A Different Look for This Year’s Park Point 5-Miler

The 49th annual Park Point 5-Miler had a different look this year as runners had to sign up for specific waves throughout the entire day, which had up 25 people running at a time.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland running community took a big hit last month when Grandma’s Marathon was cancelled for the first time in the race’s history. But as restrictions began to be lifted, it gave hope to other summer races to take place, including the oldest road race in Northern Minnesota.

The 49th annual Park Point 5-Miler had a different look this year as runners had to sign up for specific waves throughout the entire day, which had up 25 people running at a time. Participants say they are grateful to the organizers who were able to put together this year’s event in the middle of a pandemic.

“It was great. This is my first event that I’ve done that hasn’t been cancelled since corona, the COVID kind of hit so it was really nice to get out and do something,” said Carter Skelton, a runner from Aurora, MN.

“We love hosting these events for them and they love being at the events. And so it’s just really nice to hear that positive feedback on how we created this new style of racing and they feel safe. They feel comfortable racing here,” Marketing director Mandi Peterson said.

Over 250 runners took part in the in-person race, while others will participate virtually. Those results will need to be submitted by July 17th. For the latest results, click here.