The Minneapolis Aquatennial announced today new routes for the 2019 Aquatennial CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade and the Life Time Torchlight 5K.
Routes will begin at the Minneapolis Convention Center, heading down 2nd Avenue, and the Life Time Torchlight 5K will continue through downtown along West River Parkway before ending at Boom Island.
“We are excited about the opportunity to showcase a new part of downtown mpls for Minnesota’s largest night-time parade and our fan-favorite 5k during the 2019 Minneapolis Aquatennial,” said Leah Wong, vice president of external relations at the mpls downtown council. “Downtown mpls is dynamic and offers incredible experiences for Aquatennial participants and spectators. We invite the community to join us for what’s sure to be a bright night in our city’s core.”
In the past routes have traveled down Hennepin Avenue, but with this year’s construction, the location has been adjusted.
The Life Time Torchlight 5K welcomes roughly 5,000 runners annually. The adjusted route means fewer turns than the previous route, which weaved through the North Loop, and a longer stretch along the Mississippi Riverfront. It puts a focus on the river, which signifies the birthplace of our city and a major symbol of the Aquatennial, and runners will enjoy full use of West River Parkway. Fans are encouraged to come early and line the route from 2nd Avenue through West River Parkway to cheer on runners as they pass by.
“This year’s new route allows Life Time Torchlight 5K runners to experience some of the best perks of running in Minneapolis,” said Dan Lakin Life Time Run Events Brand Manager. “The city is known for its urban parks, and this route will bring runners along a longer stretch of West River Parkway before crossing the Mississippi River and finishing on Boom Island for the biggest finish festival of the season.”
The CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade will begin at 8:30 pm on Wednesday, July 24. The parade will run along 2nd Avenue from the Minneapolis Convention Center to 3rd Street South. This year’s parade path is located in the heart of downtown, offering plazas and courtyards along with free activities for people to enjoy as they watch. As Minnesota’s largest nighttime parade, the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade welcomes roughly 100 units from across Minnesota each year.
Aquatennial goers will again be able to attend Wednesday’s festivities by using a Free Ride Pass courtesy of Metro Transit. Get there by bus or light rail for free from 4 pm-midnight on July 24 by printing a Free Ride pass, which will be available at Aquatennial.com closer to the event. The Free Ride Passes will also be available on Saturday, July 27 from 4 pm-midnight during the Target Fireworks festivities.
When planning your trip to the Wednesday Aquatennial festivities, remember the Loring Park Pre-Parade Family Fun Night will still take place in Loring Park from 6-8:30 pm. Events include Wilderness Inquiry Voyageur Canoe Rides, Rally the Family tennis activities, family-friendly activities, food trucks and more.
Aquatennial will continue to provide updates on its full schedule of events. Look for the full Aquatennial schedule, including new events for 2019, to be released in early June. Visit www.aquatennial.com or follow @Aquatennial on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more information.
