2026 Miles 4 Mentors Free Fun Run Series
For ages Pre-K to 5th Grade
No prior running experience needed.
Come, Run, Have Fun!

The 2026 Miles 4 Mentors Fun Run Series includes 4 FREE Fun Run events held each summer season in the Willmar Lakes Area. Children are invited to run with their friends and family on our pre-set courses throughout the city. There is more to our Fun Runs than just running. Each event also offers fun activities, mentoring opportunities, and camaraderie.

Runners in grades K-5 who register by May 24th will receive a free Miles 4 Mentors t-shirt. Only children aged 4-11 years old will receive t-shirts. And, children must be accompanied by an adult during the event. Bring the entire family for a great time that gives the lasting gift of running and fitness to your children.

Miles 4 Mentors proudly announces the 2026 Kids Fun Run Series!

Saturday, May 30th – Willmar Stingers Invitational & Miles 4 Mentors Mental Health Night
This event kicks off our Fun Run Series with the Willmar Stingers, our home team in the Northwoods League. It is also the Miles 4 Mentors Mental Health Night, in collaboration with the Kandiyohi County Health and Human Services Department. Enjoy a night of baseball with us, meet Barry, and run the bases at Baker Field. We will also be giving new tennis shoes to several local children in need. The event is a fundraiser for Miles 4 Mentors, in which you are able to make financial donations that will be matched by local businesses.

  • Kids registered through our website get in to the Stingers game free with a paid adult. Kid’s tickets may be picked up at the ticket sales booth before the event. Upon entering, please find a seat in section 201.
  • Kids selected for the shoe scholarship program should arrive at the entrance gate no later than 5:45 PM. Parents and children should head to the tables at right near the fence. Shoes will be distributed at that location.
  • Kids must be lined up at the staging area on the side of the visitor’s field entrance no later than 5:55 PM. After a lap around the field, they will return to their parents/guardians in section 201.
  • High school track and cross-country team members also join in on the fun and will be running a relay race to see if they can finish their race before the last out. Our Stinger’s event is also a chance to celebrate Global Running Day, held on June 1st each year.

Thursday, June 25th – Willmar Fests Downtown Block Party Run
It’s time to party at the Willmar Fests Downtown Block Party. The event features live entertainment, a kiddie parade, activities, food vendors, and more. Miles 4 Mentors will be providing t-shirts to Fun Run participants who register by May 24th in grades K-5. Bring the whole family, celebrate our community, get healthy, and have some healthy fun.

Tuesday, July 21st – Willmar Rotary Rockin’ Robbins Run
Sponsored by Willmar Rotary this community event supports the mission of Willmar’s Vision 2040 movement. Runners who register by May 25th in grades K-5 are given a beautiful gift for participating in our July event. After the run, head over to the concert, visit the food vendors, and participate in fun activities. We are so grateful to be a part of this amazing community event that benefits 3000-5000 people per show.Check-in begins at 4:30 PM at the Guri Endresen Shelter at Robbins Island. The runs begin at 5:30 PM. Parking is limited, and a free shuttle is available. For more information about the shuttle visit rockinrobbins.com/parking.

Saturday, August 15th – Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center 1 Mile Trail Run
Hosted by Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, this event is an opportunity bring the whole family out for an incredible trail run through the beauty of West Central Minnesota’s natural resources. Runners who register by May 24th in grades K-5 are given a special gift for participating in this exciting new favorite event.
Check-in begins at 10:00 AM at the Red Rustic Barn at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center.
The run begins at 11:00 AM.

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Registration opens in mid-April. Visit our website at www.miles4mentors.org/events for more information and to register your child.

Please consider giving a gift to an underserved child to participate by being a sponsor. Go to www.miles4mentors.org/give for more information.

Like our Facebook page for updates.
We are looking forward to the 2026 Fun Run Series and hope to reach more kids with more opportunities.