Small steps, big impact: DanceBlue Mini Marathons unite schools across Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 30, 2026) — For many students across Kentucky, their first introduction to DanceBlue doesn’t happen on the University of Kentucky campus — it happens in their own school gymnasiums.

DanceBlue Mini Marathons, commonly known as “Minis,” are school-led fundraising events that bring the mission of DanceBlue to elementary, middle and high schools across the Commonwealth. Modeled after the University of Kentucky’s 24-hour DanceBlue marathon, these events combine games, dancing and fundraising to support the DanceBlue Hematology/Oncology Clinic at Golisano Children’s at UK.

This year alone, around 60 schools across Kentucky are hosting Mini Marathons, continuing to expand DanceBlue’s reach beyond campus and into communities across the state.

For DanceBlue Mini Marathons Chair Peyton McCubbin, the most meaningful part of the program is seeing the joy students experience when they realize the difference they are making.

“I’ve never seen joy like this before,” McCubbin said. “These kids may not even fully understand what’s going on, but they know they’ve helped another kid just like them that’s going through something hard and they are so happy. The joy of Mini Marathons is just incredible.”

Over the years, the Mini Marathon program has grown into one of DanceBlue’s most impactful outreach efforts. What began as a small number of participating schools has grown into a statewide movement, connecting students from across Kentucky to DanceBlue’s mission and contributing to the organization’s overall fundraising efforts.

Each Mini Marathon plays a role in supporting the DanceBlue Clinic, which provides specialized treatment and resources for children battling cancer.

“We are so thankful for the money raised and the hard work done by these schools and everything they do,” McCubbin said. “But we are equally as thankful for them spreading the mission of DanceBlue.”

For many educators and organizers, hosting a Mini Marathon becomes a meaningful tradition within their school community. Lindsey Caudill, a Mini Marathon advisor for Silver Creek Elementary, has seen firsthand the impact these events can have.

“Our Mini will be a celebration every year of what our little community can do,” Caudill said.

At Silver Creek Elementary, the Mini Marathon highlighted a student named Abilene, bringing the school community together to support her and her family while raising awareness for pediatric cancer.

“To see how DanceBlue was supporting Abilene’s family was enough to make me want to be a part of it forever,” Caudill said.

Caudill emphasized that the success of a Mini Marathon comes from the collective effort of an entire community.

“That’s how Minis are successful — not just one person doing it, but having a team of people,” she said.

In addition to supporting individual schools, DanceBlue also hosts an annual Mini Summit, where teachers and advisors from across Kentucky gather to learn how to start or strengthen a Mini Marathon at their school. During the summit, DanceBlue leaders provide guidance on event logistics, leadership development and fundraising strategies while connecting schools with the broader DanceBlue community.

The summit serves as a valuable resource for both new schools interested in hosting a Mini Marathon and experienced organizers looking to grow their events.

As Minis continue to expand, they remain a powerful way to spread the mission of DanceBlue to younger generations.

By bringing joy into schools, DanceBlue is able to inspire students across Kentucky to give back, support their communities, and join the fight against pediatric cancer — all as a reminder that joy prevails.

DanceBlue is a completely student-run philanthropy at the University of Kentucky dedicated to supporting the DanceBlue Hematology/Oncology Clinic at Golisano Children’s at UK. Inspired by Jarrett Mynear’s final request to “do something to help the clinic,” DanceBlue raises funds and awareness year-round in the fight against pediatric cancer, providing care and support for patients and their families. Over $25 million has been raised since 2006, making DanceBlue one of the largest student-run philanthropies in the Southeastern Conference. For more information about DanceBlue, please visit danceblue.org and connect with DanceBlue on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.