now have over 500 participants signed up for one of the events for the Mankato Marathon. We are very excited. Remember, the next price break is June 1!!
3/12/2010 - Final Stretch has already over 375 runners signed up for the inaugural Mankato Marathon events!! Don't forget that the cutoff for early registration is March 15. Thank you everyone and this is going to be a great event!!!
Welcome to Minnesota’s newest marathon!
The Inaugural Mankato Marathon, presented by Hy-Vee, is Minnesota’s final one of the year and the last chance for runners to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The weekend of Friday, October 22nd and Saturday, October 23rd is sure to be filled with fun for people (runners and non-runners) of all ages! The races on Saturday will feature a full marathon, a half-marathon, and a 10K. Runners will experience Mankato’s beautiful Minnesota River, Red Jacket Trail and scenic bluffs. Runners need not worry though, as the course is looking to be a fast one and steep hills are not included! All races will start at Minnesota State University, Mankato campus and will wind through beautiful trails on the way down to the City Center where runners will pass through Sibley Park and finish in the heart of the City Center.
The Scheels Sport & Health Expo will kick off the festivities on Friday, October 22nd at 2:00 at the Verizon Wireless Center. Participants can expect to pick up their packets, listen to speakers, check out the merchandise tent and stroll through outstanding exhibits, which will provide great services, health check-ups, the most up-to-date sports apparel and equipment.
The YMCA Kids K on Friday night is sure to be a great time for youth of all ages. Participants will run on the famous Red Jacket Trail with a start and finish at the YMCA. Awards, t-shirts and prizes will be given to all participants. The race will start at 5:00.
Let’s not forget about the pasta feed! On Friday night, several sponsoring restaurants will be offering a Marathon Pasta Special guaranteeing a nice variety in pasta, atmosphere and locations. A percentage of the proceeds from sales will go to the YMCA for youth development. You will be welcomed by YMCA volunteers at the door and may walk out with a door prize! This unique Pasta Feed is just another fun way for the Greater Mankato community to welcome runners to our hometown.
We are very excited to bring this event to Mankato. We hope to see you on the course or on the sidelines as a fan. If you have never been to Mankato or if it has been a while since your last visit, you are in for a very pleasant surprise. Mankato is Minnesota’s newest metro – we are a community with big city amenities, but with a small town feel and hospitality!
About the event owners:
The Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) leads the development of the visitor economy in Greater Mankato by actively promoting Greater Mankato as a premier destination for conventions, tournaments and tourism. These activities bring a steady flow of visitors and business activity to Greater Mankato resulting in a flood of spending that benefits local residents and future visitors. The work of the CVB helps strengthen the hospitality industry which provides jobs, a diverse tax base and amenities for everyone to enjoy.
Final Stretch, Inc. (FSI) was founded in 1995 with its first race being one for Lumberjack Days. FSI has since managed numerous racing events with a focus on a “grass roots” feel and unique races to the running community. Their mission is to ensure at the end of every race every participant can say, "It was a great day to run". FSI believes it is important to give back to the communities in which their races are hosted. Since the company started in 1997, FSI has donated approximately $135,000.00 of race proceeds to local and national organizations.
