Mankato Marathon

About the Event

The Mankato Marathon returns to the scenic trails and urban landscape of Mankato, Minnesota on October 17th, 2026.
Race morning in early autumn sets a picturesque backdrop for participants as they gather along Broadway Street leading into the heart of downtown. The route winds through historic neighborhoods like Northside Park and Kato Park, offering runners stunning views of the vibrant river valley. On race day, expect crisp temperatures with an average high of 18°C and lows around 8°C, creating a comfortable climate that enhances the running experience.
The Mankato Marathon has been running since its inception in 2004, making it one of the longest-standing events in Minnesota. Known for exceptional course support with Bikes Responders and Sport Psych Team, this marathon is not just about pushing personal limits but also about community spirit and camaraderie. Over the years, thousands have participated, contributing to local charities through race proceeds.
The course venue features a mix of paved roads and scenic paths alongside the Minnesota River Valley, providing a varied terrain that challenges even seasoned runners while offering breathtaking scenery at every turn. The start in downtown Mankato sees participants lined up along Broadway Street before heading into Kato Park for an out-and-back route back to the finish line on 12th Avenue Southeast. Expect a few hills and some gentle descents, creating a balanced course layout.
Weather conditions on race day will feel like typical October weather with an average temperature of around 13°C, though it can range from a minimum of 8°C to a maximum of 18°C. The humidity is relatively low at about 63%, making for comfortable running conditions even as the wind picks up, blowing at an average speed of 16 km/h.

10K
10km • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $43.85

5K
5km • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $33.20

Corporate 5K Team Challenge
5km • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $33.20

Half Marathon
21km • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $70.48

KidsK
1km • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $17.23

Marathon
42km • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $81.13

Marathon Relay - Team Captain
42km • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $107.75

Marathon Relay - Team Member
42km • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: Free

Mega-Kato: 5K and Full Marathon
29mi • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $97.10

Mighty-Kato: 5K and Half Marathon
21km • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $86.45

Mini-Kato: 5K and 10K
9mi • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $65.15

Virtual 10K
10km • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $65.15

Virtual 5K
5km • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $54.50

Virtual Half Marathon
21km • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $81.13

Virtual Marathon
42km • Start: 07:20:00 • Fee: $91.78

5K | 10K | Half Marathon | Marathon | Mini-Kato (5k+10K) | Mighty-Kato (5k+Half) | Mega-Kato (5k+Full) | Virtual 5K | Virtual 10K | Virtual Half Marathon | Virtual Marathon
Registration for the Mankato Marathon opens on December 1, 2025. Visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/110648/mankato-marathon to sign up and secure your spot at this exceptional race from October 17th, 2026.
Bib pickup will take place on Saturday, October 14th, between the hours of 3 PM and 7 PM at the Mankato Area Convention Center. Bring a valid form of ID to pick up your bib number and any other necessary items for race day.
Start location is at 800 Broadway Street in downtown Mankato. The event welcomes runners aged 16 and older, with corporate team challenges available as well. First-time participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the course details and bring appropriate gear such as comfortable running shoes, hydration packs, and energy gels.
The Mankato Marathon is a testament to community spirit and local support, making it worth attending for its beautiful courses and generous course support.

Races Offered

10K

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 10km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$43.85

5K

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$33.20

Corporate 5K Team Challenge

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$33.20

Half Marathon

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 21km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$70.48

KidsK

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$17.23

Marathon

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 42km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$81.13

Marathon Relay - Team Captain

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 42km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$107.75

Marathon Relay - Team Member

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 42km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

Free

Mega-Kato: 5K and Full Marathon

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 29mi

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$97.10

Mighty-Kato: 5K and Half Marathon

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 21km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$86.45

Mini-Kato: 5K and 10K

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 9mi

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$65.15

Virtual 10K

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 10km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$65.15

Virtual 5K

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$54.50

Virtual Half Marathon

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 21km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$81.13

Virtual Marathon

Oct 17, 2026

straighten

Distance — 42km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

07:20

sell

$91.78

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Mankato.

thermostat Temperature

8.3° / 18.1°

wb_sunny Feels like

4.2° / 14.0°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

—

water_drop Avg rainfall

—

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

—

opacity Sweat loss rate

—

terrain Course conditions

—

sunny Max UV Index

—

humidity_mid Humidity

63.1%

wb_twilight Sunrise

—

nightlight Sunset

—

About Mankato

Learn more about the host city, Mankato.

Mankato is a city in Minnesota, USA, that exudes a college presence with several centers of higher learning, including Minnesota State University.

Hotels & Places to Stay

Runner Reviews

Read what other athletes have to say about their experience at the Mankato Marathon.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience with the community!

Recommended for You

Hand-picked events we think you’ll love.

Jul 18, 2026

2026 Summer Camp - Day 1

World's Best Marathon & Half Series! No Time Limits Great Food Best Medals Loony Community! We RUN this country, TOGETH…

Jul 03, 2026

Darren Dash 15

This 15h annual event will honor the life of Austin native and running enthusiast, Darren Lewis. (1973-2011) All events…

Jun 27, 2026

Music in Plymouth 5K 2026

The 2025 Music in Plymouth 5K will be run on the Northwest Greenway with the start and finish at the Northwest Greenway…

Jul 25, 2026

2026 SKECHERS Wicked Wine Run Minneapolis

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just love to walk and take in the scenery, SKECHERS Wicked Wine Run is for you! Eac…

About the Event

Races Offered

10K