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This page covers the 2026 edition, which has already taken place. See the next Capital City River Run (expected September 2027) →
Capital City River Run

Capital City River Run

Flat, fast half along the Lansing River Trail, now in its 33rd year.

Race Date

Sep 19, 2026

Location

Lansing, MI

Runner Favorite85

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Location
Lansing, Michigan
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 1 Miles
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
6,337

Highlights

Good For

PR Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishGreat SwagGreat Medal

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The Capital City River Run, first run in 1993, celebrates its 33rd anniversary in 2026 with a flat, fast point-to-point half-marathon through Lansing. Starting on Michigan Avenue, the course winds through downtown, passes through Michigan State University's campus, and follows the Lansing River Trail before finishing at Adado Park. The USATF-certified course is slightly net downhill, a proven PR magnet that draws about 700 runners each year, with a loyal one-third returning annually.

The race benefits Impression 5 Science Center, and the post-race celebration includes a pizza party and free museum entry—a fitting finish for a race that blends community support with a runner-friendly vibe. The half-marathon and 5K start together at 8:00 AM, with a separate kids' mile on Saturday. All participants receive a sweatshirt and a finisher medal, adding to the sense of accomplishment.

Race-provided description

2026 marks the 33rd anniversary of the Capital City River Run. The Capital City River Run makes a real impact within the community, benefiting Impression 5 Science Center and its mission to provide children and families access to science exploration through hands-on exhibits and participatory programming. 

Annual races include a Half Marathon, 5K Walk/Run, and the Sohn’s Kid’s Race. All half marathon and 5K race participants receive a sweatshirt and finishers medal. The race will be chip timed by the Michigan Running Foundation and you can check your results during the race and on the web at Playmakers.com. The kids races will take place on Saturday, September 19 at 11AM at Impression 5 Science Center. The one mile race will take place on the Lansing River Trail. All participants will be invited to spend the day at the Science Museum and enjoy a pizza party after the event. Participants of the event will get a goodie bag and a finishers medal. The half marathon, and 5K races will start on Michigan Ave in front of the Lansing Center, utilizing Michigan Ave, Grand River Ave, MSU campus and the Lansing River Trail and will end on Grand Ave, utilizing Adado Park in downtown Lansing. Both races will start at 8AM on Sunday, September 20, Packet Pick Up Packet pick up will take place on Saturday, September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing. Race day packet pick up will take place at Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

Sweatshirt Options

Start Location

Impression 5 Science Center 200 Museum Drive, Lansing, MI, 48912

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Lake River, Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

+0.14 m

Separation

1.2%

Also Offers

5K1 Miles

USATF Certified Course

MI24023MN · Capital City River Run Half Marathon 2024

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Runner Favorite85
Methodology
Heritage20/20

20 years running

Size14/15

~691 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

33% returning runners

Course & details13/15

USATF certified · 4 timing sources · 3 photos

National draw7/10

runners from 18 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:06:10

Weather0/10

typical high 78°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

59°

Afternoon (High)

78°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.1"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

71%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 6,337 finishers actually crossed the line across 8 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

6,337

Median time

2:05:28

Latest turnout

715

States

39

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:054:15

Turnout by year

2018–2026

'18'19'21'22'23'24'25'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Capital City River Run?

The Capital City River Run was held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM. The next edition is expected September 2027.

Where does the Capital City River Run take place?

It takes place in Lansing, Michigan.

What distances does the Capital City River Run offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 1 Miles.

Is the Capital City River Run course flat and good for a PR?

The Capital City River Run is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Capital City River Run?

HalfRuns has finish records for 6,337 runners who have completed the Capital City River Run.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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