Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-Run
Can I register on the day of the run?
You may, though we strongly encourage you to pre-register. If you wish to register on the day of the event, make your way to the "Run" tent in Minnehaha Park prior to the start of the run. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
There is additional $5 charge for registering the day of the run.
Can I pick up my packet prior to the day of the run?
Unfortunately, due to high volume – runners may only pick up their number at Minnehaha Park on the day of the run. Please visit the “Run” tent to pick up your number prior to the run and visit the same tent after the run to pick up your Inaugural Run for the Ribbon t-shirt.
I'm interested in raising money in addition to my registration fee, how do I get started?
The 10k Run for the Ribbon is certainly more than just a fun run, it is - like the Minnesota AIDS Walk - a fundraiser. We encourage all runners to raise funds for Minnesota AIDS Project in addition to their registration fee which only covers the production costs. Runners may join a team (of runners and walkers) or raise money on their own.
Day of the Event
How do I get to Minnehaha Park?
Minnehaha Park is located in South Minneapolis on the west bank of the Mississippi River north of 62/Crosstown and south of Lake Street.
From East:
Take 94 West to the Riverside Avenue exit. Continue one block to 25th Ave. S. (Hwy 48), turn left. Continue as the road becomes Minnehaha. Don't turn when you see the Minnehaha Avenue cross street. Follow Minnehaha Avenue to the park.
From South:
Take 35W north to the Crosstown/62 and go east. Travel to stoplight at Hiawatha Avenue (Highway 55), turn left and continue north to 46th Street, take a right. Minnehaha Park is located one block south of 46th Street between Minnehaha Avenue and 46th Avenue.
From North:
Take 35W south to the Hiawatha Avenue (Highway 55) exit. Go south on Hiawatha Avenue (Highway 55), cross over Lake Street, continue to 46th Street and take a left. Minnehaha Park is located one block south of 46th Street between Minnehaha Avenue and 46th Avenue.
From West:
Take 394 east, toward downtown Minneapolis. Connect on to 94 east. Take the Hiawatha Avenue (Highway 55) exit. Go south on Hiawatha Avenue (Highway 55), cross over Lake Street, continue to 46th Street and take a left. Minnehaha Park is located one block south of 46th Street between Minnehaha Avenue and 46th Avenue.
Metro Transit Park & Ride program
Parking near Minnehaha Park is limited, so please plan ahead. Limited street parking is available, and police will ticket illegally parked cars. Please carpool, or save yourself time and effort and take the bus. Metro Transit is again supporting the Minnesota AIDS Walk for 2007 by providing free ride vouchers to pre-registered walkers and volunteers.
Use your Metro Transit coupons for a FREE round-trip ride to and from the Park on the bus or light-rail train. For help planning your trip, call a transit expert at 612-373-3333 (TTY 612-341-0140) or use the online trip planner at metrotransit.org
Park & Ride lots
There are nearly 1,800 free parking spaces near light-rail stations. NOTE: Overnight parking is not permitted at Metro Transit Park & Ride lots.
Lake Street/Midtown Station (240 spaces)
There are 170 spaces at a lot on the southeast corner of Lake Street and Hiawatha. The entrance is located on northbound Hiawatha Avenue between 32nd Street and the Lake Street exit.
There are 70 spaces at Anishinabe School, located southwest of the rail station. Enter the lot at 23rd Avenue South and East 31st Street.
Fort Snelling Station (950 spaces)
To reach the lot, exit Highway 55 at Bloomington Road and follow signs to the parking areas (south side and west side of Whipple Building).
28th Avenue Station (600 spaces)
The parking lot is located three blocks east of Mall of America on 24th Avenue South at 82nd Street. There are no Park & Ride spaces at Mall of America.
What time does the run start?
Registration/check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. and the Inaugural Run for the Ribbon begins promptly at 9:00 a.m.
What do I do when I get to Minnehaha Park on May 18th?
Anything you need regarding the run can be found at the "Run" tent. Here, you will pick up your number prior to the run, pick up your t-shirt after the run and register (if you haven’t already pre-registered).
Will water be provided?
Yes, in addition to two water stops along the route, there will be water provided before and after the run in Minnehaha Park.
The Inaugural Run for the Ribbon is presented by the Minnesota AIDS Project and will support ongoing work to stop HIV in Minnesota through advocacy, education, and service. The event takes place on the same day as the Minnesota AIDS Walk where thousands of supporters gather in an exciting atmosphere to raise awareness about HIV. The Run for the Ribbon is not an officially timed race, though mile splits will be given along the course in addition to a clock at the finish line.