(KNSI) – The 2025 Bernick’s Family Fitness Series kicks off next month with the Pot O’ Gold 5K in Sartell.

The race is the first of four held yearly across the St. Cloud metro area. Fitness Coordinator Brent Lundell says the affordable family events have caught on. People from 24 states take part in at least one of the races each year.

He talks about what makes the Pot O’ Gold race special. “We try to change the experience at all of them. So, with the Pot O’ Gold, we like to do the costume contest.

There’s a one-kilometer sprint for children, 2K for walkers and those who don’t want to commit to the signature 5K, which equates to just over three miles.

Lundell discusses how they structure a race meant for everyone, from young to old and from amateur to professional. “We do five waves. So, the first wave is really for our fast runners…but then we also have waves two through five, where the five is more for our walkers. We also allow pets, which is a cool thing. So, it’s unique to have your pets. You want to walk your dog…Go right ahead if you’d like to do that.”

The top finishers usually cross the line in around 16 minutes. The Pot O’ Gold is held at Riverview Intermediate School.

Thanks to the partnership between the St. Cloud Family Area YMCA, Bernick’s, Cetera, and Scheels, participation costs only $5. Those who register before February 25th get a free t-shirt. A link is here.

The other races in the Bernick’s Fitness Series are the Homegrown 5K in May, Rock Your Sole on September 20th, and The Wishbone 5K on Thanksgiving.

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