The Eden Prairie Optimist Club will host its 11th annual Optimist Kids 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, June 28, at Purgatory Creek Park.
The all-ages event, which begins at 9 a.m., is designed to promote community engagement and healthy activity. Proceeds benefit the club’s youth programs, including sending local Safety Patrol members to Valleyfair, the annual essay and oratorical contests, youth appreciation awards, and the Eden Prairie Sings vocal competition.
Participants can register online here, with early bird pricing and team discount codes available. A post-race celebration will be hosted by Hackamore Brewing Company, with limited free drink tokens for race participants (non-alcoholic options included).
“This event is a fantastic way to celebrate our community and support our youth,” said Karla Wennerstrom, the Eden Prairie Optimist Club’s 2024-25 “Optimist of the Year” and lead volunteer. “We’re grateful for the continued partnership of the City of Eden Prairie in making this possible.”
Packet pickup will be held from 7:30 to 8:50 a.m. near the Purgatory Creek Park pavilion. The 5K course is an out-and-back route that starts and ends near the pavilion. Parking is available on-site and at Southwest Station.
Before the race, local student Sadie Maguire from PiM Arts High School will perform live music and sing the national anthem. Afterward, top male and female finishers in each age group will be recognized during an awards ceremony, with additional door prizes to be given out.
“The energy of this event is contagious, and it’s all thanks to our dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors,” Wennerstrom said. “Witnessing the joy and energy of our community coming together year after year is truly inspiring. It’s not just a race – it’s an opportunity to show our young people that we believe in them.”
For more information, visit the Eden Prairie Optimist Club’s Facebook page.
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