5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathons
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5k races
Name City Date Website Polar Dash 5K The Polar Dash includes many race distances. Participants can choose from the 1800M, 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon Challenges, the Yeti Challenge or the Mt. Everest Challenge. Registration includes a Performance Fleece or Jacket, a Finisher's Medal and Post-Race Hot Chocolate. This Minnesota 5K starts at 10:30 AM and takes place at Harriet Island. This 3.1 mile course has a total ascent of 236 feet and runners reach a maximum elevation of 842 feet. Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finisher and the top male and female finishers in each age group category. The Polar Dash is part of the Monster Race Series in Minnesota.see more detailsSt. Paul 5 January 2019 Monsterrunseries Polar Challenge 5K The Polar Challenge starts and finishes at the Hampton Inn & Suites, taking runners along the south side of Lake Bemidji. This Minnesota 5K starts at 10:30 AM. Awards and Medals will be distributed. The Polar Challenge also includes a 10K and is presented by the Young Professionals Network and the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon.see more detailsBemidji 3 February 2018 Ypnbemidji Superbowl Freeze Your Buns 5K Run & Walk The Superbowl Freeze Your Buns 5K Run & Walk is an annual event that is presented by the Hamel Lions Club. This Minnesota 5K run takes place at 9:45 AM at the Hamel Community Center. All runners have the opportunity to enjoy a free pancake breakfast with the option to purchase additional tickets for friends and family members. Registration includes a shirt.see more detailsHamel 3 February 2019 Hamellions Valentine's Day TC 5K The Valentines' Day TC 5K is presented by the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation and starts at 10:00 AM. This Minnesota 5K takes runners around Lake Nokomis. Registration includes a long-sleeve technical shirt and a Finisher's Medals. There will be complimentary hot chocolate and conversation hearts available after the race. There is also a 1 mile walk option, making this a fun event for the family.see more detailsMinneapolis 9 February 2019 Tcmevents Chase a Leprechaun 5K The Chase a Leprechaun 5K starts at 10:30 AM at the Becker Community Center. This Minnesota 5K takes runners through the residential streets of Becker. This 5K event includes a Kid's Shamrock Challenge, which is an Obstacle Course. Free parking for this event will be available at the Becker Community Center and the local schools.see more detailsBecker 3 March 2018 Tempotickets Everybody's Irish 5K/10K Everybody's Irish 5K/10K run is presented by Anderson Race Management. This Minnesota 5K starts at 9:05 AM and takes place at the Lake Calhoun Executive Center.see more detailsMinneapolis 16 March 2019 Donut Dash 5K The Donut Dash 5K starts at 8:00 AM at Purgatory Creek Park. This Minnesota 5K is chip timed and a fun event for all ages and fitness levels. The Donut Dash 5K is presented by the Eagle Ridge Academy.see more detailsEden Prairie 12 May 2018 Eagleridgeacademy Tulips & Tutu 5K The Tulips & Tutu 5K is hosted by the Dance Conservatory. This Minnesota Run/Walk starts at 11:00 Am at Benson Park. There will be prizes for the top male and female finishers. Proceeds from the Tulips & Tutu 5K will be used for scholarships for dancers and go towards the Kleine Levin Syndrome Foundation.see more detailsNorth Mankato 27 April 2019 Active New Prague 5K The New Prague 5K run starts at 8:30 Am near the New Prague Community Pool and finishes in Memorial Park. Medals will be presented to the top 3 finishers in each age group category.see more detailsNew Prague 4 May 2019 Runnewprague Get in Gear 5K The Get in Gear 5K is an out and back USATF certified course. This Minnesota 5K starts at 9:20 AM at Minnehaha Park. Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female overall finishers. Runners can run with a jogging stroller, but a stroller registration and waiver form must be submitted.see more detailsMinneapolis 27 April 2019 Getingearevents About 5k races
A 5K is the shortest of the common running event distances, consisting of 3.1 miles (5 kilometers). These events can either be competitive or social, depending on the particular event you are looking into running. 5Ks are the most popular of road running events because of their relatively short distance which allows not only the seasoned runners to run, but novice runners, joggers and newcomers as well. 5Ks are also something fun for families to do together.
Read moreRead lessHow did we choose the best 5K events in Minnesota?
We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors included how long the course has been around, the race swag and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is. There are currently 801 5K races in the state of Minnesota. Most of these 5K races are held in April through November.
What are the best 5K races in Minnesota?
There are many 5K races to choose from in the state of South Dakota. Some of these are charity events for fundraising, some are fun runs and others are racing events, but it all comes down to the runners. Some of the most notable 5K running events in Minnesota are the Polar Dash 5K, the New Prague 5K and the Superbowl Freeze Your Buns 5K Run & Walk.
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10k races
Name City Date Website Polar Challenge 10K The Polar Challenge starts and finishes at the Hampton Inn & Suites, taking runners along the south side of Lake Bemidji. This Minnesota 10K starts at 10:30 AM. Awards and Medals will be distributed. The Polar Challenge also includes a 5K and is presented by the Young Professionals Network and the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon.see more detailsBemidji 3 February 2018 Ypnbemidji Shamrock Shuffle 10K The Shamrock Shuffle 10K is a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. This Minnesota 10K starts at 9:00 AM at the Sanford Event Center. Registration includes a race t-shirt. All those participants, aged 15 and under, will receive special recognition upon completion of the 6.2 mile race. The Shamrock Shuffle 10K will be chip timed.see more detailsBemidji 17 March 2018 Ci Rock 'N Run 10K The Rock 'N Run 10K is a family friendly race and open to all ages and fitness levels with 10K, 5K, 3K and 1K distance options. The Rock 'N Run 10K takes places at the Belle Prairie Athletic Complex/Soccer Fields at 8:00 AM. This Minnesota 10K run is an out and back course.see more detailsLittle Falls 18 May 2019 Stillwater 10K The Stillwater 10K takes runners along the Gateway Trail and through the streets of Historic Stillwater. This Minnesota 10K is a USATF certified course. The Stillwater 10K is part of the Run Stillwater race series. This race event includes a 5K and a Half Marathon.see more detailsStillwater 25 May 2019 Runstillwater Excelsior Firecracker Run The Excelsior Firecracker Run includes a 1 mile, 5K or 10K distance option. This Minnesota 10K takes runners through Historic Downtown Excelsior with views of Lake Minnetonka. This 6.2 mile course includes live music. The Excelsior Firecracker Run is organized by the Minnetonka Community Education and Excelsior Chamber of Commerce. This annual race event kicks off a full day of July 4th festivities. Registration includes a moisture wicking T-Shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers. There will also be awards for the top 3 male and female finishers in each age group category. This Minnesota 10K run starts at 7:50 AM at Excelsior Elementary and finishes in the Excelsior Commons. Runners are welcome to run with a jogging stroller, but must stay to the back of the group.see more detailsExcelsior 4 July 2019 Minnetonkaschools TC Running 10K The TC Running 10K a family friendly and walker friendly event. This Minnesota 10K takes runners along a course that includes rolling hills and is a mix of asphalt and turf trails. The TC Running 10K is part of the Autumn Woods Classic.see more detailsMaple Grove 12 October 2019 Threeriversparks Chocoholic Frolic The Chocoholic Frolic includes a 5K and 10K distance option. This Minnesota 10K is open to runners and walkers of all levels. Registration includes a gender-specific half zip long sleeve jacket. Participants can run with a jogging stroller, but must stay in the back of the group.see more detailsSt. Paul 3 November 2019 Chocoholicfrolicrun Drumstick Dash 10K The Drumstick Dash 10K takes runners along a USATF certified course, completing two laps around Lake Harriet. There are some hills along the 6.2 mile course. Registration includes a long-sleeved shirt. This Minnesota 10K is limited to 850 participants.see more detailsMinneapolis 28 November 2019 Drumstickdash10K Moustache Run The Moustache Run is an annual event. Runners receive a knit stocking cap and a Finisher's Medal. Registration also includes a beer from Lakes & Legends Brewing Company. The Moustache Run 10K starts at 8:30 AM.see more detailsMinneapolis 1 January 1970 Moustacherun Shiver 5K/10K The Shiver 5K/10K run takes place at 9:00 AM at Lake Orono Park. Registration includes a race shirt. This Minnesota 10K run completes two laps of the 5K route.see more detailsElk River 9 February 2019 Shiverelkriver About 10k races
A 10K is one of the most common running event distances, consisting of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). These events can either be competitive or more for fun, depending on the particular one you are looking into. They are twice the distance of the 5K and still relatively short in distance. Less runners tend to participate then the 5K, but these events still get a lot of not only seasoned runners, but novice runners and joggers in attendance.
Read moreRead lessHow did we choose the best 10K events in Minnesota?
We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors included how long the course has been around, the bling and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is. According to Running in the USA, there are 141 10K races in South Dakota. Most of these races take place in July and September. There are at least 3 10K races held January through November with zero held during the month of December.
What are the best 10K races in Minnesota?
There are many 10K races to choose from in the state of Minnesota. Some of these are charity events for fundraising, some are fun runs and others are racing events, but it all comes down to the runners. Some of the most notable 10K running events in Minnesota include the Drumstick Dash 10K, the Moustache 10K Run and the Stillwater 10K.
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Half marathons
Name City Date Website Polar Dash The Polar Dash includes many race distances. Participants can choose from the 1800M, 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon Challenges, the Yeti Challenge or the Mt. Everest Challenge. Registration includes a Performance Fleece or Jacket, a Finisher's Medal and Post-Race Hot Chocolate. This Minnesota Half Marathon starts at 8:00 AM and takes place at Harriet Island. This 13.1 mile course has a total ascent of 762 feet and runners reach a maximum elevation of 843 feet. Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finisher and the top male and female finishers in each age group category. The Polar Dash is part of the Monster Race Series in Minnesota.see more detailsSt. Paul 5 January 2019 Hypothermic Half Marathon The Hypothermic Half Marathon is a race event that takes place in several cities in Canada in addition to Eden Prairie and Rochester in Minnesota. Registration for this Minnesota Half Marathon includes a Running Boom Backpack that is big enough to fit a pair of shoes and running gear, a reversible neck warmer that is designed to block the wind and keep you warm, a Finisher's Medal and a Complimentary Brunch.see more detailsRochester 2 March 2019 Hypothermichalf Earth Day Half Marathon The Earth Day Half Marathon is part of the Run Earth Day event hosted by CentraCare Health and is one of Minnesota's largest community health events. This annual event includes 5K and 1K distance options. There is also the option to run the Half Marathon as a team. Registration for the Earth Day Half Marathon includes a Performance Hoodie. This 13.1 mile race begins at St. Cloud State University, taking runners along the Mighty Mississippi River and tree-lined neighborhood roads. This Minnesota Half Marathon course is USATF certified, fast and flat. Runners finish at Husky Stadium, which overlooks the Mississippi River. Participants are invited to the Post-Race Party.see more detailsSt. Cloud 1 January 1970 Runearthday Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon The Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon is "Minnesota's Original Half Marathon". This Minnesota Half Marathon is a point-to-point race that starts in Wayzata and finishes in Excelsior. The Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon has Wave Starts. All participants will receive a Finisher's Medal.see more detailsWayzata 5 May 2019 Lakeminnetonkahalfmarathon Lakes Area Endurance Half Marathon The Lakes Area Endurance Half Marathon features a looping course. The first half takes runners along rolling hills, through prairie wetlands and lake Vistas. Then, runners join the Central Lakes Trail for the last half of the 13.1 mile race. The Central Lakes Trail is a flat, fast and tree-lined paved trail.see more detailsAlexandria 29 June 2019 Runthelakes Get in Gear Half Marathon The Get in Gear Half Marathon starts at 9:00 AM starts and finishes at Minnehaha Park. This annual Minnesota spring half marathon features a USATF certified course along the Mississippi River. Race registration includes a race shirt, a post-race massage, and post-race food, snacks and beverages.see more detailsMinneapolis 27 April 2019 Getingearevents Minnesota Half Marathon The Minnesota Half Marathon benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities in the Upper Midwest region. The Minnesota Half Marathon course gives runners views of the St. Paul skyline and the riverfront. This 13.1 mile race starts at Upper Landing Park. Awards are given to the male and female overall winners as well as the male and female winners in each age group category.see more detailsSt. Paul 3 August 2019 Minnesotahalfmarathon City of Lakes Half Marathon The City of Lakes Half Marathon takes place at Lake Harriet. This 13.1 mile race takes runners along the parkways that surround Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun. All participants of the City of Lakes Half Marathon will receive a mug and Finisher's Medallion. Awards will be given to the top two male and female finishers in each age group category. Cash prizes will be given to the top male and female overall finisher.see more detailsMinneapolis 8 September 2019 Cityoflakeshalfmarathon Wheels Off Half Marathon The Wheels Off Half Marathon takes runners along the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior. This Minnesota Half Marathon is a USATF certified course with some small rolling hills. All participants will receive a Finisher Shirt and Cutting Board Finisher's Medal. An engraved medallion will be awarded to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age group category.see more detailsDuluth 14 September 2019 northshorerun Monster Dash Half Marathon The Monster Dash Half Marathon starts at 8:30 AM at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. All participants will receive a Monster Dash Jacket and a Stained-Glass Finisher's Medal. There will also be a costume contest and on-course entertainment to keep you motivated and energized for 13.1 miles. Awards will be given to the top overall male and female finishers and the top male and female finishers in each age group category.see more detailsSt. Paul 26 October 2019 Minnesotamonster About Half marathons
A Half Marathon event consists of running 13 miles (21 kilometers) and as the label suggests, is half of a standard Marathon of 26 miles. The popularity, participants of the half marathon distance, and its events have significantly grown since the early 2000's and they continue to do so, with massive events popping up all over the states. The growth rate of participants for the half marathon distance is currently higher than that of the full. According to Running In the USA, there are 71 half marathons in the state of Minnesota. May and June are the most popular months for these half marathon events.
Read moreRead lessHow did we choose the best Half Marathon events in Minnesota?
We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors include how long the event has been around, the runner perks and Finisher's Medals, what runners thought of the event and how scenic the 13.1-mile course is.
What are the best Half Marathon events in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis is the largest city in the state of Minnesota and is part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. With 13 lakes, wetlands, the Mississippi River, the creeks and various waterfalls, Minneapolis is a popular location for a half marathon event. The most notable half marathon events in Minneapolis are the City of Lakes Half Marathon and the Get in Gear Half Marathon.
What are the best Half Marathon events in St. Paul?
St. Paul is the capital city and second largest city in the state of Minnesota, which makes it a popular location for a half marathon event. Some of the most notable half marathon events in St. Paul are the Minnesota Half Marathon, the Monster Dash Half Marathon and the Polar Dash.
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Marathons
Name City Date Website Makato Marathon The Mankato Marathon offers runners a USATF certified course, making it a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. This Minnesota marathon takes runners through the countryside and then through the challenging Minnesota River Valley. This 26.2 mile race starts at 8:00 am on the campus of Minnesota State University. This Minnesota marathon is presented by the Mayo Clinic Health System.see more detailsMankato 1 January 1970 Mankatomarathon Ely Marathon The Ely Marathon kicks off at 7:30 am at Camp Du Nord. This Minnesota marathon is a point to point USATF certified course. The Ely Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. As "Nature's Marathon", runners are treated to a beautiful course along the historic Echo Trail, near Shagawa Lake, and around Miner's Lake. This 26.2 mile course allows runners to take in the surrounding wilderness that Ely is known for. All finishers will receive a Finisher's Medal and a Finisher's Shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age group category.see more detailsEly 21 September 2019 Elymarathon Walker North Country Marathon The Walker North Country Marathon has been voted as the "Best Marathon in Minnesota". This Minnesota marathon starts in the town of Walker, along the borders of Leech Lake. Runners wind through the blocks of Walker and then head out into the Chippewa National Forest. Most of this course is run on grass trail, paved trail and gravel roads with less than 5 miles on paved road. The Walker North Country Marathon is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon and was chosen as "the top marathon worth traveling for" by Trip Advisor. All finishers receive a Finisher's Medal. There will be sandwiches, fruit and beverages available for participants after they cross the finish line.see more detailsWalker 1 January 1970 Walkerareacommunitycenter Grandma's Marathon Grandma's Marathon gives runners a scenic 26.2 mile run along the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior. This long running Minnesota marathon starts at 7:45 AM in Two Harbors and is a point-to-point course. Runners are taken along Highway 61, finishing in Duluth's Canal Park. This is a relatively flat USATF certified course that includes some rolling hills and one larger incline just before mile 22.see more detailsDuluth 22 June 2019 Grandmasmarathon Med City Marathon The Med City Marathon is a Boston Qualifier and starts in Byron. There are 13 Aid Stations along the point-to-point course. This Minnesota marathon gives overall and age group awards. There will be a Post Race Party that features a live band.see more detailsRochester 1 January 1970 Medcitymarathon Zoom! Yah! Yah! Indoor Marathon The Zoom! Yah! Yah! is the oldest indoor marathon in America. This indoor marathon takes place at 6:30 AM in the Tostrud Fieldhouse on the campus of St. Olaf Collage. There is a lottery for this Minnesota marathon, as it is only open to 58 runners. Participants will run 150 laps on a 282 meter track, changing directions ever 30 minutes. The course is USATF certified and all finishers will receive a shirt, a Finisher's Certificate and a Finisher's Medal.see more detailsNorthfield 6 January 2019 Zoomyahyah Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes Marathon The Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes Marathon starts on Lower Cullen Road in Nisswa, MN. There will be age group awards. This Minnesota marathon is a looping course. Participants complete two loops around Lake Hubert, Bass Lake and Clark Lake. This 26.2 mile course also takes runners along the shores of Little Huber Lake.see more detailsNisswa 27 April 2019 Runforthelakes Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon The Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon starts at 7:00 am at the Holdingford High School. This Minnesota marathon takes runners along the Lake Wobegon Trail, through the towns of Holdingford, Albany, Avon, and St. Joseph. This 26.2 mile course is flat, fast and USATF certified. The Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon can be used as a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. Registration includes a Technical Finisher Shirt, a Finisher's Medal, post-race food and refreshments and massages. Awards will be presented to the overall male and female finishers, the overall masters finishers, and the top three male and female finishers in each age group category.see more detailsSt. Joseph 11 May 2019 Lakewobegontrailmarathon Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon The Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon is a point-to-point course that takes runners over rough woodland trails from Duluth to Carlton. This Minnesota marathon is presented by the Northern Minnesota Track Club.see more detailsDuluth 13 July 2019 Curnowmarathon Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon starts at 8:00 am. Registration includes a long-sleeve technical shirt, free race day photos, a Finisher's Medal and free post-race food and Summit beer.see more detailsMinneapolis 6 October 2019 Tcmevents About Marathons
Marathon events consist of 26 miles (42 kilometers) and the courses are typically laid out through roads. Starting in the Olympics in the early 1900's, marathons have quickly picked up in popularity and in 2017 there are currently more than 800 events being held in North America, and that number is consistently growing. Over 90% of these marathons are being held in the United States, with 7% being held in Canada. About 72% of these marathons are certified, which means they are Boston Marathon Qualifiers. September and October are the most popular months for marathon events, with over 100 in each month.
Read moreRead lessHow did we choose the best Marathon events in Minnesota?
We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors include how long the event has been around, the runner perks and Finisher's Medals, what runners thought of the event and how scenic the 26.2-mile course is. Five of the ten marathons described above are qualifiers for the Boston Marathon.
What are the best Marathon events in Minnesota?
Minnesota is home to 20 marathon events with most of these held in June. As the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", each 26.2 mile course provides runners with an opportunity to enjoy the majestic beauty of this state and its many lakes. Some of the more notable marathon events include the Walker North Country Marathon, the Makato Marathon and the Ely Marathon.
