Three of Kenneth Zuniga’s favorite things in his life are running, tacos, and margaritas. So, he thought, why not combine all three for a first-of-its-kind event right here in Richfield?
The Tacos & Margaritas 5K will be held Friday, Aug. 5 at Veterans Park. It’s the first race we know of in Minnesota that features running, tacos, and margaritas! It’s also focused squarely on the local Latino community (although the fiesta after the race is open to anyone). In fact, that’s part of the reason the event is being held in Richfield.
“Richfield has one of the three highest Latino populations in the state—right behind Minneapolis and St. Paul,” said Zuniga. “Richfield is also very centralized. Plus, we just love Richfield. My son goes to school in Richfield. I’m in Richfield all the time.”
The race, which sold out quickly, will feature 350 runners circling around Veterans Park. It is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. In fact, runners will loop around the paved trails at Veterans Park twice for the full 5K race.
There’s also a “Little Taco Run”, which is presented by Children’s Minnesota, for runners under the age of 12. You can find more information about the races and fiesta here.
But you don’t have to be a runner to join the fiesta afterward! After the race, the American Legion parking lot will be the site of the festivities, including margaritas, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages courtesy of La Doña Cerveceria, a Minneapolis-based brewery. Tacos will be served by El Burrito Mercado from St. Paul. Popular local DJ Cristian Baca will be spinning tunes, providing the perfect backdrop to the Friday evening outdoor fiesta, which is presented by PanLatino Fest.
The after-race party will also be a chance to showcase Latino culture—something that’s important to Zuniga and the Minnesota Latinos organization he runs.
“I was born in Nicaragua. I moved to Minnesota in 2004. I didn’t have family or speak English, so in 2019 I created Minnesota Latinos as a point of connection with other Latinos here in Minnesota,” said Zuniga.
The Minnesota Latinos website is the primary source of information for Latinos in Minnesota, connecting Minnesotans to Latino-owned businesses; highlighting Latino-focused events; sharing resources for Latinos based in Minnesota; and serving as a bridge between non-Latinos and Latinos to support the community.
This year’s race is already sold out, and Zuniga has big plans for the future.
“My vision is to grow this event,” said Zuniga. “I’d like to do a 5K AND a 15K next year, with a bigger festival at the end of the races, too.”
We’re hoping that vision becomes a reality. After all, what’s not to love about running, tacos, and margaritas…especially when they’re all right here in Richfield?
