The Milk Run

That's right, the Milk Run is back!    

Join us for the third annual 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗸 𝗥𝘂𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 6𝘁𝗵 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!

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄! The cut off to secure your t-shirt is midnight on Tuesday, May 19th - so be sure to register today to secure your shirt!

Packet Pickup

Runners may pick up their race packets before race day between 1 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 will be available on June 6th between 8 am - 8:45 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 18th.

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.

Join fellow runners on June 6, 2026 for the The Milk Run. It's a fantastic 5K, 1.6K featuring a flat and fast course in Ely.