The 31st Anniversary of Run the Valley is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Golden Valley, MN. This long-standing community tradition features a variety of distances designed to showcase the city's scenic parkways and residential neighborhoods. Organized by the city's parks and recreation department, the event serves as a significant local fundraiser; historically, proceeds from Run the Valley have supported the Golden Valley Human Services Fund, which provides grants to local non-profit organizations serving residents in need. Golden Valley itself is a prominent first-ring suburb of Minneapolis, characterized by its extensive trail systems and commitment to open green spaces like Brookview.
| Race Category | Distance | Start Time | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10K Run | 10 km | 8:00 AM CDT | City Streets & Parkways |
| 5K Run | 5 km | 8:10 AM CDT | City Streets & Parkways |
| 5K Walk | 5 km | 8:15 AM CDT | Non-Competitive Walk |
| Kids Fun Run | 0.2 km | 7:45 AM CDT | Brookview Parkway S. |
Participation and Logistics
The event is hosted at Brookview Golden Valley, located at 316 Brookview Parkway S. To help participants avoid race-day crowds, a pre-race packet pickup is available on Friday, April 17, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Brookview facility. On Saturday, race-day registration and check-in open early at 7:00 AM. The Kids Fun Run kicks off the morning's activities at 7:45 AM, followed by the staggered starts of the 10K and 5K events. The 5K walk is specifically designated for those who prefer a non-competitive pace through the Golden Valley streets.
Registration and Fees
Registration is currently in its standard tier, with both the 10K and 5K runs priced at $50.14 (inclusive of all fees). A final price increase to $55.49 will occur on the day of the race, April 18th. The 5K Walk is available for $28.74, while the Kids Fun Run is set at an accessible rate of $7.34. All participants are encouraged to register online through the official portal to secure their spot in the 31st-anniversary celebration. For specific inquiries regarding course safety or city road closures, event contact Brian Erickson can be reached at 763-512-2366.
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 10km
Type — Running
07:00
$44.79
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
07:00
$44.79
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 5km
Type — Running
07:00
$28.74
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 1km
Type — Running
07:00
$7.34
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Golden Valley.
Learn more about the host city, Golden Valley.
Golden Valley is a western first-ring suburb of Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States. Its population was 22,552 at the 2020 census, and was estimated to be 21,263 in 2024. The city is mostly residential and is bordered by Interstate 394. Over 15% of it is parks or nature reserves. Minnesota State Highway 55 runs through the city, providing a direct route to downtown Minneapolis.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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location_on Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
calendar_today Apr 13, 2026
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