Headbanger Half
The Headbanger Half offers a fast, rural course with shaded trails and lake views.
Race Date
Jul 12, 2026
Location
Oconomowoc, WI
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, July 12, 2026
- Location
- Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 2 Miles, 0.5 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 674
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Headbanger Half, now in its 17th year, takes runners through the scenic Wisconsin countryside near Laura Lake and Golden Lake. The course, recently relocated to Summit, Wisconsin, promises a flat and fast experience with low traffic and shaded sections along the Glacial Drumlin Trail.
This event is designed for speed, with a course profile conducive to personal bests. While the typical field size has been around 197 finishers, it has seen a recent decline. The race draws participants from approximately 4 states, and a small percentage, around 3%, are repeat runners.
Runners can choose from various distances, including a 5K, 10K, and the half marathon itself, alongside shorter options and a kids' 1K. The event aims to celebrate the spirit of headbanging, offering a festive atmosphere for all participants.
Race-provided description
Get ready to rock the roads at the Headbanger Half! 🎸🤘 Whether you’re chasing miles, medals, music, or just looking for an excuse to wear your best rock-and-roll race outfit before breakfast, we’ve got a distance for you. Choose your adventure: 🏃♀️ 5K 🎒 5K Ruck 🏃♂️ 10K 🔥 Half Marathon Not a runner? No problem. Lace up for the 2-mile walk and join the party at your own pace. Walk it, strut it, air-guitar your way through it — we’re not here to judge. Mostly. And don’t forget the next generation of rock stars! The Little Banger 1K is FREE and perfect for kiddos ready to bring the energy, the smiles, and probably a sprint finish that makes the adults question their training choices. Come for the miles. Stay for the music. Celebrate the glory days of headbanging, big hair, loud guitars, and questionable fashion decisions. The Headbanger Half is ready to rock. Are you? 🤘🎉
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
37505 Genesee Lake Rd, Oconomowoc, WI, 53066
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Lake River, Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
4 other maps for this race
Quality Score
Solid Pick435 years running
~141 finishers a year
shrinking
4% returning runners
3 timing sources · 3 photos
runners from 17 states
winner 1:23:21
typical high 80°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
62°
Afternoon (High)
80°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.2"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 674 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
674
Median time
2:16:35
Latest turnout
124
States
28
Turnout by year
2022–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Headbanger Half?
The Headbanger Half is held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Headbanger Half take place?
It takes place in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
What distances does the Headbanger Half offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 2 Miles, 0.5 Miles.
Is the Headbanger Half course flat and good for a PR?
The Headbanger Half is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Headbanger Half?
HalfRuns has finish records for 674 runners who have completed the Headbanger Half.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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