Event Description

History of the Run

This run was formerly the DJJD 5K/15K managed by Northfield Shares. Historically it took place Sunday of the Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration weekend. The Northfield Historical Society is the new organizer of the run and is coordinating it as a virtual run in 2020.

Race Virtually

As a participant, you get to choose any time between August 30 and September 11 to complete your race. The 5K is 3.1 miles. The 15K is 9.3 miles. You can complete your race anywhere you choose – there is no set course. You can also complete your race any way you choose – running, walking, with your dog, pushing a stroller, on a treadmill, or on an elliptical machine. You can complete the race on your own or bring together your friends and walk – 6 feet apart – in a group. It’s all up to you!

Why the Outlaw Run?

On September 7, 1876, the James-Younger Gang robbed the First National Bank of Northfield.  Two Northfield men were killed. The townspeople fought the gang and ran them out of town. A posse was formed and for two weeks after the robbery, the gang was pursued. They were finally apprehended in Madelia, MN. The name of our run, the Outlaw Run, does not seek to glorify the outlaws but to remember the men who chased after the robbers when the outlaws ran from Northfield.