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Minneapolis News
Feven Gerezgiher

After a long run, Minnesota-themed 'Hot Dash' race reaches the finish line

Sign reads hot dish line begins here
A sign from the 2023 Hot Dash reads "Hot dish line begins here." The race, organized by Twin Cities in Motion, has leaned into Minnesota themes since its start in 2015.
Courtesy of Cory Ryan | Twin Cities in Motion

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The Minnesota-themed Hot Dash ends Saturday in Minneapolis after a long run.

The race started in 2015 with a name playing on a stereotypical Minnesota classic: the hot dish. It includes a meat raffle and post-race perks like beer from the St. Paul-based Summit Brewing Company.

Ed Whetham, race director for the Hot Dash, said it was simply time for something new.

“Kind of felt like this was nearing the end of its lifecycle,” he said, later adding: “Hot Dash has kind of been the themed, fun, catchy race that was more of the style of the late 2010s.”

Whetham is director of event operations at Twin Cities in Motion, which runs the Hot Dash.

He said it was previously a St. Patrick’s Day-themed race called “100 percent Irish.” As its registration numbers dwindled, organizers pivoted to a Minnesota theme.

Over the years, he said Twin Cities in Motion has moved away from using “kitschy Minnesota themes” for the race — like flannel and beards — to better reflect what defines Minnesota, in line with an organizational rebrand and change in leadership a few years ago.

A race will still take place next March, though with a different theme and possibly a new location, according to Whetham. He thinks it will still lean into what’s great about Minnesota.

“It's sad to see Hot Dash go, but I'm really excited for what's coming next, and kind of excited to at least explore the possibilities of a brand-new location and brand-new course,” said Whetham.

Around 3,000 participants are expected on Saturday between the 5K, 10K and youth event, called the Tater Trot.

People can register online, at Summit Brewing and on-site on Saturday morning.