What Is the MN Mile? Minnesota Youth Mental Health Running Event
The MN Mile is a youth mental health running benefit hosted at Minnetonka High School Track in Minnetonka, Minnesota on Saturday, August 8, 2026. It is presented by Let’s Fuel Growth, a Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and STAND+. The event includes two separate competitions: the Naughty Mile (a timed competitive mile) and the Nice Mile (a family festival mile). 100 percent of net proceeds fund youth mental wellness programming.
When and Where Is the MN Mile?
The MN Mile takes place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 8am to 5pm at Minnetonka High School Track in Minnetonka, Minnesota. The venue was donated for the day by the MHS Track Director. Free parking is available on site. The track and infield are wheelchair accessible.
What Is the MN Naughty Mile?
The MN Naughty Mile is a chipped, timed, competitive one-mile race (four laps on a 400-meter track). It runs in three heats at 9am, 10am, and 11am. Each heat holds 60 runners, for a total field cap of 180 racers. Runners receive chip timing, a bib, a finisher tee, a swag bag, and full access to the afternoon festival. STAND+ provides shoes for the field. Awards are given to top finishers in each heat.
Naughty Mile Pricing
| Tier | Price | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird | $40 | Through June 1 (or first 100 racers) |
| Standard | $55 | June 2 through July 25 |
| Race Week | $70 | July 26 through August 7 |
| Team Relay (4 racers) | $140 per team | All windows |
What Is the MN Nice Mile?
The MN Nice Mile is a family festival mile running from 12pm to 4pm. Participants walk, skip, dance, or stroller their way through a single lap. There is one rule: you cannot do the same movement twice in a lap. Heats run at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. All ages are welcome. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.
The Nice Mile also includes a giant slip and slide, a bubble zone, ice baths and saunas, a DJ, food trucks, a vendor village, and recovery activations.
Nice Mile Pricing
| Tier | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Early Bird | $20 | Through June 1 |
| Adult Standard | $25 | After June 1 |
| Youth (6 to 17) | $10 | |
| Kids 5 and Under | Free | With paid adult |
| Family of 4 | $60 flat | Any combination |
| Pay What You Can | $5 minimum | Self-select at checkout |
| Spectator | Free | Donation-based at the gate |
Who Organizes the MN Mile?
Let’s Fuel Growth is a Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 99-1365869) that builds mental wellness, resilience, and authentic community through purposeful adventure. The organization works primarily with young people who have faced adversity. The MN Mile is co-presented with STAND+, in partnership with Minnetonka Schools as the community partner.
Where Do the Proceeds Go?
All net proceeds from the MN Mile fund Let’s Fuel Growth’s youth mental wellness programming. Every registration and optional donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The fundraising goal for the event is $25,000.
What Is the Full Schedule for MN Mile Day?
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00am | Track access, setup, registration and packet pickup opens |
| 9:00am | Naughty Mile Heat 1 |
| 10:00am | Naughty Mile Heat 2 |
| 11:00am | Naughty Mile Heat 3 and awards |
| 11:30am | Festival opens, Nice Mile registration |
| 12:00pm | Nice Mile Heat 1, slip and slide and bubble zone open |
| 1:00pm | Nice Mile Heat 2 |
| 2:00pm | Nice Mile Heat 3 |
| 3:00pm | Nice Mile Heat 4 |
| 3:00 to 4:30pm | Free play, festival activations, recovery zone |
| 4:30pm | Closing remarks, group photo |
| 5:00pm | Event ends |
Is Alcohol Served at the MN Mile?
No. The MN Mile features non-alcoholic beverages only, consistent with Let’s Fuel Growth’s sober-active mission. Athletic Brewing and Urban Growler NA anchor the festival beverage offerings.
Can I Volunteer at the MN Mile?
Yes. The event needs 40 to 60 volunteers across the day for shifts of 3 to 5 hours. Volunteers receive a swag bag and a meal. Email [email protected] to sign up.
How Do I Register for the MN Mile?
Registration details will be available at letsfuelgrowth.org once the landing page and Givebutter integration are live. Early bird pricing closes June 1, 2026. For questions, visit the contact page or email [email protected].