June 14, 2025

Juneteenth Fun Run

5K and Half Mile Fun Run

The Loppet Foundation :: Events :: Juneteenth Fun Run

A fun run for Junteeenth

Join us for the annual Juneteenth Fun Run on Saturday, June 14, 2025! All are welcome to participate in the 5K or half mile run.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Juneteenth recognizes that it took two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation for all enslaved people to be freed. Celebrating Juneteenth allows us to recognize history, and build for the future. Juneteenth celebrates freedom, and together we hope to claim a better tomorrow. In partnership with community and community organizations, the Loppet brings you the Annual Juneteenth Fun Run.

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.

Register for 5K and Fun Run

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!

	Price
5K Run	FREE
Half Mile	FREE

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

SATURDAY

7:30am-9:00am Registration and Packet Pickup (at the Trailhead)

8:50am Honoring 2025 honoree (before races start)

9:00am Half Mile Fun Run

9:15am 5K (starts after the Half Mile finishes)

Logistics

Course and Timing

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!

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.

Note: 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.

Additional Fun

Free Shirt (for the first 225 people to pick up their packet)! Keep your bib number as a memento!
Post-race snack and beverages!
Music

Juneteenth Shirt (2024 shown below, 2025 design coming soon!)

About the Shirt Artist: Ashley Koudou is a multidimensional designer. Her work as an illustrator puts black women at the center and takes a peek into their everyday lives, dreams and fantasies. This work has given her the opportunity to collaborate with other small black women owned businesses. She draws inspiration from her culture as an Ivorian in America as well as her own experiences and the experiences of the black women around her. Ashley has been described as a multipotentialite because her interest in all things creative is vast and ever-expanding. Her artistic background began with drawing and painting, but it has expanded to many mediums, from animation to ceramics. Ashley is the founder of Mango Arts Minneapolis. A creative organization dedicated towards expanding the creative economy for artists and helping small businesses build their brand. She believes in the richness diverse cultures and identities bring to Minneapolis and is a part of her mission to serve those communities. See more of Ashley’s work.

Volunteer

Volunteers are a vital part of an Loppet event! Please sign up to volunteer by clicking the button below. If you have any questions, please email volunteer@loppet.org.