We Walk! Marathon

The We Walk! Marathon returns to Mayer, Minnesota on September 26th, 2026, offering a variety of walking distances along the Dakota Rail Trail west of Minneapolis and St Paul. Participants can choose from a range of options including the marathon (42.2K), half-marathon (21.1K), 50K, or the more accessible 10K distance. This event is specifically designed for walkers of all kinds, with strict adherence to walking rules that ensure everyone's pace adheres to at least a 10:18 per mile standard.
The Dakota Rail Trail provides an ideal setting for this walk-centric race, featuring a paved asphalt surface along the historic railroad bed on the western outskirts of Minneapolis and St Paul. The trail is known for its firm yet slightly soft condition, offering both stability and comfort to walkers throughout their journey. On the morning of September 26th, temperatures will hover around an average of 19.8°C with a minimum of 14.8°C and a maximum reaching up to 24.7°C. Humidity levels are expected to be at 70%, making for a slightly damp but manageable environment.
The We Walk! Marathon has been an annual tradition since its inception, supporting various community initiatives in Mayer through participant fees. The event attracts walkers from around the Twin Cities area and beyond, with thousands of participants each year who come together not only to enjoy walking on the Dakota Rail Trail but also to contribute to local causes by participating.
The course venue for the We Walk! Marathon is the picturesque Dakota Rail Trail, a flat terrain that follows an old railroad bed. The trail's surface consists entirely of paved asphalt and offers walkers a scenic route with minimal elevation changes. Aid stations will be strategically placed along the entire 42.2K marathon distance as well as at every major turn for shorter distances like the half-marathon and 10K races.
On race morning, participants can expect an average temperature range between 15°C to 25°C with moderate humidity levels around 70%. The chance of rainfall is relatively low at only 2.3mm expected throughout the day, ensuring that most walkers will experience dry conditions under clear skies or light clouds. UV index is forecasted to be moderate (around 5), suggesting a need for sunscreen and sunglasses during sunny periods.