Duluth
twin cities
Rochester

Minnesota's Wackiest Fun Run
Is Coming to Rochester!

Come Join Us:
May 22nd, 2027

Little Thistle Brewing
Rochester, MN

The Going Bananas Run is coming to Rochester, Minnesota. After an amazing response in Duluth and the Twin Cities, we are bringing this one of a kind fun run to a brand new community. Every participant receives their own banana suit for the race, which makes the entire event feel lighthearted and inviting for all ages.

Racers will follow a lively Rochester course filled with energy and cheering. Just like in Duluth, you will want to get moving right away because two minutes after the start we release “The Gorilla.” The Gorilla is part of our team and has one job. He loves chasing bananas. If you can cross the finish line before him, you will earn a special prize and help us donate money to Gold Together for Childhood Cancer.

We are grateful to expand this event and bring people together for something active, memorable, and meaningful. The only question left is simple. Are you fast enough to beat The Gorilla?

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2027 Registration Now Open
Going Bananas Run Duluth Gallery (11)
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Going Bananas Run Duluth Gallery (1)
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Going Bananas Run Duluth Gallery (8)
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Going Bananas Run Duluth Gallery (4)
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2027 Rochester Sponsorship Now Open

What Do You Get?

Banana Suit

Bananas!!

Custom Bib

Champion Pin

Join the Banana Club!

The Exclusive Email Club to stay in the know for all things Going Bananas! 

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How The Race Works

Race Start

All racers arrive in their banana suits ready to take on the race course. Alone they are a lonely banana, but together the group is a mighty bunch! This is a mass start event with all bananas splitting at the gun start.

Release The Gorilla

After two minutes we release our “Gorilla” this person is dressed in their very own gorilla costume and has one objective. Chase and beat the bananas. The Gorilla is a hidden racer chosen by our leadership team.

Beat The GOrilla

If you have what it takes to beat the Gorilla $5 of your entry fee will be donated to the Gold Together for Childhood Cancer. You will also receive the Champions Pin showcasing your achievement

Celebrate

After the race join us for a celebration! We will have food, drinks, and more for ALL the bananas that came out to party. Grab yourself some Banana icecream, a tasty beer, or enjoy yourself a tasty banana

Registration Pricing

2027 Registration Now Open

Price Doesn't Include Service Fee

Early Bird

Be the first to do this Rochester fun run. Get a deal with your registration at only $35. This gets you your own banana suit, entry into the race, and more!

$35

Until December 31st, 2026

Less Early Bird

If you missed the early bird don't fret you can still get in with the less early bird. You still get your own banana suit, race entry, and more at only $40.

$40

January 1st to March 15th

General

If you missed the early bird and the less early bird it's okay! You can still get your own banana suit, race entry, and more at only $45.

$45

March 16th to May 15th

Last Minute

Joining us at the last minute? We have you covered! For $55 you can get a banana suit, race entry, and more!

$55

May 16th to May 22nd

Packet Pickup Information

Pickup Location – Little Thistle Brewing – Rochester, MN

Packet Pickup Times: 

Friday, May 21st: 4–8 pm
Saturday, May 22nd: 8–10:15 am

Race Route

Little Thistle Brewing – Rochester, MN

The Going Bananas Run Rochester course is a fun, fast, and scenic route of about 3 miles that begins and ends at Back Channel Brewing. Runners will start at the brewery and head West along Shoreline Drive, following the water with wide views of the surrounding lakes and a relaxed neighborhood feel. The course is flat and smooth, making it easy to settle into your pace while soaking in the scenery.

After cruising along Shoreline Drive, the course turns south onto Bartlett Boulevard, which adds a gentle change of direction while keeping the route approachable for all experience levels. Runners will continue to the turnaround loop on Glendale Road and Avon Drive  before heading back on to Bartlett Blvd, retracing the course toward the finish line at Back Channel Brewing. The lollipop course format keeps things simple, social, and spectator friendly, with a strong finish that leads straight into post race celebrations at the brewery.

Course Map Coming Soon!

Race Day Schedule

10:30 AM

Race Start

The main event kicks off! Whether you’re here to compete or just to have fun, it’s time to shine.

10:32 AM

Release The Gorillas

We release the gorilla to chase after the bananas. Can you reach the finish before it passes you?

11:30 AM

Post-Race Activities

After crossing the finish line, enjoy refreshments, music, and entertainment as you cool down.

11:35 AM

Awards Ceremony

Stick around for the awards ceremony where we celebrate the fastest runners and other notable those who beat “The Gorilla”.

Giving Back to The Community

Supporting our community is something Going Bananas holds close. By participating in this Rochesters fun run, runners and supporters are not only promoting health and wellness but also helping provide money for cancer research. If you have what it takes a part of your race fee will be donated to the Gold Together for Childhood Cancer.

2027 charity partner

2027 Donation Goal - $5,000

The American Cancer Society is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people facing cancer. They fund research, offer patient support programs, and provide trusted information for individuals and families navigating a diagnosis. Their work also includes advocacy efforts aimed at prevention, early detection, and better access to care. Through community events, volunteers, and donations, the American Cancer Society continues to bring hope and assistance to millions across the country.

Banana Gallery

Going Bananas Run

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Pick Up My Packet?

Depending on race location your packet will vary in pick locations. Each packet pickup will be the Friday prior to the event and the morning of the event.

Packet pickup:

Twin Cities

  • May 7th  | 4:30–8:30 PM | Back Channel Brewing Taproom 

Same day packet pickup is available starting at 9am

Rochester

  • May 21st  | 4:30–8:30 PM | Little Thistle Brewing Taproom 

Same day packet pickup is available starting at 9am

Duluth

  • June3rd & June 4th  | 4:30–8:30 PM | Bent Paddle Taproom 

Same day packet pickup is available starting at 9am

What Happens If I Beat "The Gorilla"?

If you outpace “The Gorilla,” you’ll win a special prize and help secure additional donations to our charity partners. Plus, you’ll earn the ultimate bragging rights!

Can Anyone Join?

Absolutely! This event is perfect for runners of all levels, from seasoned racers to first-time fun-runners. The course is designed to be entertaining and accessible for everyone.

What is the Going Bananas Run?

The Going Bananas Run is Duluth’s most fun and unique way to race while raising money for a great cause. All participants wear a banana suit and run a “two-ish” mile course while being cheered on by fans. After 2 minutes, “The Gorilla” is released to chase the racers. If you beat “The Gorilla” to the finish line, you’ll earn a special prize, and donations will be made to a local food shelf in your honor!

Who's the gorilla?

It’s TOP SECRET. Our gorillas are a secret until post race. 

Stick around until the end to witness the gorilla unveiling.

Are Strollers allowed?

Strollers are allowed, as we believe all members of the bunch should be able to join. 

We ask that strollers hang out in the back of the pack due to congestion.

What Do I Get with Registration?

Each participant will receive:

  • A banana suit to run in and keep forever!
  • A glory pin to commemorate your achievement.
  • Unlimited bananas post-race to refuel and keep the theme alive!
Do I Need To Run IN A Banana Suit?

YES!

It wouldn’t be a banana run if you didn’t run in a banana suit. 

Those who have done the race before have the option to reuse their banana suit and get a limited edition racing tee instead.

 

Who Is the GOrilla?

Be The First To Know

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Going Banana Run Sponsors

Want to Sponsor Our 2027 Event? Contact Andrew@findenmarketing.com

Major Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Register Duluth
Register Twin CIties
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