Galena River Fall Half Marathon
An 11am course closure and a no walkers rule give this flat Galena River Trail half the strictest cutoff of any autumn race in northwest Illinois.
Every link above goes to the race, its timing provider, or an official registration partner. Last checked July 28, 2026.
Quick facts
- Flat out and back on the Galena River Trail from the train depot area.
- Course closes at 11am, so walkers are not permitted in the half marathon.
- Fuel and hydration stations sit at miles 2, 3.5, 9, 11, and 12.
- Race morning overlaps Galena's downtown Halloween events.
2026 Galena River Fall Half Marathon registration
Registration for the 2026 Galena River Fall Half Marathon runs through the official registration page at runsignup.com.
About the Galena River Fall Half Marathon
Galena's Halloween street festivities force the course to close at 11am, so the organizers restrict the half marathon to runners who can cover 13.1 miles inside three hours. That one rule shapes who shows up. The trail itself is flat and fast, tracing the Galena River out of the old train depot area.
Course
The race starts below the Highway 20 bridge near the train depot parking area. Runners head south on the Galena River Trail, turn around at 5.5 miles, come back past the start, then head north to finish out the distance.
Race-day weather
Late October in the Driftless region brings frosty mornings that warm quickly once the sun is up. Wind funnels along the river valley, and a flat trail gives runners very little shelter from it.
Past Galena River Fall Half Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, October 31, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
Galena River Fall Half Marathon FAQ
When is the Galena River Fall Half Marathon?
The 2026 Galena River Fall Half Marathon is on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
How do I register for the Galena River Fall Half Marathon?
Register for the Galena River Fall Half Marathon through the official registration link: marathonscout.com/go/galena-river-fall-half-marathon/register. It opens the race registration page at runsignup.com.
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