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RunningRace day in 54 days

Backpack Challenge Readathon

Date
August 1–31, 2026
Distance
Backpack Challenge Readathon
Register →

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

Backpack Challenge ReadathonSat, Aug 1 · 12:01 AMRegister →

Weather

Typical Conditions

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.

Sunrise 5:59 AMSunset 8:40 PMDaylight 14h 42m

Host City

About Saint Paul, MN

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

What Are You
Waiting For?

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

Race
Backpack Challenge Readathon
Date
August 1–31, 2026

From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

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.

Read the Guide

Running

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)

What is the Backpack Challenge Readathon?
Backpack Challenge Readathon is a running race held in Saint Paul, Minnesota on August 1, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the Backpack Challenge Readathon?
Saturday, August 1, 2026 in Saint Paul, Minnesota at 4662 Slater Road, Saint Paul, MN. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Backpack Challenge Readathon?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Backpack Challenge Readathon

Aug 1, 2026

Register →