Duluth's Union Gospel Mission 5K Raises Winter Awareness, Funds for Homeless

Union Gospel Mission’s Miles for the Mission 5K drew runners and walkers March 3, 2026 from Leif Erikson Park to Bent Paddle Brewing Company, raising money and winter awareness for people experiencing homelessness in the Twin Ports. Race Roster’s fundraiser listings show Stacey Green as the top fundraiser with $748.36, and corporate support included Kraus-Anderson Construction Company donating $500.00.

Organizers emphasized the event’s symbolic timing and route as part of the message. Race Roster described the course as one that would “showcase[] the often difficult journey those experiencing homelessness must undertake in extreme weather conditions, to access basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare.” Northern News Now framed the timing similarly: “By holding the race during the northland’s coldest month, participants can run or walk in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness in the same weather conditions.”

The 5K began at the park on Duluth’s lakefront and finished at Bent Paddle in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, where the post-race gathering included a raffle and celebration. DoDuluth noted, “Starting at Leif Erikson Park and finishing at Bent Paddle Brewing Co. for a raffle, this 5k demonstrates the long and often cold walk our unhoused community takes from shelter to food daily.” WDIO’s event copy located the finish at Bent Paddle Brewing Company in Lincoln Park and said the run “ends at Bent Paddle Brewing Company in Lincoln Park.”

Fundraising mechanics and participant engagement were a visible part of the event. WDIO advised that “Participants are encouraged to create a personal fundraising page when registering and share it with friends and family to increase their impact.” Race Roster listed the event page as “Miles for The Mission 5K Walk Closed,” indicating registration had closed on that platform; the Race Roster listing also noted that registration fees are “inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees.”

Race Roster’s donor and fundraiser leaderboards provide specific fundraising details: top donors included Kraus-Anderson Construction Company ($500.00), an Anonymous donor ($360.98) and Sarah + Mark Seidelmann ($267.10). Top fundraisers listed were Stacey Green ($748.36 raised, $500 goal), Corrin Thell ($676.53 raised, $500 goal) and Laurie Picotte ($410.23 raised, $300 goal). Northern News Now reiterated the destination for proceeds, stating, “Money raised will go back to Union Gospel mission.”

Records and promotion indicate the Miles for the Mission event has been presented as recurring. Race Roster’s earlier listing referred to the “inaugural” 5K on February 22, 2025, and Union Gospel Mission’s Instagram carried event promotion in February 2026. Organizers and local outlets framed proceeds as directly supporting UGM programs; WDIO wrote that “each participant will help support programs providing meals, shelter, care for those in need.”