HalfRuns
Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8k

Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8k

Galena River Fall Half Marathon offers a fast, flat out-and-back course along a scenic river trail.

Race Date

Oct 31, 2026

Location

Galena, IL

Standout77

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Location
Galena, Illinois
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 4.97 Miles, Virtual
Course
Out & Back
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
2,515

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat MedalGreat Swag

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The Galena River Fall Half Marathon, first run in 2011 and now in its 13th year, presents a fast, flat out-and-back course. Runners will experience the scenic Galena River Trail, with aid stations providing water, electrolyte drinks, and GU at key mile markers.

This race, typically drawing around 170 finishers from about 10 states, is known for its potential for personal bests. With a repeat-runner loyalty of approximately 22%, it has become a cherished event for many. All finishers receive a medal and a long-sleeve shirt if registered by the specified date.

Held annually on October 31st, the race coincides with Galena's Halloween festivities. Due to this, the course closes at 11:00 AM, meaning no walkers are permitted for the half marathon, and all participants must finish before this time. Packet pickup is available the day before and on race morning.

Race-provided description

Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8k Saturday, October 31, 2026 Join us Saturday, October 31st for our 9th annual Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8K!    This is a fast, flat half marathon along the scenic Galena River Trail. An 8K race option is also offered.   ALL FINISHERS RECEIVE MEDALS & SHIRT IF REGISTERED BY SEPTEMBER 28th!                                                             **Due to Galena Halloween festivities on that day, the course will close at 11:00 AM. Because of this no walkers are allowed for the half marathon and runners must finish before the course closes. 🔷 Packet Pickup will be Friday, Oct 30th from 4:00 pm -7:00 pm and Saturday morning 7:00 am -7:45 am below the Highway 20 bridge in the Train Depot parking area where the race is also held. Friends are allowed to pick up for another participant.  🔷 Gear Check is available at the packet pickup table. Please have your gear bag labeled.  🔷 Hydration/fuel stations with water, electrolyte beverage and GU will be at miles 2, 3.5, 9, 11, 12. Age groups are as follows: 19 and under 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74  75-79  80-84  85-89  90 and up 🔹Course Route: this is an out and back course, utilizing first the south end of the trail and turning around at the 5.50 mile marker and return to the start, which would be the equivalent of 11 miles, runners will then proceed around the start and head north on the trail for a short out and back for the remaining mileage, back to finish line for your 13.10 miles!🎉 For the 8k distance, the course is also an out and back, and will begin the same as the half, with the turnaround marked at 2.50 miles and race back to the finish line!🎉

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

Long Sleeve Shirt (unisex)

Start Location

91 Bouthillier, Galena, IL, 61036

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Out & Back

Terrain

road

Scenery

Lake River

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

4.97 MilesVirtual

Quality Score

Standout77
Methodology
Heritage20/20

13 years running

Size11/15

~191 finishers a year

Momentum4/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

22% returning runners

Course & details3/15

6 timing sources

National draw6/10

runners from 10 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:18:05

Weather10/10

typical high 55°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

39°

Afternoon (High)

55°

Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable

0.1"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

70%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 2,515 finishers actually crossed the line across 13 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

2,515

Median time

1:59:21

Latest turnout

170

States

15

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:15p50 median ≈ 2:053:55

Turnout by year

20182025

'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Frequently asked

When is the Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8k?

The Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8k is held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8k take place?

It takes place in Galena, Illinois.

What distances does the Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8k offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 4.97 Miles, Virtual.

Is the Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8k course flat and good for a PR?

The Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8k is a ultra-flat, out & back course.

How many people run the Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8k?

HalfRuns has finish records for 2,515 runners who have completed the Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8k.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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