The new Explore Minnesota Challenge Race Series begins this coming weekend with the Securian Winter Run (my 2009 race review) festivities. Athletes who participate in 8 qualifying events (including one from each region) will receive a commemorative medal (including commemorative pins for each race).  Registration for the Series is $50 and appears to be open until December 1, 2012 according to the registration page.  The registration fee doesn’t include event registration for each of the 8 required races, though it does come with some cool perks:

• One Year Membership to Minnesota Distance Running Association ($25 value)
• Commemorative Drawstring Backpack
• Commemorative Lapel Pin (1 per person per region) for each of the 4 regions.
• EM Challenge Winter Hat
• Commemorative Lanyard
• EM Challenge Finisher’s Shirt
• State of Minnesota Medal upon completion of an event in all 4 regions.
• Special discounts at various stores throughout the year.
• Special Drawings for Hotel, Store and Race Entries throughout 2012.

The Challenge has divided up the state into 4 regions: Metro, Northern, Southern, and Central. At least two races from each region are part of the series. It appears all of the races are managed by Anderson Race Management the creator of the Explore Challenge in partnership with Explore Minnesota aka the Minnesota Tourism Board.

The 2012 races are:

What do you think are you up for the challenge?