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Juneteenth Fun Run

June 20, 2026 @ 7:30 am - 11:00 am

Juneteenth Fun Run

5K and Half Mile Fun Run

June 20, 2026

Juneteenth Fun Run & 5K

Join us for the annual Juneteenth Fun Run on Saturday, June 20, 2026! All are welcome to participate in the 5K or half mile run.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, recognizing the two-and-a-half-year gap between the Emancipation Proclamation and freedom reaching all people. It is a time to honor history, celebrate freedom, and work toward a more just future. In partnership with community organizations, the Loppet Foundation hosts the Annual Juneteenth Fun Run as part of its mission to connect people to the outdoors through inclusive, year-round activities in Theodore Wirth Park, providing skiing, biking, running, and outdoor education opportunities for all ages and abilities, including youth and neighboring communities.

2026 Honoree: to be announced soon!

About 2025 Honoree: Coach Mike “Talley” Tate – Community Leader & Mentor

Raised in North Minneapolis, Coach Tate is deeply rooted in the fabric of the community. He is the first grandson of a pioneering family of 85 who relocated from Fergus Falls, and his family ties include a close connection to music legend Jimmy Jam. As a youth, Coach Tate spent his time at local institutions such as Phyllis Wheatley, Hospitality House, The Way, and North Commons Park—spaces that helped shape his commitment to community and mentorship.

Coach Tate began coaching and mentoring at North Commons Park through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board at just 15 years old. Alongside a successful 40+ year career in sales, where he broke barriers as the first Black salesman to sell cartons on the streets, he consistently volunteered as a coach, giving back to the youth of his neighborhood.

A proud single father of eight children, Coach Tate raised his family in Minneapolis and is now a grandfather to 22 grandchildren. Today, he continues to serve the community as the leader of the Northside Bulldogs and through his work with Seeds of Harvest, an organization dedicated to sustainability and empowerment on the Northside.

2024 Honoree: Beverly Propes

GALLERY

Register

2026 registration will open on January 1, 2026 at 9 a.m.

We want everyone to participate! Registration is a sliding scale from free to suggested donations to help cover costs and support the celebration of Juneteenth!

5K

Free event, donations encouraged

Free

Register

Kids Half Mile

Free event, donations encouraged

Free

Register

Proceeds from the Juneteenth Fun Run benefit the Loppet Foundation. Learn more about the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.

Registration and transaction fees are non-refundable, including in the event of delay, rescheduling, or cancellation of an event or program. An event or program registration is not transferable to another person or another event for any reason, including injury. Participating under another person’s name will result in disqualification.

A Note About the Data We Collect

Schedule & Packet Pickup

Schedule

  • 7:30am-9:00am Registration and Packet Pickup (at the Trailhead)
  • 8:50am Honoring 2026 honoree (before races start)
  • 9:00am Half Mile Fun Run
  • 9:15am 5K (starts after the Half Mile finishes)

Course Map

Paved paths of beautiful Wirth Park! Both race courses will be stroller friendly and on flat, paved paths! Check out the course below – both the 5K Fun Run and Kids Half Mile will start and finish at The Trailhead. Here is a link to a Google map version of the course as well.

The Juneteenth events are untimed. However, we will have a clock running for those that want to chase a goal time! Or establish a base time if this is your first 5K!

Transportation

Parking

This event will take place at The Trailhead (1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55422) and participants can park in The Trailhead lots, walk, take the bus or bike. Overflow parking is at Mortenson Construction (700 Meadow Ln N, Golden Valley, MN 55422) if needed.

Alternative Transportation

Bikes: We will have bike racks near the finish (bring your own lock). We encourage everyone to ride their bike to the race!

Bus: The route 7 bus that usually drops off and picks up at The Trailhead building will be dropping off at Plymouth & Xerxes so not to interfere with the run course.

Rideshare: Uber/Lyft options are a great way to avoid parking and shuttling!

EVENT SPONSORS

Learn more about Loppet Sponsorship

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Juneteenth Fun Run & 5K

FAQ

What does my donation go towards?

Entry fees and donations go towards the production of the event and The Loppet mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community!

Are dogs allowed at this event?

While we love your furry friends please leave them at home for these large Loppet events.

Are strollers allowed?

The Juneteenth Fun Run is fully on pavement and is our stroller friendly course.  All other event courses are not conducive to strollers (CityTrail Loppet, Utepils Trail Loppet, City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival, Luminary Loppet).  Spectators are welcome to have strollers around the venue though.

Who do I contact about the race if I have a question?
  • The Loppet Foundation
    1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway
    Minneapolis, MN 55422
    events@loppet.org
    612-604-5330
  • Registration: registration@loppet.org
  • Sponsorship: sponsorship@loppet.org
I have special accessibility requirements, who can I talk to about this?

Reach out to events@loppet.org and we can talk about how we can support you.

Do people ever take walking breaks during the race?

Yes! This is your race, take the breaks you need to feel good during your event. All Loppet races have course cut off times, check the participant guide for the course cut off time that you have to be finished by. 

I’m a spectator, where should I watch or what do I need to know?
  • Check the Mtec app to see if there’s live tracking for the event.
  • Check the course and transportation sections of the website for details
  • Loud cheering, fun signs, cowbells, noise makers, music are all highly encouraged.  Please keep cheers and signs positive and respectful. 
  • Food & beverages are available for purchase at the finish line (best to bring your credit card!)
Will you have merchandise available for sale?

Yes! Come check out our awesome merch in the adventure shop at the Trailhead or at the finish line.

Volunteer

Volunteers are a vital part of a Loppet event! Please sign up to volunteer by clicking the button below.

If you have any questions, please email volunteer@loppet.org.

Volunteer Signup

VOLUNTEER

Photos

2025 Photos

2024 Photos

2023 Photos

Upcoming Loppet Events

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Join the Community

Support The Loppet Foundation

The Loppet depends on our community to support our mission through donations, membership and volunteering.

Donate

Support our mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community.

Become a Member

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We depend on volunteers to ensure our programs and events offer the best experience. Lend your time at the Loppet!

Details

  • Date: June 20, 2026
  • Time:
    7:30 am - 11:00 am
  • Event Category:

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