Circle the Lake Races

06/05/2026

🚨🎬 ** NEW BEHIND THE SCENES: Conquering The Big Hill Mile 9🏃‍♂️⛰️

Every race has that one moment that separates the runners from the legends.

For the Circle the Lake Half Marathon, that moment comes at **Mile 9** 😳🤯

In this behind-the-scenes video, Solomon takes you right to the infamous **Big Hill** ⛰️and explains why it's the most challenging part of the 1/2 marathon course. By the time runners reach it, their legs are getting heavy, and then... the hill appears.

💬 "It's the point in the race where you find out what you're made of. Everyone remembers The Big Hill."

Whether you're chasing a PR, walking with friends, or just looking to challenge yourself, The Big Hill has become a badge of honor for Circle the Lake runners.

👇 Tell us in the comments:
Have you conquered The Big Hill before, or will this be your first attempt?

🏅 Register today and earn your bragging rights:
🌐 [www.circlethelake.com](http://www.circlethelake.com)

06/04/2026

🌊 Sponsor Spotlight: Boat Doctor Marine 🚤

Today we'd like to give a huge shoutout to our incredible sponsor, Boat Doctor Marine!

Locally owned and operated in Montgomery, Boat Doctor Marine has been serving Minnesota boaters for over 20 years. Founded by Kevin Vrieze, who began his marine repair career in the 1990s, the business has grown into one of Southeastern Minnesota's trusted destinations for boat sales, service, repairs, storage, winterization, and all things boating. Their mission is simple: make boat ownership easy and help families spend more time enjoying the water.

We're incredibly grateful for Boat Doctor Marine's sponsorship of the Circle Lake Race. Support from local businesses like theirs helps keep race day running smoothly, supports ongoing lake improvements, and allows us to continue hosting this amazing community event year after year.

Boat Doctor Marine has been a wonderful part of our lake and boating community, and we're proud to have them supporting the race. If you're looking for boat service, repairs, storage, or even your next boat, be sure to check out Boat Doctor Marine and see what they have to offer.

Thank you, Boat Doctor Marine, for investing in our community and helping keep Circle Lake thriving! 🚤☀️🌊

Kathie Michel Vrieze

https://share.google/nB5ZjO3bGFULjhFYs

06/01/2026

🐾 Looking for the most dog-friendly race in Minnesota? You just found it. Register today https://circlethelake.com

Circle the Lake isn’t just a race—it’s a full-on experience for you and your pup. Whether you’re running, walking, or just soaking up the vibes, dogs are more than welcome—they’re part of the event.

🐕 Tons of happy dogs on the trail and swag bags for top finishers
💧 Water stations for humans and pups
🎉 Fun, relaxed atmosphere for all ages and abilities
Bring your four-legged running buddy, your family, and your energy—this is Minnesota’s most dog-friendly race for a reason.
📍 Don’t miss it. Sign up, leash up, and let’s Circle the Lake together.

05/30/2026

🏃‍♀️💙 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT 💙🏃‍♂️

A huge THANK YOU to Johnson-Reiland Builders & Remodelers for sponsoring the Circle Lake Race!

For over 50 years, Johnson-Reiland has been helping families throughout Southern Minnesota build, remodel, and create spaces they love. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship, integrity, and customer service has made them a trusted name in our community for generations.

What makes Johnson-Reiland truly special is their dedication not only to building exceptional homes but also to investing in the communities they serve. Their support helps make events like the Circle Lake Race possible, bringing neighbors, families, and friends together for a great cause and a great day at the lake.

If you're considering a custom home, addition, remodel, or building project, be sure to check out the incredible work Johnson-Reiland Builders & Remodelers is doing throughout the area.

Please join us in thanking Johnson-Reiland Builders & Remodelers for their generous support of the Circle Lake Race and our community! 👏


Johnson-Reiland Builders & Remodelers
Matt Reiland Jolene Reiland

05/29/2026

Did you know the island 🏝️ on Circle Lake had a Golf ⛳️ Course 100 years ago?

Old Northfield 📰 News Papers from 1924 confirmed the island was purchased that year by a developer with plans for 18 hole ⛳️ course and 150 cabin lots with a ferry ⛴️ boat to take vacationers to the island.

The developer did build a scaled down 9 hole course that year which was playable for a few years but ultimately the project to develop the island was abandoned.

You can still see the remains of the course today if you explore the island and some say they have found old cup holes 🕳️ still in the ground.

Be a part of history and register today https://circlethelake.com

05/24/2026

That Moment when your realize Boonies has Breakfast 🥞 #13.1 miles

05/23/2026

🇺🇸 Honoring Those Who Served this Memorial Weekend 🇺🇸

Thank you to all veterans for your courage, dedication, and commitment. We run, gather, and live freely because of you.

🛩️ 🇺🇸 🏃‍♀️

05/20/2026

Hey everyone! 👋✨

We’re excited to kick off our sponsor spotlight series by thanking our amazing Diamond Level Sponsors 💎, as well as one of our incredible community partners, Boonies Bar & Grill 🍻🔥!

A huge shoutout to Boonies Bar & Grill for their generous support of the Circle the Lake Race 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️💨. They are providing their venue for our post-race gathering 🎉, along with free drink tickets 🍹 and gift cards 🎁 to help make race day even more memorable for participants and supporters 🙌.

Boonies Bar & Grill 🍔🍻 is a local favorite known for its laid-back, welcoming atmosphere 😎, friendly staff 😊, and great mix of comfort food and classic bar favorites 🍔🍗. Guests enjoy everything from burgers and wings to fried fish and cold draft beer 🍺, making it a go-to spot for casual dining, live gatherings, and good times with friends 🎶💛.

We are so grateful for their partnership and support of our event and community ❤️🤝!

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting more of our incredible sponsors leading up to race day 🏁🎉!

— Circle the Lake Race Team 💙
Boonies Grill

09/19/2025

2025 Circle the Lake Race Photos are now available to view at circlethelake.com!! 📸😅🎉

5K, 10K, Half Marathon

09/14/2025

Thank you to all of those that joined us at the Circle the Lake Races today!! 🤗 All of the smiles & energy made the already beautiful morning even better! 🙌 Congratulations finishers! 🎉 Thank you sponsors & volunteers!! 💕 We hope you all had a fantastic time! 🌅