Circle the Lake Half Marathon

SEP

19

2026

Three chip-timed distances circle Circle Lake in rural Rice County, Minnesota, on mixed paved and dirt roads with wildlife views. Proceeds fund lake improvement projects, including measures to reduce invasive weeds and support fish habitat.

Sat 19 Sep 2026

Faribault, Minnesota

Website Registration

Half Marathon 10 kilometers 5 kilometers

Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.

Circle the Lake Half Marathon, 10K and 5K

The event on Saturday, September 19, 2026, offers three distances around Circle Lake in rural Rice County, Minnesota. Courses run along the lake shoreline on a mix of paved and dirt roads with rolling hills. The route begins and ends at the historic Millersburg School House and follows part of Dodd Road, a route associated with the Jesse James Gang on September 6, 1876.

Wildlife is commonly visible from the course, including bald eagles, osprey, deer, ducks, and pelicans. Runners pass views of the island in Circle Lake and may hear farm sounds such as distant tractors. All races are chip timed, have posted mile markers, and provide water and sports drinks at stations on the course.

The event is presented by the Circle Lake Association as a charity fundraiser for lake watershed projects. Proceeds support lake improvement work; the previous year’s funds helped purchase three new aerators to reduce invasive weeds and algae and to support fish habitat.

The courses welcome competitive racers, families, kids, seniors, and dogs, and are iPod friendly with a reminder to keep volume low near traffic.

Distances: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.