The 42st Annual Scheels Healthy Human Race returns to Rochester, Minnesota on September 12th, 2026. This event is a beloved tradition in the local running community, featuring both physical and virtual options for runners of all abilities. Race morning finds participants gathering at the starting line in Veterans Memorial Park, just steps from downtown Rochester’s historic walking trails. The atmosphere is invigorating with the scent of fall leaves and early autumn breezes. Runners can expect a fast course along the well-maintained paths that lead through Soldier's Field Park before finishing under the grand stands. The race has been running for 42 years, making it one of Rochester’s longest-standing community events. In 2026, over 350 participants are expected to take part in a variety of distances aimed at supporting local runners and promoting healthy living. All events—whether you choose the half marathon, its relay variant, or the popular 5K—are walker-friendly. Course venues offer firm yet slightly soft trail conditions typical for early fall, with an average wind speed of 12 mph and humidity around 70%. The day's temperature will range from a minimum of 14.3°C to a maximum of 24.1°C, feeling quite comfortable at the race’s approximate midpoint of 19.2°C. Precipitation is expected to be minimal with just 2.9mm forecasted.
Logistics for the event begin with registration, available at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/115082/42st-annual-scheels-healthy-human-race. Fees are $43.40 for 5K and virtual options; half marathon costs $75.20 or $107.00 as a relay, with similar pricing for their virtual counterparts. Bib pick-up is on September 8th from 9 AM to 6 PM at the Rochester Running Club located in downtown Rochester. Participants must bring proof of payment and ID if registering after August 31st. First-timers should ensure they have proper running gear as well as a valid photo ID for entry. The start line will be set up in Veterans Memorial Park, with age requirements ranging from 14 years old to open participation. The race benefits the Rochester Running Club, a community organization dedicated to promoting health and wellness through running. This event is more than just a run; it’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for fitness. Rochester's scenic trails await on September 12th, making this race not only a personal challenge but also a chance to contribute to the community’s well-being.
Races Offered
5K
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
5km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
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$43.40
Half Marathon
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
21km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$75.20
Half Marathon Relay
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
21km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$107.00
Virtual 5K
Sep 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$43.40
Virtual Half Marathon
Sep 12, 2026
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Distance —
21km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$64.60
Virtual Half Marathon Relay
Sep 12, 2026
straighten
Distance —
21km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$96.40
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Rochester.
thermostatTemperature
14.3° / 24.1°
wb_sunnyFeels like
12.8° / 22.8°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 33m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.9 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
12.2 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (5.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
71.3%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:49
nightlight
Sunset
19:18
About Rochester
Learn more about the host city, Rochester.
Rochester, Minnesota, about 80 miles southeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul, is home to the Mayo Clinic. Rochester is cold in the winter and warm, and many times hot, in the summer. It has a population of 107,890 in the city limits, with more in the surrounding areas, but hosts millions of out-of-town visitors coming for treatment at the Mayo Clinic. Owing to the large number of visitors, Rochester has a well developed infrastructure and is much busier than other cities of its size.
