Twin Cities Get Your Rear In Gear 5K sets new record for attendance
The Twin Cities Get Your Rear In Gear 5K brought out over 4200 participants, 120 teams and predictably cold and rainy skies. In typical Minnesota fashion, the warm spring days leading up to the race teased event organizers into thinking they’d have mother nature on their side. But when race day hit, the mercury took a nose dive and clear skies greyed into a miserable drizzle. And yet despite the cold, runners, walkers and volunteers showed up in record numbers with sunny dispositions and stories of hope to participate in the largest Get Your Rear In Gear event to date.
The event raised more $100,000 to fund colon cancer awareness and education programs. This 25% increase from last year represents a significant accomplishment in the tight economy. Race registration numbers also increased. This year’s total of 4250 registered participants is nearly 1000 more than last year’s total. Teams played a major role. A team is considered to be any group over ten people. This year, 120 teams registered and participated.
One of the most prominent teams was the WCCO team formed in honor of sportscaster Bob Rainey. Mark Rosen led the team which honored Rainey by wearing team t-shirts with an image of Rainey on the front. Bob Rainey passed away last year at the age of 46 after a difficult battle with colon cancer. Sunday evening, Mark Rosen included video footage of the event and a tribute to his friend in his WCCO-TV newscast.
Photos from the race
