Minnesota is known for its picturesque lakes and rivers and high standard of living. Here, outdoor enthusiasts will find everything they love: kayaking and canoeing, the best biking trails in the USA, excellent fishing, and comfortable skiing. The best runs in Minnesota will show you the beauty of nature and give you a chance to test your endurance.
Minnesota 5K and 10K
If the 5K is your distance of choice, you’ll find many 5k races in MN that offer you a chance to set a personal best and have fun. Another popular race distance is the 10K. It is a good opportunity for beginner runners to reach the next level.
1. 811 Run/Walk
Aug 13, 2022 – Saturday
5K run | kids run
Minneapolis, MN
The 811 5K run/walk is a public event that spreads the word about safety and damage prevention awareness. There will be a free kids’ run after the race.
Runners can also enjoy tasty food, water, and a variety of safety-themed games. All proceeds go to the Twin Cities Firefighters Operation Warm, a non-profit organization that provides winter coats for Minnesota children.
2. A Breath of Hope Lung Run/Walk Twin Cities
Aug 13, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K run
Minneapolis, MN
A Breath of Hope Lung Run/Walk Twin Cities will be held on August 13, 2022.
The 5K and 10K courses are certificated. There will be a FUN RUN for kids 5-12, music, tasty food, a speech from the founders, a lung cancer survivor tent, a remembrance ceremony, and most importantly, a chance to remember or honor those fighting lung cancer!
There will be awards for the top male and female runners in each age group!
3. Corn Days 5K
Aug 13, 2022 – Saturday
5K run | kids run
Long Lake, MN
The 2022 Corn Days 5k and Candy Corn 1 Mile, in conjunction with the annual Corn Days Festival by the Church of St. George, will be held on August 13th. You can have fun running, and stay for the festival.
The Corn Days 5k and Candy Corn 1 Mile will take place at Hackberry Park in Orono, Minnesota. Register today to secure your spot in this low-key race through beautiful Orono! There’s fun for the whole family, and kids can test their speed and endurance in the Candy Corn 1 Mile.
You will enjoy live music, including Welcome Drive, the Rattlers, and Stampede, a live performance by Alma Folklorica, St.George’s Latino dance group. There will be a classic car show, Bingo, a wine pull, a reptile/amphibian zoo, a fiesta dinner, a silent auction, children’s games, and inflatables.
4. Crohn’s and Colitis 5K
Aug 13, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Lakeville, MN
The 4th annual Crohn’s and Colitis 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk is hosted by ZYIA Active Independent Reps and will be held on August 13, 2022.
The 5K run along beautiful Lake Marion in Lakeville, Minnesota, will impress you. It is a family-friendly event with a post-race party.
Each registered participant will get a race bag with a ZYIA Active top. All the proceeds directly benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
5. Deerwood Fire Summerfest 5K & 10K
Aug 13, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K run
Deerwood, MN
The Deerwood Fire Summerfest 5K/10K is a chance to set a personal record while helping your community. It is a family-friendly run, and strollers are allowed.
The course begins and ends at the Deerwood Fire Station. The out-and-back route goes along the south shore of Serpent Lake.
Marathons and Half Marathons in Minnesota
The cherished 26 miles, 385-yard marathon event can rightfully be called the “king” of endurance sports. The popularity of marathon running is only growing, and overcoming Minnesota marathons is a test of strength and endurance for athletes of all levels and disciplines.
6. Ely Marathon
Sep 24, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run | kids run
Ely, MN
The Ely Marathon is a Boston Qualifier and will be held on September 24, 2022.
The Ely Marathon is located on the picturesque wilderness roads around Ely, Minnesota. The dirt road course passes alongside beautiful lakes and offers an unforgettable tour of scenic fall colors. The fall temperature is ideal running weather, and there is a lot to explore in the Ely area.
7. Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
Oct 2, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 10M, 10K, 5K run
Minneapolis, MN
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon is a Boston Qualifier, and this year, this beautiful Urban Marathon will celebrate its 40th year in the community.
The marathon starts near US Bank Stadium and finishes at the Minnesota State Capitol. The event and course are certificated by USATF, and times run are Olympic Trials qualifier-eligible.
Water and sports drinks will be available at 14 fluid stations along the course and energy gels at mile 17.
8. Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon – Weekend
Oct 7, 2022 – Friday
10K, 5K run | kids run
Oct 8, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M run
Bemidji, MN
The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon is a Boston Qualifier and will be held on October 8, 2022. It is one of the most beautiful Minnesota road races.
Blue Ox’s picturesque 26.2-mile course is a flat route, with 50% on paved bike trails and 50% on paved roads. Most of the distance is shaded with open areas along the lake shore.
9. Mankato Marathon Weekend
Oct 14, 2022 – Friday
5K run | kids run
Oct 15, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K run
Mankato, MN
The Mankato Marathon is a Boston Qualifier and will be held on October 14, 2022.
You are invited to the heart of the Minnesota River Valley with scenic fall views, great people, and a challenging course. The race ends in the heart of City Center Mankato.
Runners will receive a custom finisher medal, free beer, tasty food, music, and stretching by MAYO trainers.
The half marathon is known for its support from the Sports Psych Team, spectators, and aid stations. Every finisher will get a medal and enjoy a post-race party. The top 3 male and female athletes will get a trophy from Vetter Stone.
10. Grandma’s Marathon
Jun 17, 2023 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M run
Duluth, MN
The Grandma’s Marathon is a Boston Qualifier and will be held on June 17, 2023.
Founded by local runners in 1977, Grandma’s Marathon has grown from 150 participants to one of the largest and best-known marathons in the USA. It is a world-class event with small-town charm, now attended by more than 20,000 participants each June.
The course runs along Lake Superior’s quiet and scenic shores before going into the city limits of Duluth, where runners are welcomed at the finish line by a cheering crowd.
