Tag Archives: MDRA


Cool Start, Hot Finishes! Minnesota’s 2019 Get in Gear Gift

Written by Phillip Gary Smith
Published on

The Get in Gear spring blizzard—on the way, forecast to begin just hours before the start—posed only one question. Would snow, sleet or a mix with rain dump on racers and volunteers in this 42nd Annual Rite of Spring? About … Continue reading →


Snowshoes Optional! Scott Mittman Ices MDRA 7

Written by Phillip Gary Smith
Published on

After 2018’s incredible (Minnesota Distance Running Association) MDRA 7 race, be ready to join the fun at 2019’s edition on Saturday, March 30. NOTE: registration opens January 19!

But first, a recap of that remarkable and icy 2018 event:

THE … Continue reading →


City of Lakes Half-Marathon Records Renewed Records

Written by Phillip Gary Smith
Published on

“I was floored there were six state records set,” exclaimed race director Heidi Keller Miler after the inaugural half-marathon from this 32-year-old-classic. “City of Lakes (COL) doesn’t tend to be a fast course plus half-marathons are a fairly common … Continue reading →


New Jeff Winter City of Lakes Half: A Twin Cities Marathon Herald

Written by Phillip Gary Smith
Published on

A race with 32 years of history hardly seems new, but 2014’s City of Lakes—the 33rd edition—qualifies fresh-as-a-daisy with its new half-marathon (USATF certified) distance and new name. Notably, the race is honored as the Minnesota Half Marathon Championships. … Continue reading →


A Cardinal Day: MDRA’s Ron Daws 25K

Written by Phillip Gary Smith
Published on

A spring blizzard pounded the Twin Cities Friday with northern suburbs counting a new foot of accumulation, putting the Saturday race conditions in doubt. Yet, snow stopped like on a clock, the sun bursting bright. Saturday, April 5, dawned clear, … Continue reading →