Race Review: The 2018 TC Kids Fieldhouse Fun Run
Editor’s Note: This post is written by guest contributor, Holly Sagstetter, and has been edited for length and clarity.
The TC Kids Fieldhouse Fun Run was held on February 10, 2018, at 9am. Over 500 kids and parents were registered for this family-friendly event. The next TC Kids event is the Cross Country Fun Run and will be held on May 19, 2018, at Como Park in St. Paul.
Race Information
The Fieldhouse Fun Run is held indoors at the University of Minnesota Fieldhouse in Minneapolis. The track is marked off for runners’ safety and there is plenty of space for parents and spectators to watch. Twin Cities in Motion did a great job of clearly marking everything from baby changing stations to the start line to spectator viewing areas.
Kids run the race in waves, starting with the preschoolers. The registration process allows you to choose “parent plus preschooler” so your little ones don’t have to run alone. Each wave had approximately ten minutes on the track. They could complete as many laps as they want (4 laps = ½ mile). Once a wave is complete, the next wave of kids could run. The process was overall smooth and running in waves allowed for a safer event. Some of the toddlers ran or were carried for only one lap, while others completed four before the next wave had to begin.
The Fieldhouse has bleachers set up for parents, older kids and other spectators. There was also plenty of space for spectators to watch right next to the track and even inside the track. You’ll need to keep your coats and such with you since no gear check is available, so plan accordingly.
Registration and Parking
Registering online for the race was very simple. Choose Individual or Parent plus Preschooler when you register. The cost was $10 until race week, then the price increased to $16. Race day registration was also available. Checking in on race day was super quick and easy.
Free validated parking was available at the 4th Street Parking Ramp, which was approximately 2-3 blocks away from the Fieldhouse.
Race Swag and Snacks Made for Kids
After finishing their race, kids were given a bottle of water, a special race medal, and TC Kids Marathon pom pom hat. Since food is not allowed in the Fieldhouse itself, kids were given a granola bar and applesauce pouch in the entrance area. There were a few benches, bathrooms and a baby changing station available as well.
Our Experience
I was very excited to register my daughter (age 3) for the TC Kids Fieldhouse Fun Run. I knew she’d have a great time, and I’ve always been impressed with the races Twin Cities in Motion puts together. This event was no exception. They kept us informed via email about everything from parking information to what to expect on race day.
Because of the cold weather on race day, my husband dropped us off at the Fieldhouse door and then parked the car in the designated parking lot a few blocks away. This worked out great for us because we have a 5-month-old and a 3-year-old. I put our baby in a carrier instead of bringing the stroller, which ended up being a smart decision. Although it would have been nice to have the stroller to carry our bag and coats, there were so many people at the Fieldhouse that navigating the stroller through the crowd would have been very inconvenient.
After quickly receiving the bib number at the check-in table, we made our way into the Fieldhouse. I loved that this event was indoors and overall had a very laid back vibe. Announcers kept everyone up to date on which wave should line up but if you missed your wave you could easily join the next one. Kids could run as many laps as they wanted until the time limit was reached. Over 500 kids and parents were registered for the event.
My daughter ran (ok, she walked, ran and was carried for a while too) three laps with my husband. I was very impressed that she made it that far! She had a big smile on her face every time she passed by me. I am so glad she had fun!
Even though I saw quite a few kids take a spill while running their laps, everyone seemed to enjoy the event. So many spectators cheered and clapped for the kids and I could tell it made them feel excited and proud!
My daughter was so happy to receive a race medal and pom pom hat and she loved meeting Harry and Shelly, Twin Cities in Motion’s kids event mascots. We are looking forward to the next TC Kids Event!
