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Juneteenth Fun Run

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

Juneteenth Fun Run

5K and Half Mile Fun Run

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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.

About 2026 Honoree: Vusumuzi Zulu

Mr. Vusumuzi Zulu is a revered storyteller, cultural bearer, and community activist whose life’s work has been dedicated to the principle of Kujichagulia—the Swahili concept of self-determination. For over four decades, he has uplifted the power of African people to define themselves, their history, and their future through the transformative art of storytelling.

A 2023 recipient of the McKnight Foundation Culture Bearers Fellowship, Mr. Zulu embraces the responsibility of transmitting the values, traditions, and wisdom of African ancestors to future generations. Through his storytelling, he channels both the ethos and pathos of the Black experience, illuminating truth, resilience, and the enduring joy of Black identity.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Zulu’s early life was shaped by constant movement and economic hardship. As he often reflects, “we moved every time the rent was due—and we paid rent every two weeks.” These formative experiences deeply inform his storytelling, grounding his narratives in lived reality while connecting them to broader historical and cultural themes.

Together with Ancestor Mother Nothando Zulu, he co-founded the Black Storytellers Alliance in Minnesota. In 1991, inspired by his first experience at the National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS) Festival and Conference, he helped launch the now-renowned “Signifyin’ & Testifyin’” storytelling festival. For more than three decades, the festival has brought together storytellers from across the globe, captivating and educating tens of thousands through powerful oral traditions.

The Black Storytellers Alliance continues to be a vital partner in community-centered initiatives such as Stories of Connection, serving as a grounding force that keeps communities connected to the true value of storytelling, cultural preservation, and shared history.

2025 Honoree: Coach Mike “Talley” Tate

2024 Honoree: Beverly Propes

2023 Honorees: Bill & Beverly Cottman

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

  • 8:00am-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)

Participant Shirt

Our Juneteenth Fun Run shirts are available for the first 300 participants at packet pickup! 

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 (4150 Meadow Ln N, Golden Valley, MN 55422) if needed.  Note: Mortenson’s front parking lot is getting repainted so the back entrance will be open for participants to use

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!

Other Juneteenth Events Happening this month in the Twin Cities:

Wednesday, June 17

  • Juneteenth Summer Concert Series: SoulFlower | St. Louis Park
    An outdoor immersive music experience at Wolfe Park Amphitheater, 3700 Grand Way. 7-8:30 p.m.
  • MPLS College Juneteenth | Minneapolis
    At 1501 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. 5-7 p.m. Free.

Thursday, June 18

  • St. Louis Park Rollin’ at the R.O.C Juneteenth Celebration
    DJ, food truck, performances, and skating at 3700 Monterey Drive. 5:30-8 p.m. Free.

Friday, June 19 — Juneteenth

  • Opal’s Walk for Freedom | St. Paul
    A 2.5-mile walk celebrating Juneteenth and honoring Ms. Opal Lee. Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul. 9 a.m.
  • Juneteenth Freedom in Motion 8 Mile Run or Bike and Kickback | Minneapolis
    With DJ Awa Mally. At 1128 Harmon Pl., No. 202. 8 a.m.-noon.
  • Juneteenth Jubilee 2026 at Showtime Studio and Coffee | St. Paul
    Live performance, art displays, bingo, arts and crafts, and good vibes at 2700 Lexington Ave. N. 1-5 p.m. Free.
  • At the Capitol: 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration | St. Paul
    Entertainment, food, community resources, and more at the Minnesota State Capitol. Noon-6 p.m. Free.
  • Rondo’s Sixth Annual Juneteenth Celebration | St. Paul
    Music, exhibits, food, and community at 315 Fisk St. Free.
  • Soul of the Southside Festival | Minneapolis
    The flagship South Minneapolis Juneteenth celebration presented by the Legacy Building. Live music, food, art, education, Black business spotlight, and community. At Lake St. and Minnehaha Ave. Noon-8 p.m. Free.
    https://soulofthesouthside.com/
  • Juneteenth Jamboree | Minneapolis
    Parade, carnival, petting zoo, car show, and live music on West Broadway Ave. N. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.
  • Juneteenth Movie on the Farm, Under the Stars | St. Paul
    Screening of Farming While Black at Frogtown Park and Farm, 946 Minnehaha Ave. W. Gather at 8:30 p.m., film at dusk. Free.
  • Juneteenth Party on the Patio with Sounds by BDF | West St. Paul
    At 175 Cesar Chavez St. 6-11 p.m.
  • Juneteenth Day of Freedom Celebration at Casa Afrik Lounge | Brooklyn Park
    Music, drinks, and good vibes at 8515 Edinburgh Centre Drive. 11 p.m.
  • Soul Train Night by Drunken Monkee | Minneapolis
    DJ sets by Tek, Cousin Chris, and Ms. Lakesha, plus performances at Ice House. 7 p.m. Ticketed.
  • Juneteenth Summer Concert Series: SoulFlower | St. Louis Park
    Outdoor immersive music experience at Wolfe Park Amphitheater. 7-8:30 p.m.
  • Juneteenth Summer Kickoff Party at Union Rooftop | Minneapolis
    Presented in part by Bossup Q, Union, and DJ Sha. Views, music, and good energy. 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
  • Maple Grove’s Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration | Maple Grove
    Live music, food, vendor fair, and family-friendly activities at Town Green Park, 7991 Main St. 5-9 p.m.
  • St. Cloud’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration | St. Cloud
    Live music, basketball tournament, Wonderland Kids Zone, and more at Lake George Park. Noon-7 p.m.
  • Winona’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration | Winona
    Food, community, live music, and family-friendly activities at Windom Park. 5 p.m.
  • Marshall Juneteenth Food Truck Festival | Marshall
    Food, face painting, and music at Third Street Plaza (N. 3rd St.) hosted by the City of Marshall. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Virginia 6th Annual Iron Range Juneteenth Celebration by VEMA | Virginia
    Food, music, vendors, and family activities at 500 Block Chestnut Street. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Mankato Unity for the Community Juneteenth Celebration | Mankato
    Live performance, keynote speaker, and DJ at 12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 1700. 7 p.m.-1 a.m.

Saturday, June 20

  • Juneteenth Fun Run Honoring Vusumuzi Zulu | Minneapolis
    5K and half mile, family friendly. At The Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway. 7:30-11 a.m.
  • Black Garnet Books Juneteenth Vendor Fair | St. Paul
    At Black Garnet Books, 1319 University Ave. W. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free.
  • For the Culture Juneteenth Festival | St. Paul
    Food trucks, photo booth, DJ, and more at 1690 S. Robert St. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • The Black Market Events x Summer Cypher Joint: Juneteenth Fresh Wit It | Minneapolis
    At Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE. 4-10 p.m.
  • The Late Night Social Juneteenth Celebration: Family Reunion Vibes at Par365 | Roseville
    Competition, food, and good vibes at 2655 Patton Road. 8 p.m.-midnight. RSVP required.
  • Movement Werk Community Dance Party | Minneapolis
    With DJ Dandara and MMYYKK at The Capri. 3-7 p.m.
  • Bloomington Juneteenth Celebration | Bloomington
    Family-friendly activities, food, culture, and fun at Civic Plaza. 4-8 p.m. Free.
  • 2026 Juneteenth Celebration at North Hennepin Community College | The Brooklyns
    Live performances, food trucks, and family activities at North Hennepin Community College. 1-4 p.m. Free.
  • Burnsville Juneteenth Celebration | Burnsville
    DJ, live music, games, face painting, and more at Nicollet Commons Park, 12550 Nicollet. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free.

Sunday, June 21

  • A Sunset Juneteenth Rooftop Party Hosted by Ebonnie C. | Minneapolis
    At Kiss Lounge, Uptown. Food, drinks, hookah, and good people. 6-10 p.m.
  • Eagan Juneteenth Celebration | Eagan
    A day of music, food, games, and celebration at Eagan Community Center Festival Grounds. 3-7 p.m.

EVENT SPONSORS

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

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Details

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

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