In April 2009, the largest 10K in Minnesota and one of the largest in the U.S. will take place in Minneapolis. Get in Gear is in its 32nd year, and this year the event is even adding a half marathon to the 10K, 5K and 2K races to make it just that bit more exciting. Get in Gear in 2009 will be run on April 25th with the 2K Fun Run setting off at 8:15 a.m. in Minnehaha Park in downtown Minneapolis. The half marathon starts at 9 a.m. (with a three hour limit) and the 10K and 5K start at 9:30 and 9:50 a.m., so you don't even have to get up too early.

Get in Gear is billed as the annual rite of spring, but it's actually been known to be really cold (they even had snow last year on race day!). So if you're gonna run it, make sure you've got running clothes ready for both spring and winter, because, in Minnesota, it can go either way. Don't worry though, even if it's freezing, enough folks from Minneapolis will come out to cheer you on, even if they do have to wear gloves and drink hot chocolate.

Get in Gear is great because all of the proceeds from the race go to local food shelters to help the hungry, and in this economic climate, that's even more of a necessity. The goal is to raise $50,000 in 2009, which will buy a lot of loaves of bread, boxes of rice and packs of spaghetti.

Speaking of food, the day before race day, don't forget to go and pick up your race packet (including your race number and computer chip). If you're coming from out of town, you can pick them up before the race on race day, but you'll need to allow extra time. I said "speaking of food" because the packet usually includes tons of goodies such as snacks, healthy chips and last year even a box of Minute Rice too. You'll also get a nice 100-percent cotton t-shirt just for participating in the race.

Get in Gear is a lot of fun. The race is popular, the course isn't too difficult and after the race there are boatloads of food available at many food stalls in the park from noon to 8 p.m. There's also a Vendor's Village with tons of stalls to browse. Don't forget, you can also volunteer if you don't want to run. Just give the Get in Gear organizers a buzz at (612) 722-9004.