Media contact: Barb DeGroot, 952-443-1459

Run through the Spring Blooms at the Arboretum's 15^th Annual 5K Run/Walk

 Chanhassen, Minn. (April 10, 2012) - Surround yourself with the glorious blossoms of spring at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum during the 15^th annual Bud Break 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, May 6 at 9 a.m.  The certified 5K course winds through the scenic landscapes of the Arboretum just as the spring blooms are peaking. The run/walk is open to people of all ages - families, experienced runners/walkers and anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.  Registration is limited to the first 650 applicants.

Pre-registration entries must be received by April 29 to qualify for the fee level of $20 member and $25 non-member.  From April 30 through May 2, the fee is $30 for members and non-members.  The race day entry fee is $35 for everyone and registration opens at 8 a.m.  The 5K race starts at 9 a.m.; the 5K walk begins at 9:05 a.m. Designed for youths ages 5-12, the Daffodil Dash Run/Walk courses through the Dayton Wildflower Garden and begins at 10 a.m. 

Awards will be presented at 10:30 a.m. in the Oswald Visitor Center. All participants will receive a moisture-wicking T-shirt.  The top male and female will receive a $75 gift card; second-place male and female receive a $50 gift card; and third-place finishers will receive $25 gift cards.  Medals will be awarded for the top three men and women in various age brackets.  Medals will be awarded to all participants in the Daffodil Dash.  Bud Break 5K presenting sponsor is  Life Time Fitness.  In-kind donations courtesy of Cub Foods of Shorewood, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie and Minnetonka. 

After the race, relax and enjoy the beauty of spring throughout the gardens and natural areas at the Arboretum.  The Restaurant will be open for lunch, and the conservatory, gift shop and Andersen Horticultural Library will also be open. Families may enjoy dropping in on the Weekend Family Fun Activity "Sunflower Squash" at the Learning Center from noon to 4 p.m.

To register for Bud Break, visit www.arboretum.umn.edu/budbreak.aspx.   Questions?  Call 952-443-1423 or 952-443-1515 or email sinne002@umn.edu or fisch070@umn.edu.  

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum, is part of the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and a community and national resource for horticultural and environmental information, research, and public education.  It is located nine miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen. 

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