Shedding your body’s winter insulation is no easy task, but it’s easy to find inspiration in the spring sunshine. These three events are sure to get you outdoors and motivated to get active:
Walk
The four-week Step To It Challenge launches in 22 Hennepin County communities, including Osseo and Maple Grove, May 9. The four-year-old physical activity competition encourages participants to count walking steps or convert other physical activities into steps. Last year, more than 3,000 residents in 18 communities participated, and Plymouth won the Most Active City Award with more than 96 million steps recorded. Hopkins claimed the Most Active Residents Award, which goes to the highest average of steps per participant.
This year’s challenge is sponsored by the Minnesota Twins, who will give the top stepper in each city a pair of tickets and a game-time public recognition at Target Field. Organized by Hennepin County, Step To It uses Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) funding to help Minnesotans live healthier lives by reducing the threat of chronic disease. For more information, click here.
Run
In its fourth year, the Maple Grove Half Marathon and 5K is becoming a popular tradition in Maple Grove. The half marathon and 5K, which are scheduled for the morning of May 14, are full, but a few charity slots are open until May 8 at a higher rate (register here.)
The routes in this year’s course have been updated to accommodate the construction of the new indoor dome at Maple Grove Senior High. The event is staffed by the Maple Grove Lions club, Maple Grove Ambassadors and local Boy Scout Troops, and proceeds are handled by the Lions club, which contributes them to local community organizations, activities and individuals. For more information on the event, click here.
Ride
Produced by Dare to Dream Events with presenting sponsor Maple Grove Cycling, the inaugural Maple Grove Dream Ride takes off June 4 on the scenic trails of the Three Rivers Park district. With three featured courses ranging from 15-60 miles, this ride is a recreational event and not a race. Featuring music, snacks, bike tune-ups, kids bike decorating contest, the event will launch at 8 a.m. at Maple Grove Senior High.
Proceeds from the dream ride will benefit LIVESTRONG, supporting cancer education, research, advocacy programs and more. All participants will receive a yellow LIVESTRONG bracelet. Get involved by participating in the event or fundraise on the Maple Grove Dream Ride team. Businesses can email event directors to inquire about sponsorship opportunities. Volunteers can register here.
