Miles for Minds: 5k and 1 Mile Literacy Quest 2026 — Mason City, IA

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.