
From the Organizer
The MREF Backpack Challenge Readathon is an industry fundraiser that will involve your entire family! Get ready for back-to-school season – and help underprivileged children in the U.S. – just by reading books.
Our goal is to send hundreds of backpacks full of essential supplies to students in need!
Individuals: Join a book club to track your minutes reading, compare your progress with others on the leaderboard, share photos – and open a good book for a good cause.
Sponsors: Become a sponsor to set up a book club and invite your employees to join! Choose a book or theme to help spark discussion among your club or encourage everyone to pick up their favorite book. Email Alana Gates at alana@mrgivesback.org for more information.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
82°
Typical Low
64°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from St Paul Downtown Ap, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
307,762
as of 2023
Elevation
914 ft
Nearest Airport
MSP
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field · 8 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Backpack Challenge Readathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
54
Days to train
Coming Up
Run More Judge Less | A Mile in My Shoes Community Run | June 11, 2026
Less than a mile away
Treat Trot - St. Paul
Less than a mile away
2026 Unified 5K - Twin Cities
Less than a mile away
JUNIOR CAMPS
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Backpack Challenge Readathon
Aug 1, 2026