Circle the Lake Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K
- Date
- September 19, 2026
- Distance
- 1/2 Marathon · 10K · 5K & more
From the Organizer
A Race with a Purpose: Fun, family-friendly, dog-friendly a race with a purpose as all proceeds help improve our lake water quality. Last year we raised over $32,000 which went directly towards 3 new aerators for the lake to reduce invasive weeds/algae, and promote a healthy fish habitat.
Marked by beautiful views and a country feel, the Circle the Lake Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k will take you along the shores of Circle Lake in rural Rice County, MN. Located just 20 minutes south of Burnsville, MN, these courses are run over rolling hills on a mix of paved and dirt roads. It is possible to spot bald eagles, osprey, deer, ducks, pelicans, and to hear the hum of a distant tractor. Runners will have views of the island in Circle Lake, home to many species of wildlife. These courses are open to competitive racers, families, dogs, kids, seniors, and are Ear Bud friendly. We start and end at the historic Millersburg School House and you will follow the same route the Jesse James Gang once traveled.
The Half Marathon is held two weeks before the Twins Cities Marathon, making it perfect for those of you training for that race. Our half marathon is tough and will test your mettle. There are several big hills that will challenge you! All races will be chip-timed. There will be posted mile markers and water/sports drinks will be available throughout the course.
All racers registered prior to August 2nd will get a commemorative t-shirt. We cannot guarantee a t-shirt for registrations posted after that date. Medals will be awarded to all finishers. We will also have a prize for the male and female winners of each race.
There is a $10 price increase on August 1st at Midnight. Register early to assure your spot and save some money. Same-day registrations will be available via website. Races are rain or shine and we cannot offer refunds or transfers to another person.
Invite your family and friends to cheer you on and celebrate your accomplishment at the Boonies Grill, located at the start/end of the race. Boonies is pleased to offer you one complimentary drink after you finish.
Same Day Registration runs from 7:00 - 8:15 A.M. The 10k and Half Marathon races begin at 8:30 A.M. The 5k race begins at 8:35 A.M.
Circle Lake is used for recreation, sports, and by naturalists. This is a charity event sponsored by the Circle Lake Association. www.circlelake.org The association has many projects completed and much more planned to improve the lake's watershed. The proceeds from this event go toward funding those projects.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
72°
Typical Low
48°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Faribault, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Faribault, MN
Population
24,458
as of 2023
Elevation
1,003 ft
Nearest Airport
MSP
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field · 41 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Circle the Lake Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
103
Days to train
- Race
- Circle the Lake Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K
- Date
- September 19, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Faribault, MN
Trials of Odysseus
31 miles away
Red, White and Boom 5k
5K
30 miles away
Birchleggings Club Golf Classic
22 miles away
Run for the Ranch
13 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Circle the Lake Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K?
- Circle the Lake Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K is a running race held in Faribault, Minnesota on September 19, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Circle the Lake Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K?
- Saturday, September 19, 2026 in Faribault, Minnesota at 3625 Millersburg Blvd, Faribault, MN. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Circle the Lake Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Circle the Lake Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K
Sep 19, 2026