Circle the Lake Half Marathon
A rolling loop past Circle Lake in rural Rice County, Minnesota, on mixed paved and gravel roads, with entry fees funding lake water quality projects.
Quick facts
- Rolling loop around Circle Lake on paved and gravel country roads.
- Entry fees fund water quality projects run by the lake association.
- Falls about two weeks before the Twin Cities Marathon, a useful last long effort.
- Dog-friendly, headphone-friendly small-town race day.
About the Circle the Lake Half Marathon
The Circle Lake Association puts this September race on as a fundraiser, with proceeds paying for aerators and habitat work on the lake. It lands about two weeks before the Twin Cities Marathon, which makes it a natural final long tune-up for that field.
Course
The loop starts and ends at the old Millersburg schoolhouse and rolls through farm country on a mix of paved and dirt roads. The hills are steady rather than steep, but they accumulate, so treat it as an honest rolling course rather than a PR setup.
Race-day weather
Mid-September in southern Minnesota often starts in the 50s and warms toward 70. Much of the loop is exposed farm road, so sun and a light crosswind usually matter more than heat.
Past Circle the Lake Half Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, September 19, 2026 | Results available | Open results |
Your race experience
Ran the 2026 Circle the Lake Half Marathon?
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Circle the Lake Half Marathon FAQ
When is the Circle the Lake Half Marathon?
We're waiting for the finalized date for the 2027 Circle the Lake Half Marathon. The most recent running was on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
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