Mankato Marathon Weekend
Mankato Marathon offers a fast, certified course through southern Minnesota's scenic river valley.
Race Date
Oct 17, 2026
Location
Mankato, MN
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Location
- Mankato, Minnesota
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2M, 10K run
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 15,558
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Mankato Marathon, first run in 2010 and now in its 15th year, is a fixture in southern Minnesota. Each fall, it draws runners from around 25 states, with about 22% returning year after year.
The certified course is known for its speed, featuring a net drop that aids runners aiming for personal bests. Runners can expect a predominantly road race experience through the scenic river valley, with typical race-day temperatures ranging from the low 40s to the high 50s.
With a median field size of around 786 finishers, the event offers a substantial but not overwhelming atmosphere. It's a well-established race that provides a solid opportunity for a fast time, complemented by the natural beauty of the Mankato area.
Race-provided description
Mankato Marathon 2026 featuring full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids run.
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
-0.28 m
Separation
1.5%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MN22030JHP · Mankato Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9516 years running
~760 finishers a year
shrinking
24% returning runners
USATF certified · 2 timing sources · 7 photos
runners from 22 states
winner 1:09:52
typical high 60°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
43°
Afternoon (High)
60°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
14 mph
Wind
61%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 15,558 finishers actually crossed the line across 16 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
15,558
Median time
2:06:10
Latest turnout
753
States
46
Turnout by year
2018–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Mankato Marathon Weekend?
The Mankato Marathon Weekend was held on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The next edition is on October 15, 2027.
Where does the Mankato Marathon Weekend take place?
It takes place in Mankato, Minnesota.
What distances does the Mankato Marathon Weekend offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2M, 10K run.
Is the Mankato Marathon Weekend course flat and good for a PR?
The Mankato Marathon Weekend 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 Mankato Marathon Weekend?
HalfRuns has finish records for 15,558 runners who have completed the Mankato Marathon Weekend.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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