The Mill Towns Race Series

What a Day!

Thank you to everyone who ran the 2026 Mill Towns Race Series, powered by Post Consumer Brands! You battled the heat and wind and did what you needed to do to stay safe.

We had 199 runners who started their races and 185 crossed the finish line. Some dropped a loop or two due to the heat but we awarded them medals for the distance they completed.

While the weather wasn't ideal for many new personal records, it didn't stop Megan Corey from setting the Guinness World Record for rucking a half marathon with a 40-pound sack and thereby also breaking the 20-pound record! Megan came in at 2:03:11, better than 10 minutes ahead of the 2:15:00 required! Amazing!

Check out this Star Tribune story about Megan and rucking. WCCO-TV/CBS Minnesota also covered Megan's world-record ruck.

2026 Mill Towns Race Series Winners:

10K: Janet Smith of Dundas, MN, in 40:38 (just :16 off the course record!), and Jason Aldorfer of Northfield, MN, in 44:42
Half Marathon: Trevor LaVigne of Austin, MN, in 1:28:16; and Andie Burton of St. Paul, MN, in 1:28:52
RRCA Championship Marathon: Brett Christians of Northfield, MN, in 2:59:12, and Michelle Meyer of Lakeville, MN, in 3:33:14

RRCA Championship Marathon Age Group Winners:

40-49: Justin Hunter of Eden Prairie, MN, and Morgan Scott of Boulder, CO
50-59: Bob Hoad of Savage, MN
60+: Michael Swanson of Plymouth, MN

There were no female marathoners over age 50 who completed the marathon

2026 Mill Towns Race Series Results

The results from the 2025 Mill Towns Race Series can be found here:

Approachable & Logistically Easy

The Mill Towns Race Series, powered by Post Consumer Brands, offers chip-timed marathon, half marathon and 10K distances, all run on a flat, scenic course. The marathon is a Boston-qualifying, certified course.

Take the stress out of racing toward your next PR or running your first half marathon or marathon!

The races start and finish in Memorial Park in the Mill Town of Dundas, where you'll also park, pick up your bib and enjoy pre- and post-race festivities. We will have water stops, finish line food and fun, race bibs and finisher medals. NEW FOR 2026: an optional race shirt you can order when you register. Our looping, tree-lined course takes you along the Cannon River from Dundas to the other Mill Town, Northfield, and then back again. The 10K completes one loop, the half marathon two loops and the marathon four loops.

We don't have long lines, parking headaches or an expo to add to your schedule. We will be offering packet pick up ahead of race day for those who prefer that option. Race-day packet pickup will still be available and quick.

The Mill Towns Race Series is sanctioned by the USATF and as such follows USATF competition rules for long distance and road events (Section VII; page 143). The marathon and half marathon are run on USATF certified course MN24023MAB.

The Northfield / Dundas community has earned a distinction only bestowed upon 48 others in the entire United States. It has been designated a Runner Friendly Community by the Road Runner's Club of America. Your Pace or Mine Running Club worked in collaboration with local government and community representatives to apply for the honor.

The RRCA noted the area's extensive network of connected and varied trails, including the paved Mill Towns State Trail and the trails within the Cowling Arboretum at Carleton College; the many running events throughout the year; and the active running community.

On race day, Lisa Rippe, President of the RRCA, will make a special presentation to the Mayor of Northfield prior to the start of the RRCA State Championship Marathon.

“Your event is perhaps the most beautiful and fun event I've been to during my running career. Everyone is so friendly and I loved the course. Last year, the steel grey clouds, the golden fields of corn, and the bright reds and oranges of the oak trees really left an impression on me. Your race is a real gem!”

- Stuart, 2024 & 2025 participant

"I ran my first marathon this fall and just wanted to say what great job everyone did putting this event on. The volunteers were all very helpful and enthusiastic and everything ran smooth and organized. Thanks to everyone who helped put this together! What a great event you guys put on!"

- Steve, 2025 Marathon Participant

Our event supports the work of Project Purple, which funds pancreatic cancer research and patient financial aid. We have donated more than $25,000 to the nonprofit organization in the history of the event.

There is a fundraising option offered during registration for those who would like to further support the cause. If you raise just $250, your entry fee will be waived! (Simply bypass the fundraising screen when registering to opt out.)

About Project Purple