Big Gay Race
About the Big Gay Race -by Jacob Frey
Last year, I organized The Big Gay Race 5k to mobilize the community, and to fight the anti-marriage amendment. The event was a huge success, as over 2,000 happy, smiling warriors took to the streets of Minneapolis in support of love, commitment, and the freedom to marry for ALL Minnesotans and their families.
This year, The Big Gay Race will be even BIGGER! It will take place on Saturday, September 29th, and will start on Main Street in Northeast Minneapolis, directly in front of Wilde Roast Cafe. The race will start promptly at 9:00am, but plan on arriving early to pick up your race day packet! Registration will open at 7:00am.
It’s time to get the ball rolling! How can you help? It’s easy! Invite as many of your friends as possible to register for The Big Gay Race on September 29th, which marks the final homestretch before we defeat this unnecessary, freedom-limiting amendment.
Walkers are welcome, and will probably make up about half of the entire field. So no excuses!
Everyone should have the right to marry the one they love – to make a commitment – to stand hand in hand facing the world with a teammate. This grassroots movement will help make sure that these rights become a reality! All enthusiasm and proceeds will benefit Minnesotans United for All Families.
Let’s get to work and go beat this thing!
Love,
Jacob Frey
Entry fees:
- $30 September 1st through September 28th at 2:00pm.
- $35 Race day registration will be available from 7 – 9 a.m. at the start/finish area
NOTE: We are expecting a very large crowd this year at the Big Gay Race! We are very excited about the enthusiasm and energy that this race will bring to the Saint Anthony Main neighborhood. Please plan ahead to arrive early and take public transit, bike, or carpool to get to the race. Thanks!
Course Description:
The race begins on Main Street under the Central Ave bridge. The out-and-back course runs down historic St. Anthony Main Street and then crosses the Stone Arch Bridge with a fantastic view of downtown Minneapolis. Next, it runs up West River Parkway, turns around, re-crosses the Stone Arch Bridge and ends in Father Hennepin Park. The race is 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) long. Miles 1, 2, and 3 will be marked.
Teams:
You are welcome and encouraged to form your own team to participate in the Big Gay Race! While each person needs to register individually here, many people are forming their own team to compete in the race. Teams can be as big or small as you like, and each should have a “coach” to set up a myMNUnited personal fundraising page for the team. Please contact Megan at megan@mnunited.org for more information and to formalize your Big Gay Race team!
Water Stop:
There will be one water stop around the halfway point of the course.
Clocks and Timing:
Official results will not be kept. A display clock will be at the finish line, so watch for your time!
Packet Pick Up:
Packet pick up will be available from 7 a.m. at the at the start/finish area (65 Main St. Southeast in Minneapolis).
Transportation and Parking:
For a map of nearby bus stops and parking facilities, please click here.
Pets:
Please leave your pets at home on race day.
Post-Race Celebration:
Following the Big Gay Race, we’ll be having a post-race celebration featuring musical performances by Cjell Cruze and The Roe Family Singers in Father Hennepin Park! You will have thousands of happy, smiling warriors alongside you to take part in the celebration.
Event Sponsors:
Interested in being a sponsor of the 2012 Big Gay Race? Click here to email Jacob!
Interested in volunteering the day of the race? Click here to sign up to volunteer!
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