Circle the Lake Half Marathon
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Circle the Lake Half Marathon, 10K and 5K
Circle the Lake is a community road race around Circle Lake in rural Rice County, Minnesota, held Saturday, September 19th, 2026. The courses run along the lake shore and offer a country setting about 20 minutes south of Burnsville, MN.
Distances include:
- Half Marathon
- 10K
- 5K
Courses run over rolling hills on a mix of paved and dirt roads and provide views of the island in Circle Lake and surrounding wildlife. It is possible to spot bald eagles, osprey, deer, ducks, and pelicans. The race starts and ends at the historic Millersburg School House and follows part of Dodd Road, a route noted for its historical connection to the Jesse James Gang on September 6, 1876.
All races are chip timed, with posted mile markers and water and sports drinks available along the course. The event welcomes competitive racers, families, kids, seniors, and dogs, and permits the use of iPods with a reminder to keep volume low to hear traffic. After the race participants may receive a complimentary drink at Boonie’s Grill.
The event is organized by the Circle Lake Association as a charity race; proceeds fund projects to improve the lake watershed and water quality. In the previous year the race raised over $32,000 which funded three new aerators for the lake to reduce invasive weeds and algae and support fish habitat. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
