HalfRuns
Rutabaga Run

Rutabaga Run

Rutabaga Run: flat, small-town festival half with loyal repeaters from 4 states.

Race Date

Aug 29, 2026

Location

Cumberland, WI

Solid Pick51

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Location
Cumberland, Wisconsin
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Beginner FriendlyHidden Gem

Atmosphere

Local CommunityLow Key

The Experience

For over 40 years, the Rutabaga Run has been a cherished part of Cumberland's annual Rutabaga Festival. This flat, road half-marathon draws roughly 80 runners each August, with about 40% returning year after year—a testament to its low-key charm. Runners come from four states to experience this intimate, community-driven event.

The course rolls through quiet streets and countryside, with pancake-flat terrain that invites personal bests. The festival atmosphere keeps spirits high, with post-race festivities celebrating the town's quirky root-vegetable heritage. It's a hidden gem for runners seeking a no-frills, well-organized race with genuine small-town warmth.

Race-provided description

Rutabaga Festival Run/Walk 1010 8th St, Cumberland, WI 54829, USA - Rutabaga Run            For over 40 years the Rutabaga Run… - August 24, 2024

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Start Time

TBA

Start Location

Cumberland, WI

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Small Town, Rural

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Quality Score

Solid Pick51
Methodology
Heritage8/20

4 years running

Size9/15

~78 finishers a year

Momentum1/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

40% returning runners

Course & details6/15

5 timing sources · 4 photos

National draw4/10

runners from 4 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:20:56

Weather0/10

typical high 76°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

58°

Afternoon (High)

75°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.1"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

75%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Rutabaga Run?

The Rutabaga Run is held on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Where does the Rutabaga Run take place?

It takes place in Cumberland, Wisconsin.

What distances does the Rutabaga Run offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the Rutabaga Run course flat and good for a PR?

The Rutabaga Run is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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