The MN Mile 2026: Everything You Need to Know About Minnetonka’s Youth Mental Wellness Benefit
The MN Mile is a one-day, two-event benefit for youth mental wellness at Minnetonka High School Track on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Presented by Let’s Fuel Growth and STAND+, in partnership with Minnetonka Schools, the event combines a competitive timed mile with a family festival mile. Every dollar raised goes directly to mental wellness programming for Minnesota youth.
This is not a typical fun run. The MN Mile splits into two distinct events under one roof, each built for a different kind of showing up.
The MN Naughty Mile: A Timed, Competitive Mile
The Naughty Mile is four laps, three heats, and zero places to hide. A chipped, timed, all-out competitive mile built for athletes, founders, trainers, and anyone who wants to put a number on their fitness.
Three heats run at 9am, 10am, and 11am. Each heat holds 60 runners. Total field cap: 180 racers. STAND+ shoes on the feet of the field. Awards for top finishers in each heat.
Every racer gets chip timing, a bib, a finisher tee, a swag bag, and full access to the festival that follows.
Naughty Mile Pricing
- 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 ($35 per racer)
The MN Nice Mile: A Family Festival Mile
The Nice Mile is the afternoon half of the event, running from 12pm to 4pm. One rule: you cannot do the same movement twice in a lap. Walk a lap, skip a lap, sidestep a lap, dance a lap. Built for kids, parents, grandparents, and anyone who wants to move on their own terms.
Heats run at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. All ages welcome. Strollers welcome. Wheelchairs welcome.
Plus: a giant slip and slide, a bubble zone, ice baths and saunas for adults, a DJ, food trucks, a vendor village, and recovery activations all afternoon.
Nice Mile Pricing
- Adult Early Bird: $20 (through June 1)
- Adult Standard: $25 (after June 1)
- Youth (6 to 17): $10
- Kids 5 and Under: Free with a paid adult
- Family of 4 (any combination): $60 flat
- Pay What You Can: $5 minimum
- Spectator: Free (donation-based at the gate)
Want both events? Register for the same-day combo and take $15 off.
Schedule for the Day
| Time | What is Happening |
|---|---|
| 8:00am | Track access begins, 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 |
Why the MN Mile Exists
Let’s Fuel Growth is a Minnesota 501(c)(3) building mental wellness, resilience, and authentic community through purposeful adventure. The organization works with young people who have faced adversity and need somewhere to put it.
The MN Mile is the flagship summer benefit. 100 percent of net proceeds fund LFG youth programming. Every registration, plus any optional donation, is tax-deductible. Let’s Fuel Growth EIN: 99-1365869.
This event exists because movement, community, and showing up together can do more for a young person’s mental health than another pamphlet or another assembly. The competitive mile tests what you are made of. The family mile proves it does not have to be serious to be meaningful.
Partners
The MN Mile is co-presented by Let’s Fuel Growth and STAND+, with Minnetonka Schools as the community partner. Additional major partners, activation partners, and community partners will be announced as sponsorships close. Interested in bringing your brand to the MN Mile? Email [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the MN Mile?
Minnetonka High School Track, Minnetonka, MN. Free parking on site. The track and infield are wheelchair accessible.
What if it rains?
The event runs rain or shine. In severe weather (lightning or extreme heat), timing changes will be communicated by email and social media.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. The event needs 40 to 60 volunteers across the day. Email [email protected] to sign up.
Will there be alcohol?
No. The MN Mile features non-alcoholic beverages only, consistent with LFG’s sober-active mission. Athletic Brewing and Urban Growler NA anchor the festival.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes. The Nice Mile is built for families. Kids 5 and under are free with a paid adult. Strollers are welcome.
What if I cannot afford the entry fee?
The Nice Mile has a Pay What You Can option starting at $5. Community partner codes are also available for the sober-active and recovery community. Email [email protected] if cost is a barrier.
Is the Naughty Mile timed officially?
Yes. Chip-timed in three heats, with results published the same day.
Get Involved
Registration details will be live soon at letsfuelgrowth.org. Whether you are racing, walking, volunteering, or donating, every form of showing up matters. If you have ever wished there were more things like this in your community, this is your chance to make one happen.
Questions? Reach out at letsfuelgrowth.org/contact-us or email [email protected].