HalfRuns
The Mill Towns Race Series

The Mill Towns Race Series

Mill Towns offers a flat, scenic loop along the Cannon River in Dundas, MN.

Race Date

Oct 11, 2026

Location

Dundas, MN

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Location
Dundas, Minnesota
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
65

Highlights

Good For

BQ RelevantPR FriendlyBeginner FriendlyHidden Gem

Atmosphere

Low KeyLocal CommunityEasy ParkingGreat Post Race

Course

Fast FlatScenic RouteShaded

The Experience

The Mill Towns Race Series debuts in 2026 with a flat, tree-lined loop course that winds between the historic Mill Towns of Dundas and Northfield along the Cannon River. Starting and finishing at Memorial Park, the half marathon covers two loops of the 10K route, offering a calm, scenic run with minimal elevation gain. With an intimate field of roughly 86 runners, the event prioritizes a stress-free experience.

The atmosphere is refreshingly low-key: no long lines, no parking headaches, and no expo. Runners enjoy well-stocked water stops, finisher medals, and post-race food and fun. The marathon distance is Boston-qualifying and USATF certified, making the half marathon equally appealing for serious time goals or a first-timer's debut.

Ideal for PR seekers and beginners alike, the new series combines small-town charm with a fast, certified route. The tree-lined course offers shade and river views, while the flat profile and loop format deliver a straightforward out-and-back feel. For those seeking a calm, well-organized race with a welcoming community vibe, The Mill Towns is a hidden gem from the start.

Race-provided description

The Mill Towns Race Series, powered by Post Consumer Brands, offers chip-timed marathon, half marathon and 10K distances, all run on a flat, scenic course. The marathon is a Boston-qualifying, certified course. Take the stress out of racing toward your next PR or running your first half marathon or marathon!   The races start and finish in Memorial Park in the Mill Town of Dundas, where you'll also park, pick up your bib and enjoy pre- and post-race festivities. We will have water stops, finish line food and fun, race bibs and finisher medals. NEW FOR 2026: an optional race shirt you can order when you register. Our looping, tree-lined course takes you along the Cannon River from Dundas to the other Mill Town, Northfield, and then back again. The 10K completes one loop, the half marathon two loops and the marathon four loops. We don't have long lines, parking headaches or an expo to add to your schedule. We will be offering packet pick up ahead of race day for those who prefer that option. Race-day packet pickup will still be available and quick. The Mill Towns Race Series is sanctioned by the USATF and as such follows USATF competition rules for long distance and road events (Section VII; page 143). The marathon and half marathon are run on USATF certified course MN24023MAB.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

Unisex Shirt

Start Location

1st Street South, Dundas, MN, 55019

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Lake River, Forest

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles6.2 Miles

Course Map

1 other map for this race

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage2/20

1 year running

Size10/15

~86 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty0/20

0% returning runners

Course & details5/15

4 timing sources

National draw0/10

runners from 1 state

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:22:25

Weather8/10

typical high 63°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

46°

Afternoon (High)

63°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

13 mph

Wind

63%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 65 finishers actually crossed the line across 2 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

65

Median time

~2:05

Latest turnout

States

14

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:20p50 median ≈ 2:054:10

Turnout by year

20242025

'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Frequently asked

When is the The Mill Towns Race Series?

The The Mill Towns Race Series is held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the The Mill Towns Race Series take place?

It takes place in Dundas, Minnesota.

What distances does the The Mill Towns Race Series offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles.

Is the The Mill Towns Race Series course flat and good for a PR?

The The Mill Towns Race Series is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the The Mill Towns Race Series?

HalfRuns has finish records for 65 runners who have completed the The Mill Towns Race Series.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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