Fitger’s 5K Run and Walk Kicks Off

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One of the biggest races in the Northland kicked off this weekend.

Two thousand runners took part in the 26th annual Fitger’s 5K Run and Walk.

The race started off at the Fitger’s complex, continued down Superior street, looped around Canal Park and finished at the Fitger’s complex.

The 5K will raise about $20,000 dollars for the Young Athletes Foundation to help fund different resources and grants.

“It’s an important race for us,” said Bob Gustafson with Grandma’s Marathon. “Not only is it one of the first races of the spring but it’s kind of a good kick–off event for runners who are kind of training. With it being only two months out from Grandma’s or the half marathon they can come out and kind of stretch their legs see what they can do in a 5k.”

Justin Grunewald of Minneapolis came in at 15:18 and olympian Carrie Tollefson of St. Paul finished for the female division at 18:20.

They both talked to FOX 21 about their preparation process.

“I came up last night,” said Grunewald. “I run with my wife a lot so she keeps me in shape and she’s training for some 5k’s so basically just running with her.”

“I really haven’t been training very much,” said Tollefson. “So it’s always fun to come and race here and get a little kick in the pants and get going again. Hopefully when I come back for Grandma’s and I run the 5K there I’ll be a little bit quicker.”

Registration for Grandmas marathon is still open.

You can sign up for the half marathon or 5K through May 31st.