Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes
Race Date
May 2, 2026
Location
Nisswa, MN
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Location
- Nisswa, Minnesota
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2M, 10K run | 26.2M relay
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 3,744
The Experience
Run for the Lakes is an annual marathon weekend organized by the Brainerd Jaycees in Nisswa, MN. It features multiple events including a full marathon, half marathon, relay, 10K, 5K, 1K Kids Fun Run, and a Zer0K. All proceeds are donated to local non-profits, with the 2026 edition benefiting the Brainerd Outreach Program.
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.4%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MN23003TRR · Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8516 years running
~236 finishers a year
growing or steady
27% returning runners
USATF certified · 2 timing sources
runners from 7 states
winner 1:15:59
typical high 58°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
38°
Afternoon (High)
58°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
13 mph
Wind
66%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,744 finishers actually crossed the line across 16 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,744
Median time
2:05:21
Latest turnout
236
States
26
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes?
The Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes is held on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Where does the Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes take place?
It takes place in Nisswa, Minnesota.
What distances does the Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2M, 10K run | 26.2M relay.
Is the Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes course flat and good for a PR?
The Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes is a rolling hills, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,744 runners who have completed the Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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