Circle the Lake Half Marathon
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Circle the Lake Half Marathon and Races
The Circle the Lake event on Saturday, September 19, 2026, includes a half marathon, a 10K and a 5K around Circle Lake in rural Rice County, MN. The courses run along the lake shore with views of the lake island and local wildlife.
- 5K
- 10K
- Half marathon
Routes are laid out over rolling hills on a mix of paved and dirt roads. Wildlife that can be seen or heard along the course includes bald eagles, osprey, deer, ducks and pelicans. The event starts and finishes at the historic Millersburg School House and follows part of the same roadway used by the Jesse James Gang on Dodd Road on September 6, 1876.
All races are chip timed. Posted mile markers are used and water and sports drinks are available at points along the course. The event welcomes competitive racers as well as families, kids, seniors and dogs. Participants may use music players but are asked to keep volume low and be aware of their surroundings.
The event is organized by the Circle Lake Association as a charity race. Proceeds support lake water quality projects. In the previous year the event raised over $32,000 which helped purchase three aerators to reduce invasive weeds and algae and support a healthy fish habitat. The race is held two weeks before the Twins Cities Marathon and is used by some runners in marathon training. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
