
From the Organizer
Miles for Minds is a community driven initiative built on a simple belief: Make reading fun.
There are 3 main events: The In-person 5k run/walk, the virtual 5k, and the Literacy Quest (1 mile activity walk).
Miles for Minds is a chip timed 5k run/walk located at the Historic Band Shell in East Park. The route will follow the trails of East Park following the beautiful Winnebago, before turning through town and eventually ending in a sprint finish in front of the band shell.
The 5k will be followed by a family, untimed, literacy themed, Literacy Quest walk. This will include several stations set up along the trails of East Park themed around their favorite children's books.
There will be food available by a local favorite food truck, The LaHa sisters, so everyone will have the chance to fill up with delicious food once all of the activities are finished!
The digital 5k will not be chip timed but submissions for completion will be the day of the event from 5:00am to 10:00pm. Medals can be picked up at a later date at an announced location.
Through this local 5k, other local events, and partnerships, Miles for Minds raises funds and awareness to support literacy and learning opportunities for children and families. Whether it’s providing books, supporting reading programs, or creating access to educational resources, every step taken helps build stronger minds and brighter futures.
This isn’t just about running, it’s about coming together as a community to invest in the next generation. Participants, sponsors, and supporters all play a role in turning movement into meaningful impact.
At its core, Miles for Minds is about making reading synonymous with Mason City.
Make sure to follow the official Facebook page for the latest updates.
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
75°
Typical Low
52°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Mason City, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
27,135
as of 2023
City Elevation
1,137 ft
Nearest Airport
MCW
Mason City Municipal Airport · 7 mi
Major Hub
DSM
Des Moines International Airport · 114 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Miles for Minds: 5k and 1 Mile Literacy Quest, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
87
Days to train
Coming Up
Claydigger 5K Run/Walk & Kids 400m Dash
18 miles away
Clear Lake Freedom 5K presented by Kingland
10 miles away
Charley Western Firecracker 5
27 miles away
Forest City Puckerbrush Days Color Run 5K
24 miles 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)
Miles for Minds: 5k and 1 Mile Literacy Quest
Sep 12, 2026