Gary Mills, co-founder of the Fools Five, dies at 82

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 5:18 PM

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Summary

Gary Mills, a prominent figure in Lewiston, Minnesota, passed away on August 19, 2026, at 82 after a 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Mills co-founded the Fools Five Road Race, which raised nearly $3 million for cancer research since its inception in 1979. His energetic promotion of the race attracted thousands of participants and highlighted community involvement. Mills was known for his positive spirit and dedication to supporting families affected by cancer, inspiring many through both his leadership in the race and personal connections made throughout his life.

Source Links
Status Watch
  • Gary Mills co-founded the Fools Five Road Race in 1979.
  • The race raised nearly $3 million for cancer research.
  • Mills passed away on August 19, 2026, after a battle with cancer.
  • The event became a regional attraction, growing to over 3,000 runners.
  • Mills emphasized the race's purpose of helping families in need.
Latest Updates
  • 5:18 PMYahoo SportsGary Mills, who put Lewiston on the map with the Fools Five, dies
What they're saying
"

Aug. 24—LEWISTON — The return of Gary Mills as speaker was a major draw for many Lewiston natives who gathered on a weekend last April the town hosted its Fools Five Road Race, eager to meet the man who had co-founded and inspired the annual race. Former students and athletes, as well as fellow teachers he had worked with for decades, had flocked to Lewiston, a small Southeast Minnesota ...

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days