The Milk Run is a running event in Ely, Iowa, offering 1-mile and 5K distances. The race takes place on June 6, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM from 1600 Main Street. Entry is $30.00 per participant. Whether you're looking for a short warm-up effort or a standard 5K distance, this local race provides both options in a straightforward format. Ely's small-town setting makes it an accessible option for runners traveling to northeast Iowa for early summer racing.
From the Race Organizer
That's right, the Milk Run is back! Join us for the third annual 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗸 𝗥𝘂𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 6 𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝘁 𝟵 𝗮𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲-𝗮-𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, which benefits local food pantries by filling their coolers with wholesome farm fresh milk. Dairy products, especially milk, are the #1 requested products from food pantries, but they are seldom donated. Last year over 420 half gallons of milk were donated to HACAP and distributed to their partnering agencies, which are made up of food pantries throughout the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Area. This fun run (5k and 1-mile) will take you on a trip through the city of Ely. The Milk Run is a family friendly fun run, and we even have group pricing so the whole family can enjoy the race, and get a deal! And new this year - both the 5k and 1-mile races will be chip timed! So you can know your finial time, and still enjoy the thrill of just running for the fun of it (or chocolate milk!). Whatever your motivations are, you will be making a difference! The cut off to secure your t-shirt is midnight on Sunday, May 17th - so be sure to register today to secure your shirt! Packet Pickup Pre-Race Day Packet Pick Up: Runners may pick up their race packets before race day between 12 pm - 6 pm on Friday, June 5th at Dan and Debbie’s Creamery. Please come with a photo ID for your packet. If picking up for a spouse or family member, one runner must have an ID. Your race bib will be in your race packet, there will be a $10 extra charge if you forget your race bib on race day. Race Day Packet Pick Up: Race day packet pick-up will be available on June 6th between 8 am - 8:30 am outside of Dan and Debbie's Creamery. We recommend getting there early in order to have enough time to get your packet and be ready to race! Race Information The 5k race and 1 mile run will begin at 9 am, with the 5k starting first, and the 1-mile starting just after the 5k is underway. Pre-race announcements will begin at 8:50 am at the start line. The start and finish lines will be just outside of Dan and Debbie's Creamery. A post-race FREE pint of Dan and Debbie’s chocolate milk will be available for all registered runners directly following the race. Pre-registered participants are eligible to receive a Milk Run t-shirt. Shirts are only guaranteed to those who register by May 17th. Dan and Debbie’s Creamery will reach out via email the week of the race to share additional information and keep you up to date! Race Rules This race is a fun run to benefit those in need of farm fresh dairy products. This run will be chip-timed, but there will not be awards, ever runners reward is a pint of chocolate milk! Strollers are welcome at this race! Dogs, bikes, or motorized vehicles are not allowed at this race. Note : This race does take place on a public trail, so please obey the rules of the road and be aware of public runners and bikers using the public trail. Please follow our Facebook event and social media pages for weather related closures and postponements.
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Ely, IA. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for June 6.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Ely, IA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
The Milk Run 2026 — Ely, IA takes place on June 6, 2026. The race is held in Ely, Iowa.
Where is The Milk Run 2026 — Ely, IA held?
The Milk Run 2026 — Ely, IA is held at 1600 Main Street in Ely, Iowa.
Where can I find hotels near The Milk Run 2026 — Ely, IA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Ely. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
