Run More Judge Less | A Mile in My Shoes Community Run | June 11, 2026

Run More, Judge Less 5K & 1-Mile 
A Mile in My Shoes Community Run
Thursday, June 11 • 6:00–9:00 PM | Minnesota State Fairgrounds 

Join Mile in My Shoes (MiMS) for our signature 5K race now with a new name and at an exciting new location - the State Fairgrounds! 

The Run More, Judge Less 5K (formerly the Downtown Run Around) is more than a race — it’s a gathering rooted in belonging. Hosted by Mile in My Shoes, this inclusive community run is built on the belief that the transformative power of running should be accessible to everyone — especially those who have been historically excluded from traditional running spaces. We invite people of all backgrounds, paces, and lived experiences to come together and move side by side. 

New for 2026, we’re excited to offer both a 5K and a 1-mile distance, in partnership with Midsummer Mile, creating more accessible entry points into movement and community. Held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on a summer evening, this is less about the finish line and more about what happens when people move together without judgment.

Join us in person for the run and a post-race party with Kemps chocolate milk and recovery drinks, custom cookie medals, Jonny Pops, fruit, a finisher photo area, and more. Kids can join a free quarter-mile run.

You can also join virtually and support Mile in My Shoes members from anywhere.  

No pressure. No labels. Just people, moving together.
 

More about Mile in My Shoes
At Mile in My Shoes, we view running as a tool for both personal and collective transformation. By centering people and spaces historically excluded by the running community, our teams use movement as a catalyst for social justice. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, our Resident Members and Run Mentors not only find common ground but learn from and reach out to one another for support. As we transform ourselves, we transform one another, and we transform our communities.

In-person schedule of events on Thursday, June 11:

• 4:30pm Packet pick-up and Race Day Registration opens
• 6:00pm Welcome & Group Warm-Up
• 6:30pm Kids' 1/4 mile race start
• 6:40pm Midsummer Mile race start
• 7:00pm RMJL 5K race start
• 7:45pm Karuna Yoga post-race cool down

Course Maps

• 5K Course Map
• 1Mile Course Map
• Kids Race Course Map

The Downtown Run Around features a 5K two-lap loop course on the University of Minnesota campus. The course will be on the sidewalks of the campus, including a crossing of the Mississippi River with beautiful views of the river, city skyline and Bohemian Flats. While the course won’t be closed, there will be very little other traffic and the race will be chip-timed. The course will start and finish on the lawn of Northrop Auditorium Plaza (84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455).

For our Virtual 5K you run wherever you choose! To mix things up you could run one of your usual routes at an unusual time of day, try a trail if you usually run on roads, or be creative and explore a new area of your own downtown or use mapping software (like MapMyRun) to design your own course that draws a picture). You can track your route using a GPS watch, Strava, Map My Run, or other distance app. Wherever you decide to run, we’d love to see pictures and hear your story on the MiMS Community Facebook page!

The Kids 1/3 mile race will take place on the Northrop Mall.

For questions particularly about the in-person or virtual races, please visit the FAQs page.

What time are the in-person events on Thursday, June 11?  

• 4:30pm Packet pick-up and Race Day Registration opens
• 6:00pm Welcome & Group Warm-Up
• 6:30pm Kids' 1/4 mile race start
• 6:40pm Midsummer Mile race start
• 7:00pm RMJL 5K race start
• 7:45pm Karuna Yoga post-race cool down

Where is the in-person race on Thursday, June 11?

• The race will start and finish at 1550 Underwood St, Falcon Heights, MN 55113 

  • 5K Course map
  • 1Mile Course map
  • Kids' 1/4 mile Course map

How do I get my race packet?

• See our race website for packet pickup details. We strongly encourage picking up prior to race day, thank you!

Where Do I Park?

Parking ramps nearby: 

• Parking is available in the Camel Lot at the north end of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on Hoyt Avenue W and Underwood St. There is ample parking for all participants in this lot and the lots directly adjacent. This lot can be accessed from both directions on Snelling Avenue.

Is public transportation available?

Yes, check out our FAQ page for more info. For help planning your trip on public transportation you can use a website such as this one.

Is there a bag drop available during the race?

• Again this year we will have an informal bag drop for those who would like near the registration table. Please note that MiMS does not accept responsibility for your items so please do not plan to leave valuables. 

Can I switch between the in-person and virtual events after I register?

• If you register for an in-person race but decide you would rather switch to participating virtually, simply contact us to transfer your registration. If you register for the virtual event, the ability to transfer to the in-person race will be dependent upon any current restrictions on the size of the field and the number of people already registered but we will do our best to make the change for you.

Will Mile in My Shoes members be participating?

• There are over 200 MiMS Alumni Members and Run Mentors who will be training for the Run More, Judge Less 5K. Look for members' stories and track runners' training progress on our MiMS Community Facebook group. 

Is the race accessible?

• We welcome athletes and spectators of all abilities to participate. There are no stairs on the race route.

Are strollers allowed?

• Strollers are allowed on the race course and during the Kids race. We ask that if you plan to run with a stroller that you start at the back of the group and, because this is a double-loop course, make efforts to be conscious of the faster runners who may come up behind you and move out of the way for them.  

Are dogs allowed?

• While dogs on leashes of 6ft or less are allowed at the State Fairgrounds, we will NOT allow dogs on the race course for the safety of race participants. 

Have a question you don't see answered here?

• Email us at runmorejudgeless5k@mileinmyshoes.mn

How do I get my race packet?
We will host packet pick-up pre-race as well as on race day. We strongly encourage picking up prior to race day, thank you!

Saturday, 6/6 from 11am - 3pm @ Location TBD
Sunday, 6/7 from 11am - 3pm @ Location TBD
Wednesday, 6/10 from 3 - 6:30pm @ Location TBD
Race Day, Thursday, 6/11 from 4:30 - 7pm at MN State Fairgrounds
Where Do I Park?
Parking is available in the Camel Lot at the north end of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on Hoyt Avenue W and Underwood St. There is ample parking for all participants in this lot and the lots directly adjacent. This lot can be accessed from both directions on Snelling Avenue.
Is public transportation available?
Yes, details coming soon.
Is there a bag drop available during the race?
Again this year we will have an informal bag drop for those who would like near the registration table. Please note that MiMS does not accept responsibility for your items so please do not plan to leave valuables. 
Can I switch between the in-person and virtual events after I register?
If you register for an in-person race but decide you would rather switch to participating virtually, simply contact us to transfer your registration. If you register for the virtual event, the ability to transfer to the in-person race will be dependent upon any current restrictions on the size of the field and the number of people already registered but we will do our best to make the change for you.

This is the Virtual FAQ. For general questions about the Run More, Judge Less 5K/1M please click here.

What is the “virtual” Run More, Judge Less 5K?

• A virtual race is a race that can be run or walked from any location and time you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on a road, trail, treadmill, or on a track. You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself. You then enter your time results on the race registration page. 

Can the virtual runners still participate as FundRacers?

• Yes, Mile in My Shoes programs need your fundraising support more than ever! Our members are counting on us to continue to find new & creative ways to keep them connected and running -- you will be given the opportunity to sign up during registration, or you are invited to sign up here. Your efforts help us to continue to provide gear, incentives, and mentorship to our current and future members. 

How do I enter my results?

In order to have your results be on the official results page, you will need to enter your results by following these steps:

• Go to the results page and find your registration by either searching for your name or email address.
• Click on “Submit Virtual Results” under the “Events” column. Now enter your time for the race or simply check the “I finished, but did not time my run” box
• Results will be accepted until 5 pm on Monday June 10

How do I print out my finisher’s certificate?

• Go to the results page.
• In the “Result Set” drop-down menu, choose “MiMS Run More, Judge Less 5K” then search for your name or email address
• Click on your name then choose “Certificate”

How will I get my race packet (t-shirt and race number)?

• For local Twin Cities residents, please plan to pick up your gear at one of the packet pickup dates. 
• If you chose the mailing option at registration (for registrants living outside the Twin Cities area), your t-shirt and any purchased merchandise will be mailed to you on or before the week of June 8 (race week) so you have your gear in time for race day. For both in-person and virtual races, to guarantee you receive your shirt by race day, be sure to register by May 9.

Can I switch between the in-person and virtual events after I register?

• If you registered for an in-person race but decide you would rather switch to participating virtually, you simply email us and ask to transfer your registration. If you registered for the virtual event, the ability to transfer to the in-person race will be dependent upon any current restrictions on the size of the field and the number of people already registered but we will do our best to meet your request.

Can I join a team if I'm doing a virtual race?

• Creating or joining a team is a way to make your race experience extra fun - giving you a great excuse to connect with friends or family and win prizes! Team members can be a combination of any age, gender, distance and in-person or virtual registrants -- so friends and family from anywhere can join you. One team member will create the team when they register and then send the team name out to your future teammates, who will choose that team when they register. Teams are encouraged to run at the same time from wherever they are, use technology to connect with one another, and get creative in making a fun race experience! 
• Did you already register, and decided to join or create a team afterwards? No problem. Simply go to your RunSignUp profile, click on "Manage Registration" and scroll down to where it says "Groups/Teams."
• Race staff are happy to help if you have any questions about teams. Email us at runmorejudgeless5k@mileinmyshoes.mn.

Where should I run the virtual Run More, Judge Less 5K?

• You can run or walk your race anywhere you like! Make up your own route or you can use a site or app like MapMyRun to measure and map out a course ahead of time. You may also use a treadmill if you’d prefer.

How do I show that I am participating?

• Share your photos and videos using the hashtags #RunMoreJudgeLess and #MileinMyShoes on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and follow us on those platforms! 

How many miles is a 5K?

• 5K = 3.1 miles

How should I track my run?

• For an outdoor run, you will need a tracking device to help you measure the 3.1 miles. Any smartwatch, GPS device or phone app that tracks mileage is acceptable. You can also measure a course in advance on a website such as MapMyRun or Google Maps, and then time yourself using a watch. When you complete your run, you will enter your time on the registration page. (Specific instructions for entering your time are listed above and also will be emailed to you.)  

When should I run my race?

• Ideally, everyone will run on June 11th, but you can run whenever it fits in your schedule before June 12! You must complete your race and submit your time by 5 pm on June 12 to be included in the official results. 

Still have questions?

• Email us at runmorejudgeless5k@mileinmyshoes.mn

Check out the MiMS FundRacer Toolkit for all sorts of tips & tricks. Email our team at fundracing@mileinmyshoes.mn with any questions.

Packet Pickup in the Twin Cities for both In-person and Virtual Races

• Thursday, June 5 from 3:30 - 6:30pm at Mill City Running (411 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis)
• Friday, June 6 from 2:30 - 5:30pm at Saint City Running (767 Cleveland Ave South, Saint Paul)
• Race morning: Saturday, June 7 from 7 am-8:30 am at Northrop Plaza (84 Church St SE SE, Minneapolis)

We strongly encourage picking up prior to race morning, thank you!

All local Twin Cities registrants for both in-person and virtual events should plan to pick up your goodies during one of the listed times (unless you chose the mailing option at registration).  As a special incentive, Mill City/Saint City Running is offering a 20% off coupon for everyone picking up in person. If you will be picking up for more than three people, please notify us in advance if possible, and we will have your gear ready for you so you don’t have to wait. 

In-person schedule of events on Saturday, June 7:

• 7:00 am Day-of registration and packet pick-up opens
• 8:10 am Welcome & warm-up 
• 8:40 am Kids 1/3 mile race
• 9:00 am 5K race start 
• 10:15 am Karuna Yoga post-race cool down

Bag Check

We will host a bag check near the registration table again this year. This bag check will be staffed by a volunteer at all times, however we do not assume responsibility for items so please leave valuables at home/in vehicle. 

Race location on Saturday, June 7:

The race will start on Church St SE and finish in front of Northrop Plaza, 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

• Site map
• 5K Course map
• Kids' 1/3 Mile Course Map

Transportation:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Travel and parking at this year’s event will be impacted by construction at the University of Minnesota and on I-94.  Please review the details below and plan to arrive early to avoid anticipated congestion on University Ave and into our main parking ramps at the Church St Garage, Washington Avenue Parking Ramp, and Fourth Street Parking Ramp.

University Avenue and Church St SE

• University Avenue is reduced to one lane eastbound between 13th Avenue and Oak Street with closures on Pleasant Street SE and Church St SE.  
• Cars will follow detour signs at East River Road to access the Church St Garage and Washington Avenue Parking Ramp from University Avenue.
• Access to the Fourth Street Parking Ramp from University Avenue and 4th St is not impacted.
  See a map of the detour here.

 I-94 Major Construction

• I-94 is reduced to two lanes in both directions between 11th Ave South and Franklin Ave Southeast.
• Huron Blvd to I-94 ramp is closed.  See detours below.
• Huron Blvd. to eastbound I-94 detour
• Huron Blvd. to westbound I-94 detour

Parking ramps near Northrop Plaza: 

• Church St Garage - 80 Church St. SE (closest, less than 1 block away)
• Washington Avenue Ramp - 501 Washington Ave SE (less than a quarter mile from Northrop)
• 4th St Ramp - 1625 SE Fourth St (just under half-mile walk)
• Some limited metered parking on surrounding streets.

You can reach Northrop Plaza by bus lines 2, 264, 3 & 6. The closest light rail station is on the GREEN LINE, the East Bank station is under a half mile away. For help planning your trip on public transportation you can use a website such as this one.

Get a bonus workout in and arrive by bicycle! There are bike racks next to Northrop Plaza.

More questions?

Race FAQ

FAQ for Virtual Races

What Is Mile in My Shoes?

Based in homeless shelters, addiction recovery programs and re-entry centers for people exiting incarceration, Mile in My Shoes views running as a tool for both personal and collective transformation. By centering people and spaces historically excluded by the running community, our teams use movement as a catalyst for social justice. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, our Resident Members and Run Mentors not only find common ground, but learn from and reach out to one another for support. As we transform ourselves, we transform one another, and we transform our communities.

Our Mission
We run together to transform ourselves, one another, and our community.

Our Vision
We connect communities to heal past wounds, break generational cycles, disrupt oppressive systems, and contribute to a more caring, just, and equitable world.

Our Values

Guided by the following philosophies and values, we:

Prioritize Inclusion & Safety: We believe everyone should be able to run, and do so safely - especially those historically excluded from running spaces.
Show Up: We show up, are present, and honor the potential we see in ourselves and one another. 
Have an open & curious mindset: Genuine interest in one another, and our own willingness to be vulnerable, lead to community connectedness and shifts in perceptions.
Embrace the Challenge(s): We grow by being challenged. Whether it be a difficult conversation, workout, or mood, we commit to embracing the hard stuff in order to grow. 
Recognize Our Collective Value: Every person brings to the circle their own unique lived experiences, and every person brings value. Therefore, everyone who joins us makes us better.

100% of the proceeds from this event will go directly to Mile in My Shoes, a 501(c)(3) organization.

The Run More, Judge Less 5K/1M is important for MiMS in two ways: it brings together MiMS participants and community runners and it serves as our biggest fundraising event of the year. 

Our members face the harsh realities of experiencing homelessness, incarceration and addiction. Getting back on track can seem insurmountable, and often, the hardest step is the first one. But when you FundRace with Mile in My Shoes, you fuel our members’ ambition to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

FundRacers help MiMS raise crucial support for our programs while they train for the race. How? They connect with their circles with requests for donations that go directly to support weekly runs, provide running gear, and cover race-entry fees for MiMS program participants. There are many creative ways to meet you FundRacing goal - host a fundraising party, offer your special skills as thanks for donations (homemade cookies, anyone?), share why you support MiMS on social media, or connect with local businesses to see how they can support you - to name just a few!

It’s easy to opt in to FundRacing right when you register. FundRacers receive tips and resources, stories and insight from past FundRacers, and contests and incentives to motivate you all the way to the finish line. Even if you've already registered or if you don't plan to run the race, you can still sign up to become a FundRacer here. Because there is no minimum to raise, there is no risk to creating a FundRacing page and giving it a try! 

Check out the incentives you can earn:

$100: MiMS logo 2x3" sticker for your car, water bottle or laptop
$310: All of the above AND MiMS custom run buff
$500: All of the above AND our official Mile in My Shoes technical T-shirt or tank
$750: All of the above PLUS exclusive MiMS pullover hoodie
$1000: Your very own cheer zone at the 2026 Run More Judge Less 5K/1M

Make your miles more meaningful. Create your FundRacing page today!

The Run More, Judge Less 5K/1M is important for MiMS in two ways: it brings together MiMS participants and community runners and it serves as our biggest fundraising event of the year. 

Our members face the harsh realities of experiencing homelessness, incarceration and addiction. Getting back on track can seem insurmountable, and often, the hardest step is the first one. But when you FundRace with Mile in My Shoes, you fuel our members’ ambition to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Read about the impact MiMS has on our runners here. 

FundRacers help MiMS raise crucial support for our programs while they train for the race. How? They connect with their circles with requests for donations that go directly to support weekly runs, provide running gear, and cover race-entry fees for MiMS program participants. There are many creative ways to meet your FundRacing goal - host a fundraising party, offer your special skills as thanks for donations (homemade cookies, anyone?), share why you support MiMS on social media, or connect with local businesses to see how they can support you - to name just a few! Questions? Email us at fundracing@mileinmyshoes.mn

It’s easy to opt in to FundRacing right when you register. FundRacers receive tips and resources, stories and insight from past FundRacers, and contests and incentives to motivate you all the way to the finish line. Even if you've already registered or if you don't plan to run the race, you can still sign up to become a FundRacer here. Because there is no minimum to raise, there is no risk to creating a FundRacing page and giving it a try! You can also start a FundRacing Team and invite other to raise with you as a group!

Take a look at the incentives you can earn:

• $100: MiMS logo 2x3" sticker for your car, water bottle or laptop
• $310: All of the above AND MiMS custom run buff
• $500: All of the above AND our official Mile in My Shoes technical T-shirt or tank
• $750: All of the above PLUS exclusive MiMS supersoft hoodie
• $1000: Your very own cheer zone at the 2026 Run More, Judge Less 5K

Add meaning to your miles. Create your FundRacing page today!

COMING SOON: commemorative super-soft t-shirt -- available in unisex, femme ("Women's") cut and kid's sizing. Register by May 9 to guarantee your size.