
From the Organizer
This year marks the 34th anniversary of the Go for the Gold Rochester fundraiser supporting Brighter, Tomorrows, Inc, , a non-profit outreach to families who have been touched by childhood cancer. This year we are excited to welcome you to a new location where we will host an event that offers both in person and virtual options including a 5k and 10k run, 3k Family Walk, and also Children's Races at the Cascade Lakeside Building area on October 31st! During Covid we were so appreciative of those of you who supported us via a virtual race from across the US that we have decided to continue the virtual race and walk options! This annual event provides critical funding allowing us to support families who suddenly find themselves on a childhood cancer journey. The comfort Brighter Tomorrows’ families feel from the support, connection and friendship received is impactful and that support continues beyond the treatment journey well into the future. We sincerely appreciate the compassion, volunteer efforts and financial donations that have been given to Brighter Tomorrows and extend our heartfelt thanks to friends, families, our business colleagues, and our communities that have joined our mission.
You can help by donating to Brighter Tomorrows, Inc. and by sharing this page on social media with all those you care about! And of course, if you sign up to run or walk in person or virtually all proceeds from this event go to benefit families on the childhood cancer journey!
Who knows how it feels to be told "Your child has cancer?" We do. And we are here to help.
Whether it's your first 5k, 10k Run or you'd prefer to walk the 3k, you can take part in supporting Brighter Tomorrows. Sign up today! Everyone who signs up by October 1st will receive a race shirt in your designated size at our Race Bag Pickup on October 30th. If you sign up after 10/1/26 we will do our best to accommodate your request however available shirts may be limited and cannot be guaranteed. Since our race is on Halloween, we hope our runners and walkers will come in costume, both the kids and adults! There will be prizes for top costumes as well so start planning your outfit now.
If you are running or walking to support a certain Brighter Tomorrows Family, please note their team’s name on your registration. We will also have race registration available at race bag pickup on October 30th. We look forward to seeing those of you who are local at the Race Bag Pickup night! If you are unable to pick up your race bag in person in Rochester, MN and need it mailed to you, please email Mary17race@charter.net. Please note there will be a shipping and handling fee in addition to registration,
If completing virtually, simply complete the race or walk where and when you like and submit your time on the web link provided at registration by October 31,2026.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
50°
Typical Low
32°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Rochester Intl Ap, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
121,638
as of 2023
City Elevation
989 ft
Nearest Airport
RST
Rochester International Airport · 9 mi
Major Hub
MSP
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field · 70 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Go For the Gold Rochester benefiting Brighter Tomorrows, Inc., put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
136
Days to train
Coming Up
Summer Sizzler- Rochester
Less than a mile away
Golden Harvest Half Marathon & 5k/10k - Rochester
Less than a mile away
SVdP Friends of the Poor Walk/Run/Pancake Breakfast
2 miles away
Spooky Sprint- Rochester
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Go For the Gold Rochester benefiting Brighter Tomorrows, Inc.
Oct 31, 2026