2nd Annual Team Kopacz 5K Run/Walk Knock Out the Miles for PD

The 2nd Annual Team Kopacz 5K Run/Walk Knock Out the Miles for Parkinson's Disease returns to Vadnais Heights, Minnesota on September 20th, 2026 at 8:30 AM. This event takes place in the scenic park of Vadnais Heights and is a beloved annual tradition that brings together runners, walkers, families, and friends from all over the region.
On race morning, expect a crisp autumn day with an average temperature hovering around 19.8°C (67.6°F), making for comfortable conditions along the route. The park setting offers a serene atmosphere; runners will navigate through well-tended pathways lined with trees that are just beginning to turn their leaves into vibrant shades of orange and red, creating a picturesque backdrop against the clear blue sky.
For seven years now, Team Kopacz has been hosting this event as part of its mission to support Parkinson’s Disease (PD) research. In 2015, they launched an initiative with a successful golf fundraiser that raised over $250,000 for PD research. Last year, the foundation pivoted to a five-kilometer run/walk format which proved incredibly popular and saw them raise nearly $20,000 for exercise research at the University of Minnesota (U of MN). This year’s event is dedicated to fundraising support for the U of MN SPARX3 trial. Exercise intensity has been shown as an effective method in managing PD symptoms; hence every step taken during this 5K run/walk contributes significantly towards advancing scientific understanding and treatment options.
The race offers a full range of distances, including the main five-kilometer event alongside shorter options such as one mile stroll (1.6 kilometers) for those looking to participate without committing to the entire distance; there’s also a fun kids’ dash for younger participants who can run or walk 320 meters (0.5 miles). All these distances are well-suited for both seasoned athletes and casual walkers.