Sports, Health & Wellness

August 1, 2015 8:00 AM Start Time

Rotary Strive Scholarship Race

Taco John's Run Baby Run

5K Run/Walk 10K Run

Brad Robinson and author Linda Tedford will be signing copies of Brad’s just-released book, “The Price of Victory and the Fear of Innovation,” at Brightwater Clothing & Gear in downtown Excelsior on Saturday, June 6.

Spring may be just around the corner, but tough Minnesotans know that to keep warm, you’ve got to keep moving. Runners from around the Twin Cities will brave the brisk weather to kick off their running season. Whether this is your hundredth race or you’re still learning to tie your tennis shoes (that’s right, kids, you can join, too!), be sure to join in the fun and the post-race party featuring classic Minnesota dishes, a lumberjack costume contest and a winter beard competition. $45–$65 until March 2; $51–$71 until race day. 9 a.m.

Have you always talked about a Girls’ Night Out, but never followed through? Now is the perfect chance to get the ladies together for an evening of fun, which includes wine tasting, food samples, massage, makeovers, and fitness and health awareness at The Carlson Clinic of White Bear Lake. 6-8:30 p.m. The Carlson Clinic of White Bear Lake, 4714 Clark Ave., White Bear Lake; Contact Katie Lallier at 651.368.2952; carlsonchiro.net.

Defy the brisk March weather with this 5K and half-mile kids’ fun run. The top three men and women/boys and girls in each age category receive awards, with the overall male and female winners receiving trophies. All participants receive a long-sleeve T-shirt proclaiming their feat of making it through yet another Minnesota winter. This is the third race of the Great White Bear Grand Prix series. $30 before race day, $40 on March 7. $10–$13 for the fun run. Packet pick-up begins at 8 a.m., the race begins at 9 a.m. White Bear Marina, 4461 Lake Ave.

Whether you’re reliving memories of your hockey glory days or simply want to get out on the ice with your kids, check out open hockey hours at the White Bear Lake Sports Center. Goalies patrol the nets so you can hone your skills with the stick and puck. $6. 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m. White Bear Lake Sports Center, 1328 Highway 96, White Bear Lake; 651.429.8571; whitebearlake.org.

Even as the ice starts melting and slush takes over the landscape, the opportunities to lace up those ice skates are not over. Head to the White Bear Lake Sports Center on weekdays and Sundays to do a couple jumps and spins, or simply slides if that’s where your skill level is. No skates? No problem! Skate rental is available for $2. Open skate times are subject to school and holiday calendars. $5 for adults, $3 for children. 9–11 a.m. Monday–Friday, 1–3 p.m. Sundays.

You might not be up for a full marathon, but you still deserve the bragging rights that come with running in February. Try out a half-marathon and earn the right to say that you ran “half-fast” this weekend. Register before February 7 to receive a long-sleeved T-shirt with those words emblazoned across the front. Packet pickup begins February 19 (10 a.m.–8 p.m.) and 20 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.) at Tri Fitness, 1340 Highway 96 E., White Bear Lake. The race begins and ends near Sak’s Sports Bar. A 10K and 5K are also available. $40–$65. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., races begin at 9 a.m.

Romance and running may seem like an odd couple, but the Sweetheart Run in Mahtomedi has been making it work for seven years. Whether your type of race is a 5K or a 10-mile, the Sweetheart Run has your match. A kid’s half-mile fun run is also available. All finishers will receive long-sleeved T-shirts, and the overall top male and female runners will be rewarded with trophies and cupcakes. $30–$40. Packet pick-up and registration begin at 8 a.m., race is at 9 a.m. St.

The biggest snowshoe race in Minnesota is brought to you right here in the Twin Cities. Participants come from near and far to participate in this challenging trek, open to hikers of all ages and abilities. Races include a 10K, 5K, kids’ fun run and a 5K dog walk. For serious snowshoers, the Twin Cities Snow Shuffle is a regional qualifier for the US Snowshoe Association’s 2015 Dion National Snowshoe Championship race. Whether you’re racing, walking or just cheering on the competitors, this event celebrates the beauty of a Minnesota winter. $20–$40.