The Girls on the Run 5k is one of my favorite races all year, because it is a big party to celebrate the end of the 10-week season for Girls on the Run Twin Cities. They hold two 5ks per year, one in the spring (June) and one in the fall (November).

The spring 2018 race was the first time they've held it at the Mall of America. Parking was plentiful, being located in the East Parking Ramp of the mall, and Metro Transit offered free rides to and from the race, which made accessibility easy.

The race village offered packet pickup, hair decorating, a double dutch jump rope challenge, Caribou coffee, a Dream Team of inspirational women, music, and other fun!

The runners are sent out in waves, based on the Girls on the Run location, but those not affiliated with a particular site or girl can go with the first wave. The course is and out-and-back on a closed road that winds through a professional business park.

Post-race snacks included bagels, chips, salted nut rolls, bottled water, and bananas.

This is an awesome, positive party of a race that shouldn't be missed!