Circle the Lake Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K

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 the 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 IPOD 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 certified (Certification Code MN14042RR). Since it is held two weeks before the Twins Cities Marathon, it is perfect for those of you training for that race. Our half marathon will test your mettle as there are some hills. 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 September 1st will get a commemorative t-shirt. We cannot guarantee a t-shirt for registrations posted after that date. Medals will be awarded to all half marathon finishers. We will also have prizes for race age group winners.

We are limiting this year’s races to 500 participants. There is a $5 price increase for each race on April 1. And another $10 increase on September 12. Register early to assure your spot and save some money. Online, pre-registration is preferred. If you prefer not to register online you can go to the Circle the Lake website at www.circlethelake.com to obtain a paper registration form that you can mail in. You can also visit that website to see course maps and get the latest updates. Same-day registrations will be available if the race doesn't fill up, and we accept cash, check, or credit cards. 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 Bar and Restaurant, located at the start/end of the race. Boonies is pleased to offer you one complimentary drink of your choice after you finish.

Registration/checkin starts at 7:30 A.M. and the races begin at 9 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 many more planned to improve the lake's watershed. The proceeds from this event go toward funding those projects.

The postal address for our race is
3625 Millersburg Blvd West
Faribault, MN 55021

That is the address of the Forest Township Hall where you will park and check in. The start/finish line is about a half mile east of there in a little place called Millersburg. Millersburg is on Rice County Road 1 about 2 miles west of Interstate 35. If you are coming to us from Interstate 35, take exit 66 for Dundas/ Montgomery. That will put you on Rice County Road 1/Millersburg Blvd. Head west a couple of miles and you'll see signs for the race, along with the start/finish line that is right across from Boonies Bar and Grill. The town hall is about a half mile further down the road to the west. If you are arriving from the west, make your way to Rice County Road 1 and head east towards Interstate 35.

There is a bathroom and portable toilets at the hall, and portable toilets at the start/finish line. We will also have a portable toilet at mile 2 for the Half Marathoners and 10K runners. The Half Marathoners will have access to that facility again as they pass that spot again at around mile 5.

Races start at 9:00am and are supported for four hours.

The races are rain or shine.