Gopher to Badger Half Marathon
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Gopher to Badger Races : August 8, 2026
The Gopher to Badger event on August 8, 2026 offers three distances: Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. For 2026 the race will be held entirely in Minnesota on loop courses based at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo. The traditional route that crosses into Wisconsin will not be used due to construction on the I‑94 bridge walkway.
All three distances are USA Track & Field sanctioned and certified. Course certification numbers are: Half MN-14035RR, 10K MN-19046RR, and 5K MN-19045RR. The fairgrounds location provides ample parking, start locations within the grounds, a common finish line, and loop layouts that remove the need for shuttle transportation.
Packet pickup and in-person registration are scheduled the day before at Bridgewater Bank and on race morning at Washington County Fairgrounds Building A; specific times and locations are published by the organizer. Timing is provided by Mtec Results and participant tracking is available through the Run Stillwater app. Race services include bag drop, staffed water stations, restroom facilities at intervals along the courses, finish-line recovery food and beverages, collectible finisher medals, participant shirts, personalized bibs (deadlines apply), pacers for the half marathon, video finish and free race photos. Shower facilities are available after the race at River Valley Athletic Club for registered participants.
A kids fun run of approximately 0.3 miles is offered for children 10 and under; entries are limited and include a bib, finisher ribbon and medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
