Rutabaga Run
Rutabaga Run: flat, small-town festival half with loyal repeaters from 4 states.
Race Date
Aug 29, 2026
Location
Cumberland, WI
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
- Finishers on record
- 291
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
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
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Small Town, Rural
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Quality Score
Solid Pick514 years running
~78 finishers a year
shrinking
40% returning runners
5 timing sources · 4 photos
runners from 4 states
winner 1:20:56
typical high 76°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
58°
Afternoon (High)
75°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
75%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 291 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
291
Median time
2:01:41
Latest turnout
55
States
11
Turnout by year
2019–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Rutabaga Run?
The Rutabaga Run was held on Saturday, August 29, 2026. The next edition is expected August 2027.
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.
How many people run the Rutabaga Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 291 runners who have completed the Rutabaga Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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