Events
Running 5k With Ella
Virtual 5k With Ella
Description
Running With Ella is back for round two! As those of you who joined us last year know, this is not quite your typical 5k. We have no podium (though we just might hand out an odd prize or two), or timer. Putting up a lightning fast time at our 5k will not qualify you for the Boston Marathon. But what we do bring to the table–in spades, if we can brag just a little–is the spirit of joy, hope, and community.
We gather on this morning to celebrate movement of any kind–whether that means running, walking, skipping, or dancing your way to the finish line. From dad jokes to high fives to music, we put as much into the fun as we do the run (or walk or dance or...you get it).
Once again this year, our event ends just as one of the most popular annual gatherings in town–the Austin ArtWorks Festival–begins. Participants will reach the finish line just in time to join in for the Festival kick-off on Saturday morning.
This event is more than just fun, though; by joining us, you’re helping to raise money for the Riverland College Emergency Grant Scholarship, which will support students who experience an unforeseen financial burden that would otherwise negatively impact their academic success and possibly even derail their future.
Running With Ella is a charity run lovingly organized by With Ella, Inc. to celebrate the memory of Ella Page. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is to support college-aged women and others as they navigate the unique challenges of early adulthood–particularly those revolving around mental health. We strive to create a safe, uplifting community that empowers young people to break the silence that too often stifles those at life’s starting line, to build resilience, to nurture their mental and physical wellbeing, and to lead healthier, happier lives.
Our event includes both a 5k and virtual 5k, as we hope to include those who can't make the trip to Austin. Please help us celebrate Ella's memory and champion her legacy in giving back to the educational community.
Run Day Fun Day
Bib & T-Shirt Pickup
Bibs and t-shirts will be available for pickup from 5 to 7:30pm at Dusty’s Bar & Lounge on Friday, August 22nd. Dusty’s is located at 422 Main St N.
The best part about picking up your gear the night before? It’s the same night as the Dusty’s Alley Party, held annually on ArtWorks Festival Eve! Come grab your stuff, catch up with your friends and neighbors, and listen to some great live music.
If you can’t make it on Friday, you can pick up your bib and t-shirt at the start area of the run (The Austin City Pool parking lot) on Saturday morning starting at 7am.
If you are picking your t-shirt and bib up on Saturday morning, please do so before 7:30am.
Parking
Parking in the Austin City Pool parking lot will be limited. Here is a list of a few other public parking lots in the vicinity:
Astrup Companies Lot:
905 Main St N Austin, MN 55912
1st St & 4th Ave Lot:
201 4th Ave NW Austin, MN 55912
1st St & 2nd Ave Lot:
200 1st St NE Austin, MN 55912
Start Area
Running With Ella starts on the multi-use trail system next to the Austin City Pool parking lot. Don’t worry–you’ll find it!
We will start the 5k at 8am sharp. Please arrive by 7:30am; you don’t want to miss the raffle!
Please do not leave your belongings at the start area. We do not have volunteers to watch our participants’ belongings; if you bring layers, extra water, etc. on the morning of the 5k, please make sure to leave those things in your vehicle or another secure location.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are available at the start area. Other restrooms will be available on the ArtWorks Festival grounds close to the finish area.
Route
Our route uses the local trail system for the first couple of miles, with some sidewalks sprinkled in at the end. The course will remain open to the public and to traffic, so please be mindful of sharing the trails and looking both ways when crossing streets.
You can see the map below, and if you would like to download it to your device, you can do so via the RunGo app. (Click here to see the route on RunGo!)
The course will be marked with orange foxes, arrows, and some ribbon tied to lightposts to help you find your way.
There will be one water stop a little over halfway through the 5k. Volunteers will be there to cheer you on, pass out water and snacks, and help, should you need any!
Finish Area
Look for the rainbow arch! Our 5k finishes just outside the Historic Paramount Theatre, which is also very close to the starting area. Our finish line places you at the heart of the ArtWorks Festival grounds, and the Festival kicks off at 9am.
Post-Run Party
We’re thrilled to share that The Downtown Grill will be hosting participants and volunteers for a post-run celebration this year!
Join us for coffee, a beverage, a well-earned breakfast, and a good time. The Grill will be reserved for us from 8:30 to 11am on Saturday. If you want to grab a beverage or snack before roaming the Festival grounds, that’s great too! (Just make sure you grab a wristband before you take any beverages outside.)
We’re deeply grateful to Lexi and the whole crew at the Grill for sharing their space with us. Thank you, DTG!
We can't wait to see you next Saturday!
As ever,
The RWE Crew <3
Place
Run Contact Info
If you have any questions about this run, click the button below.
Directions
Meet us in the parking lot of the Austin City Pool for our pre-run welcome. We'll start at Mill Pond and finish in front of the Paramount Theatre.
