Our foundation started as a fun race that we could use to shed light on a serious issue. Our goal is to raise awareness about suicide and to promote suicide prevention and education.
The Mini Donut Half Marathon was originally created in honor of Mike “Oly” Olson, who lost his life to suicide at the age of 59. For years, Oly owned and operated Oly’s Mini Donut Express, a mini donut trailer you could find at local fairs and festivals. Oly was seen most happy while running the Mini Donut Express, and he loved to make people laugh. The Mini Donut Half Marathon is currently organized by Race Director Sarah Meza, Mike’s niece, along with Race Directors Ginny Dankmeyer and Leonardo Silva.
The Mini Donut Half Marathon is a timed race that follows 13.1 miles of the area’s most beautiful and scenic views. The race begins in Onalaska, WI and follows the Great River State Trail to the Historic Trempealeau Hotel in Trempealeau, WI. We also have a 5K Honor Walk/Run to honor and show appreciation for our loved ones, both living and passed, who have struggled with thoughts of suicide.
We want to celebrate the life and influence that one person can have on an entire community, and we also want to offer hope and help to families and individuals who have been affected by suicide.
During the Mini Donut racing events each year, we run through some of the most beautiful views in the area, get in a great workout, and have fun along the way, while working together to shed light on a serious issue. And, thanks to Oly’s inspiration, we always eat some donuts at the finish line!
RACE GOODIES, SWAG, PRIZES & FUN:
This is a fun race raising money for a great cause! Registration for the Mini Donut Half Marathon or the 5K Honor Walk/Run includes a high quality technical event shirt and an awesome medal, along with a big finish line party with live music, a photo booth, food & drinks, a spectacular view, and of course….fresh, hot mini donuts!
All 5K finishers will receive a medal, and there are prizes for the 1st & 2nd place male and female winners.
Half marathon finishers receive a medal, along with additional race swag when they cross the finish line, which includes a cooling towel, a headband and a racing belt. Half marathon runners also receive free fresh, hot mini donuts. We also have prizes for the 1st, 2nd & 3rd place division winners for each age category, and prizes for our “average Joe.” In addition, we also have a racing team competition, and the team with the best overall time receives a gift basket with over $200 worth of certificates!
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Run for a great cause!!
This race is put on to bring awareness to suicide and all of those lost by it. Course is along a 'rails-to-trails' right beside the mighty Mississippi River. Also, who … MORE
This race is put on to bring awareness to suicide and all of those lost by it. Course is along a ‘rails-to-trails’ right beside the mighty Mississippi River. Also, who doesn’t enjoy mini donut after a great run.