YMCA Milkshake Mile

Saturday, August 22d, 2026
Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC)
1 HACC Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind back-to-school celebration at the YMCA Milkshake Mile, a fun, energetic, and flavor-filled race event hosted by the Friendship YMCA! Whether you're a serious runner, a casual walker, or just in it for the milkshakes, there's something for everyone.

Back-to-School Theme – Kick off the school year in style! We'll be giving away backpacks and offering loads of family-friendly fun.

Event Highlights:

Mile Run (Competitive Age Group Heats) - Run a timed mile at your own pace! Each participant will receive a milkshake from Pa Dairymen's Association after the race! Age group awards will be given based on chip-times. There will be three age group heats. 10:40 am, ages 19 and under. 11:00 am ages 20-39. 11:20 am ages 40 and up.

Fun 1-Mile Walk/Run, Half Pint ½ Mile- Fun Run & Mile Walk – Perfect for families, beginners, or anyone just looking to enjoy the experience without the timed heat. Each participant will receive a milkshake after the 1-Mile Walk/Run & Half Pint ½ Mile. 

*This is a rolling start. Participants may start anytime between 10:00-10:20 am. Anyone needing more than 15 minutes are encouraged to start no later than 10:15 am.

Milkshake Relays –  Stay for some fun after the races are completed. Teamwork and stomach strength required! Make sure you to stay to check out the Milkshake Relays.

Additional Attractions:

Food Trucks & Local Vendors
DJ Entertainment
Games, Activities & YMCA Info Booths

Whether you're racing, cheering, or just there for the food and fun, the YMCA Milkshake Mile is a celebration you won’t want to miss!

Kids 10 and under will be handed participation medals. The top 3 male and female finishers in each age group will receive a special finisher trophy.

Age groups:

• 10 years old & under

• 11-13 years old

• 14-16 years old

• 17-19 years old

• 20-29 years old

• 30-39 years old

• 40-49 years old

• 50-59 years old

• 60-69 years old

• 70+

*Top three finishers in each category will be determined by chip time

Deferrals

Deferrals are not allowed for this event. Registrants can switch to the virtual option or transfer their bib to another participant at no cost.

Switch to Virtual

Registrants can switch to virtual through Monday, August 18, Click here for instructions on how to switch events to the virtual option.

Bib Transfers

Bib transfers must be initiated by Monday, August 18 and completed by Monday, August 18. Click here for instructions for how to transfer your race bib to a new participant.

Can someone register in person?
Online registration is the preferred registration method. More information about in person registration can be found here.

What about parking?
Free parking is available! Located at HACC. 

What is the procedure for cancellation or postponement?
The YMCA Milkshake Mile presented by the PA Dairymen's Association is a rain or shine event, so come prepared! If there happens to be a natural disaster or severe weather issue, participants can check the homepage of our website or our Facebook page. All information concerning the race will be updated throughout the day.

Can I just run and/or walk for fun?
Yes, that's what the Fun 1-Mile Run/Walk is all about! The YMCA Milkshake Mile brings together an eclectic mix of participants, ranging from competitive runners to families and active seniors. The Fun 1-Mile Run/Walk heat starts at 10:00am and will not be timed.

How will the timing chips be distributed?
For timed heats, the bib race numbers will already have the timing chip attached to them and will be in your packet when you pick it up. If you do not wear your bib race number for your heat, your time will not be recorded.

How are the chips attached?
The chip is already attached to your race bib, you just have to make sure you wear it. You must wear your bib race number on the front of your shirt or shorts in a visible location. Safety pins are provided to secure your bib. Please do not fold the number because it may damage the transponder.

How does the chip timing work?
Special electronic mats will be placed at both the start and finish lines. As each participant crosses the starting line mats, their individual time is recorded. Then, their time is also recorded as they cross the finish line. The finish line computer system then subtracts the starting time from the finish time and creates a new "net time" or "chip time." The chip timing method compensates for any lost time that runners in the back of the starting pack experienced at the starting line.

I am registered for my age group heat, but can I also do the Fun Run or the Half Pint with my kid(s)?
That is fine, but make sure you do not wear your race bib with the timing chip during the Fun Run or the Half Pint. Timing chips are "one and done," meaning that once they are triggered by crossing a timing mat, they will not record again. If you cross the starting line and/or the finish line during the Half Pint with your bib, it will not register when you complete your age group heat.

My child is registered for the Fun Run/Walk or the Half Pint but I am not signed up, can I still be on the course with them?
Yes, it's encouraged!

Can I transfer my race bib to someone else?
Yes, we do allow bib transfers. Please see the Deferrals and Bib Transfers section for more information.

How are awards determined?
Awards are determined by chip time in each age group races.

Can I bring my pet(s)?
Due to safety concerns along the course, participants are not allowed to race with their furry friends. 

10:00-10:40am
Fun Run ½ and 1-Mile

11:00am
Ages 19 and under

11:20am
Ages 20-39

11:40am
Ages 40+

Online registration remains open through Friday, August 22, at 7:00pm, and is the preferred registration method.

In-Person Registration is available at packet pickup and race day. In-Person registrations are completed using the provided electronic device, and can be paid by credit card, check, or exact cash. To view the registration costs, click here.

On race day, Saturday, 8/23/25, In-Person Registration is the only registration option, from 8:30-10:30am at the HACC packet pickup tent. Please note that the first heat starts at 10:15am, so please be sure to give yourself time to get to the start line. To view the event schedule, click here.
Race shirts are not guaranteed for in-person registrations.

When you register for a race, you receive your shirt, bib, pins, etc. prior to the start of the race. To avoid the dreaded race-day clog, there are other in-person opportunities to pick up your packet.

Thursday, August 21, 2025

12:00-7:00pm
Fleet Feet Mechanicsburg
6416 Carlisle Pike #700, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Friday, August 22, 2025 

12:00-7:00pm
Fleet Feet Harrisburg
4640 High Pointe Blvd Suite A6, Harrisburg, PA 17111

Saturday, August 23, 2025 (Race Day)

8:30-10:30am
HACC Harrisburg
1 HACC Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Virtual Registration Participants

The race packet, including the race bib and shirt, will be mailed. Virtual participants should NOT come to packet pickup. They will be mailed to you.

Fun 1-Mile Walk/Run & Half Pint 1/2-Mile (Not Timed)

June1-30: $20
(17 and under: $15)

July 1–August 20: $21
(17 and under: $17)

August 21-23*: $23
(17 and under: $18)

Mile Run (Timed Heats)

June 1-30: $20
(17 and under: $18)

July 1–August 20: $22
(17 and under: $20)

August 21-23*: $24
(17 and under: $21)

Virtual
$25

*Shirt sizes not guaranteed.

Can't join us in person? Sign up for the Virtual Mile and we will mail your bib and shirt.