History of the Mini-Marathon: Our Initial Community Partners

After the City of Madison and the Union were on board to back the Mini-Marathon, we still needed additional support for the event The Mini also wanted to find a great charity partner and to find the top running store to tie into the local running community. 

One of the first calls and stops made was with Fleet Feet of Madison.  Matt and Jessica Anderson graciously took our call and made time to meet with our staff.  After what was some initial skepticism, they soon realized the Mini had a goal and wanted to create a top notch running event in the Madison Area.   The Mini wanted the half marathon not only to be recognized on a local level, but a national level.  This goal was quickly achieved. This past spring the Mini was recognized as the #14 best Half Marathon by Runner’s World magazine, out of more than 1500 half marathons in the country. 

Partnering with Fleet Feet turned out to be a great relationship for the Mini as things were getting off the ground.  Fleet Feet helped bring legitimacy to the Mini-Marathon, but it also helped yield one of our greatest assets.  When Fleet Feet sent out an announcement about the new race in town, they also asked their customers who may be interested in helping produce the new event.  While a handful of people responded to the inquiry and helped in some form or fashion the first year, one person has become a vital part of the Mini Team.  Kat Hawkins has remained a fundamental part of the Mini, whether it’s getting the over 700 volunteers each year, being the voice of the Mini on social media or the face of the Mini at the many local events, Kat would not have been a key part of our team had it not been for a great relationship with Fleet Feet. 

Searching for a charity partner wasn’t quite as easy as identifying a great running store partner.  There were so many amazing charities  in the Madison area.  It was difficult for the Mini to determine which fit our mission the best.  After lots of discussion, the University of Wisconsin OBGYN’s “Healthy Women, Healthy Babies” program was tabbed as the charity partner.  Jennifer Stevens and her team have been great cohorts over the five years of the Mini.  Not only does the Mini offer financial support to the program, but it’s a key component to the “Blanket and Diaper Drive” every August.  The OBGYN Department is a true partner in the Mini.  Over the 5 years, they’ve brought hundreds of volunteers, new sponsors and new partners, such as the Dane County YMCA to the Mini. 

The first 5 years of the Mini have been exceptional, due in part to the great community allies.  The Mini owes a great deal to our contributing partners such as the UW OBGYN Department and Fleet Feet of Madison.  In our next “History of the Mini” blog, read about the real backbone of the Mini, VOLUNTEERS!