The Mid-America Conference of Clubs congratulates the Atons of Minneapolis on a successful Gopher XXV: Mount Olympus, held September 10–13, 2026!
This year’s Gopher Run brought the leather and kink community together in Minnesota for four days of camping, fellowship, education, social activities, and play. With a theme inspired by the gods of Mount Olympus, the Atons created a weekend that combined the traditions of the leather run with opportunities to learn, reconnect with longtime friends, and welcome new faces into the community.
Held at a group campground near Hinckley, Minnesota, the weekend included shared cabin lodging, community meals, classes and demonstrations, discussions, games, nature trails, and social time. Friday and Saturday featured full days of educational programming, while Saturday evening included the traditional banquet.
Gopher XXV also represented another chapter in the remarkable history of the Atons of Minneapolis.
Founded in 1972, the Atons are one of the oldest continuously active leather/Levi social fraternities in the United States. For more than five decades, the club has fostered fellowship, community involvement, education, and connections among members of the leather and kink communities. The Atons are also proud members of the Mid-America Conference of Clubs, continuing the longstanding tradition of clubs supporting one another throughout our region.
The Gopher Run itself has a rich history. Through the years, generations of Atons members have kept the tradition alive with memorable themes and gatherings that reflect both the history and evolution of the leather community. From Gopher XX: 40 Years of Devotion in 2012 and Gopher XXIII: 50th Anniversary Run – Celebrate the ’70s in 2022, to Gopher XXIV: Kink in Space in 2024 and now Gopher XXV: Mount Olympus, each Run has added another chapter to that history.
What makes weekends like Gopher Run special, however, isn’t simply the schedule of activities. It is the opportunity for people from different clubs, cities, generations, and parts of the leather and kink community to spend time together. Runs help maintain friendships between our clubs while creating opportunities for new friendships and connections that continue long after everyone heads home.
MACC extends its congratulations and thanks to the Atons of Minneapolis, their Run Committee, volunteers, presenters, cooks, organizers, and everyone else whose time and hard work made Gopher XXV possible.
We also thank everyone who traveled from near and far to participate. Your presence helps keep the tradition of the leather run alive and strengthens the connections that have united our clubs and communities for generations.
Congratulations, Atons of Minneapolis, on Gopher XXV: Mount Olympus! Here’s to more than 50 years of Atons history, friendship, fellowship, and community and to many more Gopher Runs to come!
