Run the Parks – 5K Run & 2K Walk Along the Mississippi Riverfront

Scenic community 5K run or 2K walk along the Mississippi Riverfront featuring the Stone Arch Bridge, Main Street, and Nicollet Island.
About this Event

Start your morning with movement, fresh air, and community along the Downtown Minneapolis riverfront.

Run the Parks is a recurring community 5K run and 2K walk hosted at Water Works Park, designed to get people outside and connected through movement. Whether you're training for a race, getting your weekend miles in, walking with friends, or simply looking for a fun way to start the day, all paces and experience levels are welcome.

Each event begins and ends at Water Works Park and follows scenic routes through the Central Mississippi Riverfront featuring views and paths along the Stone Arch Bridge, Central Avenue Bridge, Main Street, Nicollet Island, and surrounding downtown parkways and trails.

2026 Run the Parks Dates

• Saturday, May 16
• Saturday, June 13
• Friday, July 4
• Saturday, July 18
• Wednesday, August 12
• Saturday, September 19
• Saturday, October 17

Event Details

Start Time: 8 am
Location: Water Works Park
(Meet near the front entry benches)

Routes

Participants can choose between:

• A scenic 5K run
• A casual 2K community walk

Routes and updates will be shared through our Strava Club:
https://www.strava.com/clubs/MPRBruntheparks

Join the Community

Run the Parks is about more than miles—it’s about showing up, meeting neighbors, and enjoying Minneapolis parks together.