2026 Hot2Trot Cottage Grove
Hot2Trot Cottage Grove: a growing small-town half with an intimate, supportive vibe.
Expected Race Date
~Jun 2026
Date not yet announced — this is when the race usually runs.
Location
Cottage Grove, WI
Quick facts
- Date
- around June 2026 (expected)
- Location
- Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Atmosphere
The Experience
With just over a hundred finishers each year, Hot2Trot Cottage Grove feels more like a gathering of friends than a race. Runners hail from about eight states, but a devoted quarter come back season after season—a testament to the event's genuine small-town warmth.
The course winds through the quiet roads and farmland surrounding Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, a village just east of Madison. Summer mornings here are typically warm (averaging 60–78°F) with a breeze, ideal for settling into a steady rhythm. The route is well-supported by local volunteers, and the finish at Bakken Park offers a relaxed celebration among the trees.
Now in its eighth edition, this half-marathon is a hidden gem for those seeking a low-key, well-organized race. It's the kind of event where the RD knows your name and the post-race snack feels earned.
Race-provided description
Registration: Participants must register online in advance. All registration will be completed online, there will be no paper registration. Please complete your registration prior to arriving on site.Pickup of your race bib and shirt prior to race day is strongly encouraged. Pickup will take place: Friday at Bakken Park Shelter, 4064 Vilas Road, Cottage Grove, WI 53527T-Shirt Deadline: Register by June 1 to guarantee your event shirt!
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Quality Score
Standout628 years running
~122 finishers a year
growing or steady
22% returning runners
limited extras
runners from 8 states
winner 1:13:00
no weather data yet
Frequently asked
When is the 2026 Hot2Trot Cottage Grove?
The 2026 Hot2Trot Cottage Grove hasn't announced its next date yet, but it typically takes place around June 2026 (expected).
Where does the 2026 Hot2Trot Cottage Grove take place?
It takes place in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin.
What distances does the 2026 Hot2Trot Cottage Grove offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the 2026 Hot2Trot Cottage Grove course flat and good for a PR?
The 2026 Hot2Trot Cottage Grove is a rolling hills, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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