The Highland Park All Comer Meet returns to St. Paul, Minnesota on July 23rd, offering a vibrant evening of track and field competition for all ages and abilities. Situated in the heart of Highland Park, this event brings together runners and jumpers from across the Twin Cities region as part of the ongoing summer series hosted by the Twin Cities Track Club. The meet is held at St. Paul's historic civic center grounds, where the atmosphere crackles with anticipation on a midsummer evening.
As twilight descends over St. Paul, the Highland Park All Comer Meet sets an inviting scene for participants and spectators alike. The track lies beneath the glow of floodlights, casting long shadows across the grassy sidelines as runners and jumpers gather to warm up in the cool night air. This event has become a beloved tradition within the community, fostering camaraderie among competitors and providing families with an engaging way to enjoy summer evenings together. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or new to track events, there's something for everyone at this free-for-kids meet.
First held in 2015, Highland Park All Comer Meet has steadily grown into one of the Twin Cities' most anticipated running and jumping events. Each year draws hundreds of participants who compete with enthusiasm across various distances and disciplines. The event supports local youth athletics initiatives by offering a welcoming environment for young athletes to showcase their skills in front of supportive crowds. Adults can participate alongside children, creating memorable moments that span generations.
The Highland Park All Comer Meet unfolds on the well-maintained track at St. Paul's civic center grounds, where runners and jumpers navigate hard-packed surfaces under reliable floodlighting. The layout is straightforward yet challenging, with clear signage marking each event area. For those competing in longer distances like the mile run or 400-meter sprints, the course features smooth transitions from straightaways to bends that test endurance as well as speed.
Registration opens at 5:30 PM sharp, allowing ample time for participants to sign up and prepare before their events begin promptly around 6:00 PM. The schedule is fluid but generally adheres to a rolling start format with fifteen-minute buffers between event times. Competitors can expect aid stations along the track paths offering water and energy snacks. For newcomers looking to get involved, bib pickup occurs on-site during registration hours; all participants need only bring their completed entry form.
The weather in St. Paul around July 23rd typically sees temperatures ranging from a comfortable low of about 18 degrees Celsius up to a warm high near 28 degrees, with an average wind speed of approximately ten kilometers per hour and humidity hovering at just over seventy percent. Trail conditions remain firm underfoot thanks to recent dry spells, making it ideal for sprinting or jumping events without the worry of mud or uneven footing. Participants should prepare for clear skies but be mindful of potential evening breezes that might chill exposed skin after sundown.
Adult Long Jump
Start: 18:00:00 • Fee: $10.00
Kids Long Jump
Start: 18:00:00 • Fee: $0.00
Kids Only 60 Meter Dash
Start: 18:15:00 • Fee: $0.00
Adult 100 Meters
Start: 18:30:00 • Fee: $10.00
Kids 100 Meters
Start: 18:30:00 • Fee: $0.00
Adult 400 Meters
Start: 19:00:00 • Fee: $10.00
Kids 400 Meters
Start: 19:00:00 • Fee: $0.00
Adults 1 Mile
Start: 19:30:00 • Fee: $10.00
Kids 1 Mile
Start: 19:30:00 • Fee: $0.00
Adults can register through the online portal at https://runsignup.com/Race/MN/StPaul/HPAC, where fees are discounted to just $10 per event by applying a special end-of-registration discount code. This allows adults who sign up for multiple events to pay only once. For walk-up registration, cash or card payments are accepted directly on-site during the specified hours leading into each session. Bib pickup is also handled at this location prior to competition start times.
The starting line for all track and field events will be clearly marked near the civic center's main entrance in Highland Park. Participants must be 14 years of age or older unless accompanied by a guardian; no other specific requirements apply beyond those listed here. Newcomers should arrive early enough to familiarize themselves with the layout, locate their respective event areas, and secure any necessary supplies like water bottles from aid stations.
The Highland Park All Comer Meet in St. Paul on July 23rd promises another season of spirited competition under Minnesota's starry skies, celebrating community spirit through athletics for all ages and skill levels.
