Unique First-of-its-Kind 5K in the Skyway Debuts in Minnesota

Over the years, 5K races have gotten really creative. You've got the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, you've got the Color Run, where every kilometer or so you get sprayed with a chalk-based paint, you've got brewery 5Ks with a free beer at the end, and the list goes on!

But a very unique, new race just took place over the weekend in St. Paul, MN. It was the first-ever Skyway 5K, where participants ran through the St. Paul skyway system. They literally never set foot outside during the race.

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History of the Twin Cities' Skyway System

MPR writes in an Instagram Reel that the skyline of the Twin Cities began in 1962 in Minneapolis. It didn't take long before skyways were added in 1967.

St. Paul, MN's First Skyway 5K

Hundreds of runners took off on the morning of Saturday, February 28th. The organizers said on their website that they decided to host the first 5K in the skyway system because they wanted "to highlight the beauty and uniqueness of the St. Paul skyway system".

The race kicked off and ended at Union Depot (what a cool spot!), and in the video I've seen of the race, the skyway was still being used by pedestrians, which is what makes it so funny to me. Imagine not knowing this race is happening, and you randomly have a ton of sweaty people run by you.

I have no doubt that they'll bring this event back next February; it's too unique not do it again. So if you're a runner, keep your eyes peeled for more information later on.

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