Best of MN: recreation

running

Social hub for runners

Mill City Running

This running specialty store is known as much for its inclusive culture and social events as it is for its boutique service and products. Whether it's a Friday morning flapjack run, an athleisure fashion show or a yoga class tailored specifically for runners and their unique needs (ahem, tight hamstrings), the store's events are always well-attended. Its proximity to downtown Minneapolis attracts enthusiastic runners of all stripes, who stay connected through its Facebook event calendar. Come for the shoes, linger for the doughnuts, stay for the camaraderie. 411 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-378-6001, millcityrunning

Running trend

Brunch runs

Let's be honest, food and exercise have always been best friends. But rather than slinking off to gobble down an energy bar or mushy peanut butter sandwich after a weekend run, groups of runners are increasingly ending the calorie-burning affair with brunch. In recent years, America's cheerful mid-morning meal has surged in popularity — and arguably quality. We think the trend of brunch runs is a delicious way to enjoy that runner's high among friends while refueling worn-out muscles.

Hidden-gem running trail

Fort Snelling State Park Trail

Everyone loves the Chain of Lakes and the Mississippi River trails, but Twin Cities runners sometimes need an escape from the crowds and to get onto softer surfaces. Luckily, urban dwellers need not stray far to find less trodden trails. Cue the Fort Snelling State Park Trail in the Minnesota River Bottoms. The trail can be picked up near downtown Mendota at an obscure footpath across the railroad tracks from the Sibley House Historic Site (55 D St., Mendota). The trail meanders southwest for nearly 6 miles, passing beneath the Mendota Bridge and Interstate 494 as it threads the serpentine river and Gun Club Lake on a narrow strip of land. Distance runners can connect via the Cedar Avenue Bridge for more nature running on the Long Meadow Lake Trail.

Best weeknight race

Endless Summer Trail Run Series

Minnesotans tend to pack their precious summer weekends with excursions and activities. Running races — usually held on Saturdays and Sundays — often clog already hectic schedules even more. That's where the Endless Summer Trail Run Series pulls away from the pack. Rather than head off to happy hour, Twin Cities runners can cap off their workday with a tramp through the woods. The four evening races, held at different locations between May and August, take full advantage of Minnesota's long and glorious summer days. After hurdling over mud puddles and tree roots, participants hang around for pizza and beer before rolling home for the best night's sleep a Wednesday can offer. May 25, June 15, July 13 & Aug. 10; estrs.com

Best relay race

Ragnar Relay Great River

Relay races add the fun of a team sport to the solitude of competitive running. While there are many shorter relay races, Ragnar Relay Great River offers a one-of-a-kind experience that puts it in a league of its own. The 24-hour race covers 200 miles of beautiful Mississippi River scenery from Winona to St. Paul. Teams of six or 12 take turns running multiple legs of the journey, resting and eating in decked-out vans that pick up and drop off runners along the way. This relay is not for the faint of heart, but it's perfect for extroverted runners who are motivated by others. Aug. 12-13, runragnar.com

cycling

Mountain bike race

Lutsen 99er

This amazing race opens with a lactic-acid-inducing 5-mile, 1,000-foot climb. From there it's into the wild, with dirt, slippery weeds and hidden rocks challenging riders. Bogs, single-track loops and densely forested trails showcase some of northern Minnesota's most scenic terrain, with quality aid stations and helpful volunteers scattered throughout. It's not all lone biker vs. the wilderness: Portions of the course follow logging roads where riders can group up, open some conversations and make new friends. A final uphill section drains whatever power riders have left before they can indulge in the finish-line party. June 24-26, Lutsen, Minn.; lutsen99er.com

Bike shop

Angry Catfish Bicycle and Coffee Bar

A stunning collection of sleek bikes, along with some stylish clothes and downright delicious coffee, lends the Angry Catfish the sort of vibe we want in a bike shop. Throw in a staff that's laid-back, helpful and deeply knowledgeable about their two-wheeled steeds, and you've got a clear winner. A literary night with bicyclist-writers sharing their essays? Check. An electric fireplace to take the chill off the front patio? Check. If you've bought a bike from ACF, they've been known to invite you to a St. Paul brewery for free beer, food, music and professional photos of your ride. Now that's customer appreciation! 4208 28th Av. S., Mpls., angrycatfishbicycle.com

Bike brand

A-train Cycles

Most forms of artwork wouldn't hold up well to someone jumping on for a ride, but an A-train Cycle made by Alex Cook will send you down the road in high style. His handbuilt frames have drawn praise everywhere from Sweden to the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. From his Minneapolis shop, Cook builds road, cyclocross, touring/city and mountain bike frames. The custom-made frames are pricier than a factory-built bike, but a worthy investment for serious riders. It's a sample of what's available in a crazy-talented local build scene that also includes Anderson Custom Bicycles, Appleman, Bob Brown, Curt Goodrich, Chris Kvale, Peacock Groove, Prairie Crow, Speedhound and Wyganowski.

swimming

Summer swimming

Lake Nokomis

Casual swimmers can sample the world of a triathlete on select summer weeknights at Lake Nokomis. From June 14 to Aug. 28, Minneapolis will again open the lake from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sundays, for open-water swimming. It's not quite half a mile across, and swimmers can determine their own pace and distance. Check rules and register at minneapolisparks.org. A refreshing soak on a summer's eve should be followed with a Surly and a languid dinner at the beachside Sandcastle, 4955 W. Lake Nokomis Pkwy., mplssandcastle.com