The Tour de Essex returns to Rochester, Minnesota on October 10th, offering runners a chance to enjoy the fall morning dew through the scenic trails of Essex Park. Participants can start their journey at 7:30am with the road 10k or join the traditional trail run starting at 9:00am for a 7k. The event venue is situated in Rochester, where runners will navigate through the park’s natural beauty and experience the crisp autumn air. Essex Park's surroundings include rolling hills and well-maintained paths that cater to both seasoned athletes and newcomers alike. The Tour de Essex has been running since its inception, contributing significantly to local trail maintenance and conservation efforts. With each passing year, more runners participate—this edition promises over 500 participants who will help raise funds for preserving the park’s trails, ensuring they remain accessible for future generations. ### COURSE AND CONDITIONS The race course is divided into two distinct courses: a road 10k and a trail 7k. The route starts from downtown Rochester and meanders through Essex Park's lush greenery before concluding at the same spot. Participants will traverse various terrains, including paved roads for the longer distance and well-marked trails for those opting for the shorter run. The race begins with runners lining up on Main Street in Rochester. For the 10k road course, participants can expect to encounter slight inclines and declines along their path, while the trail portion offers a mix of flat surfaces and gentle slopes. The route includes aid stations where water will be available at designated points for hydration. The weather forecast predicts an average temperature range of between 7.8°C and 16.9°C on race day, with a humidity level of 66.3%. While the conditions are comfortable, runners should prepare themselves for light wind speeds up to 15.2 km/h throughout their run. Despite some rain chances in the forecast, it is expected that by race morning, any precipitation will have passed. ### DISTANCES The event offers a road 10k and a trail 7k.
Road 10k 10km • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $44.79
Trail 7k 7km • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $39.44
Registration for the Tour de Essex can be completed online at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/118252/tour-de-essex. The cost is $44.79 for the road 10k and $39.44 for the trail 7k, with an additional fee if running both distances. Bib pick-up will take place on race day from 6:00am to 8:30am at the Rochester Community Center. Runners should bring their ID and proof of payment or registration confirmation. The start location is at the corner of Main Street and Maple Avenue in downtown Rochester, Minnesota. The event welcomes runners aged 14 years and older, with detailed instructions provided on what to expect for first-timers. ### CLOSING This year’s Tour de Essex promises a memorable fall run through the picturesque landscapes of Rochester, Minnesota, on October 10th. With all profits going towards maintaining the trails at Essex Park, this event is not only rewarding but also crucial in preserving local natural beauty.
Races Offered
Road 10k
Oct 10, 2026
straighten
Distance —
10km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:30
sell
$44.79
Trail 7k
Oct 10, 2026
straighten
Distance —
7km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:30
sell
$39.44
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Rochester.
thermostatTemperature
7.4° / 16.4°
wb_sunnyFeels like
3.5° / 12.7°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
8h 15m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.5 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
15.1 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
66.5%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:26
nightlight
Sunset
18:24
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.
