Half Marathon races near Cottage Grove

The 45th edition of this event offers a celebrated urban journey, beginning in Minneapolis and culminating in Saint Paul. It’s widely regarded as "the best weekend of the year" for its festive atmosphere and the unique opportunity to run through the heart of both Minnesota cities. This established race draws a large community of runners each autumn. With over 10,000 participants, the course provides a distinct experience, winding through the varied landscapes that connect Minneapolis to Saint Paul. Runners navigate city streets and scenic stretches, experiencing the energy of the Twin Cities from start to finish. The race culminates in Saint Paul, delivering a memorable conclusion to this anticipated annual event.

Spooky Sprint St. Paul offers multiple running distances on Halloween: 5K, 10K, half marathon, 1 mile, and a Kid's Dash for children 10 and under. The 5K, 10K, and half marathon are chip-timed with live results and awards. The 1 mile and Kid's Dash are untimed, providing shorter, less pressured options. The event emphasizes family participation. Participants receive a designer shirt, custom medal, bib, free photos, and finish line treats. Kid's Dash entries include a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specific medal. Youth pricing is available for the 5K and 10K. Children can join the dash for free on race day without receiving swag. A virtual option allows participation from any location while still receiving event gear.

The Mill Towns Race Series begins and ends in Memorial Park in Dundas, Minnesota, offering marathon, half marathon, and 10K distances on an October Sunday. All three races are chip-timed, and the marathon course is certified for Boston Marathon qualification. The event is designed for runners seeking a simple race day: parking, bib pickup, start, finish, food, medals, and pre- and post-race activities are all located within the park. The course is flat and looped, following the Cannon River between Dundas and Northfield through a route bordered by trees. The 10K completes one loop, the half marathon completes two, and the marathon completes four. This means runners traverse the same sections multiple times rather than a point-to-point course. The series is USATF sanctioned, with the marathon and half marathon courses certified as MN24023MAB. Packet pickup is available before race day and on race morning. Shirts are an optional add-on during registration.

Turkey Trails St. Paul is a Thanksgiving-themed running event held at Como Regional Park in St. Paul, Minnesota, offering distances suitable for most participants. Runners can select from a half marathon, 10K, 5K, or 1 mile. Younger children have a Kids Dash option for ages 10 and under. The 1 mile and Kids Dash are untimed events. The 5K, 10K, and half marathon utilize chip timing, providing live results and awards. The event is designed to be family-friendly, with youth pricing available for the 5K and 10K. Children can participate in the Kids Dash without charge if they forgo the event merchandise. Most registrations include a custom bib, a designed shirt, and a finisher medal. Participants in the Kids Dash receive a mini bib, a youth shirt, and a medal designed for children. All finishers are provided with complimentary race photos and refreshments at the finish line. A virtual participation option is also available, allowing individuals to run at their own location while still receiving the event's merchandise.