The Annual Scenic Byway Half Marathon, Relay & 5K is generally the second Saturday in October. The races start at Gateway Lot, 110 E Main Street, in Belle Plaine and continue along the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway Loop. Both the half marathon and 5K courses are USATF certified and chip-timed, making this race a great, competitive running opportunity among the peak-of-harvest beauty along th
e Minnesota River Valley. Funds raised from the race will go toward promotion of Belle Plaine and its unique location as the last stop on the MN River Valley Scenic Byway, as well as environmental projects, including the ongoing Minnesota River Valley Cleanup Project. This project has a long-range goal of extending biking and hiking trails from the Twin Cities to Mankato. The Half Marathon begins and ends downtown Belle Plaine at the Gateway Lot, located at 110 E Main Street, Following a course with hilly stretches and mostly flat terrain, the Belle Plaine Scenic Byway Half Marathon takes runners on a circular loop of quiet country roads that encompasses the beautiful Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway, a 287-mile stretch of River Valley in which Belle Plaine is the last stop. This is a challenging course and not for the faint of heart. Anderson Race Management will help organize the events, which include chip timing, awards, medals. The half marathon starts at 9:00 AM, while the 5K race gets underway at 9:20 AM. Awards will be given for the top male and female in 10 year age categories in both events. Special custom medals to all Half Marathon & 5K participants. A Kid's Run (approximately a half mile) will be offered at 8:45 am. All participants will receive a medal along with a goody bag. Join us at 8:15 for the National Anthem sung by our local Belle Plaine Choir members.
