The Mill Towns Race Series supports the work of Project Purple, a nonprofit organization that funds critical research to develop a means for early detection of pancreatic cancer as well as patient aid to reduce the financial stress for those undergoing treatment. Project Purple's primary fundraising means is as a charity partner to endurance events, including all 7 of the 7 world major marathons. Project Purple teams run marathons and half marathons in some of the country's most prestigious races (New York, Chicago, Boston, Twin Cities) as well as the Berlin, London and Sydney marathons. It will field its first team in Tokyo in 2026!
Since its founding in 2010, Project Purple has funded more than $3 million in research and provided more than $1 million in aid to help patients cover medical bills, utilities, housing and food costs while undergoing treatment.
Pancreatic cancer has a 5-year survival rate of just 13 percent. It is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in Minnesota, primarily because most people are diagnosed at stage 4, after the disease has spread beyond the pancreas.
The Mill Towns Race Series offers participants the option of creating a personal fundraising page to support Project Purple. Anyone who raises just $250 (you can't believe how easy it is!) will have their entry fee refunded.
Teen Raises $500+ in First 10K
Running one's first race can be intimidating. Add fundraising to the mix and that race could become even more daunting.
Stefan Mirleanu (bib 1017) was just one of two 2025 Mill Towns' participants who chose to set up a personal fundraising page. The 17-year-old from Saint Paul doesn't personally know anyone who has had pancreatic cancer but as he said, "I wanted to show that even as a teenager, I can still make a difference. I think it’s important to support causes that matter, and fundraising for this race was my way of helping raise awareness and contributing to something bigger than myself."
Stefan shared his fundraising link with friends, family, and people from his community. He talked about the race and what it stood for, initially being challenged to get people's attention and explain the cause.
"A lot of people were really supportive once they saw how much it meant to me," he said. "I was surprised by how generous people were. It taught me that if you really believe in something, others will too."
Stefan's first 10K went "amazing."
"The energy and support from everyone there were incredible. I was nervous at first, but once I started running, I felt proud and motivated. Finishing the race knowing I helped raise money for a good cause made it all worth it."
Thank you, Stefan, for making a difference through the Mill Towns Race Series! You're an inspiration!
In addition to his pride in completing his first race and raising $510, Stefan had his race fee refunded for surpassing the $250 threshold.
