Eff the cheese curds and great beer that the midwest boasts.
Granted, Minnesota is a very fit state (ranked first or second in the nation) and hosts many great races - I'd like to see some of these close to St. Paul.
1) Wife Carrying Championships- It is exactly as it sounds. Husbands carry their wives (or other women, since it originated because men used to steal women from neighboring villages) over their shoulders through a short obstacle course. The course includes logs to jump over, water, sand, etc. Winners typically win the wife's weight in beer, brats, cola, cash, etc. You can even attend the
Wife Carrying Championships!2) Grown-up P.E. class. For the floor hockey, spastic ball and kickball type of interval training you may have missed in your younger years. Red Rover is disallowed though - sorry kids.
3) High-Heel Sprint. There have been a couple held in New York, which is probably where is belongs but still it looks like a blast. Women (and on occasion men, which, more power to you!) run races in stiletto heals.
4) The Mud Run. It's huge in San Diego - there is more than one held at Camp Pendleton because it's so well-attended and sells out. You compete in a 10K with obstacles through the mud. I've asked every event director I've met here, and apparently one was held many years ago but not with the same enthusiasm.
5) Rock 'N Roll Marathon. I realize we have the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, Grandma's Marathon and the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon (all of which have been huge successes), I do believe we need a fun marathon. 26.2 miles is fun enough by itself I realize, however, why can't we put a band at every mile to enjoy as you suffer past?
6) 12Ks of Christmas. This is my baby to be produced by Brown Dog Endeavors. There's no link to it because it hasn't been created just yet, but it will be a 12K filled with costumed runners, hot chocolate, lights, elves, and great sweatshirts. Also, a Five Golden Rings 5K for fun. Oh, it's on. Definitely national tour worthy.
The original admission cost for adults was $15. Now, the Star Tribune is reporting that admission is "free" but suggests a donation with proceeds going to Hurricane victims. Why they didn't think of that in the first place? However, it is celebrating America, so following suit with the way Americans would rather throw money at something than volunteer their time seems appropriate. 
Why not? Not as cool as bodypainted people riding their bikes through the streets of Seattle, but maybe with a lesser chance of rain ruining your... paint.
What could be better than thousands of tourists hurling tomatoes at each other in the streets? Like many, this event is on my list of 100 things to do before I kick the bucket!
The Olympics are something that we could all strive and train for, but even failure to accomplish this goal is a beautiful feeling as we can all cheer on our country or individual athlete. For several days every four years, we can rally sports that we normally wouldn't bat an eye at - swimming, gymnastics, triathlons, track & field, etc. 
1) Wife Carrying Championships- It is exactly as it sounds. Husbands carry their wives (or other women, since it originated because men used to steal women from neighboring villages) over their shoulders through a short obstacle course. The course includes logs to jump over, water, sand, etc. Winners typically win the wife's weight in beer, brats, cola, cash, etc. You can even attend the Wife Carrying Championships!
3) High-Heel Sprint. There have been a couple held in New York, which is probably where is belongs but still it looks like a blast. Women (and on occasion men, which, more power to you!) run races in stiletto heals.
