Gear Western Country Half Marathon & 5K

Saturday, October 14, 2023 • Long Lake, MN • Course Map

The gently rolling hills along the country roads of this small southern Minnesota town just outside the Minneapolis-St. Paul area are set for the 12th annual running of the Gear Western Country Half Marathon & 5K in the middle of October 2023, a race that will feature country music bands playing live at the post-race party and a cowboy hat at the finish line.

Organized and sponsored by Gear West Cross Country Ski and Run, an atheltic store on Wayzata Boulevard in Long Lake (which also lies along the southern shoreline of the lake that gives the town its name), the race will follow an out-and-back course that starts and finishes at Gear West (on 1786 W. Wayzata Boulevard).

From there, the race heads south for a pair of four-mile loops before heading back to the store for the race finish.

If you want an extra challenge, enter the Hobby Horse division — not only will you get 50% off your half marathon registration, but you’ll have a chance at setting the world record for the fastest half marathon while running with a hobby horse. Bring your handmade hobby horse and good spirits for the designated gallop zones, and maybe that record setter will be you.

The weather should be ideal for running this time of year, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, and the terrain should be ideal as well, with plenty of stretches within sight of the plentiful lakes that surround Long Lake here just outside Minneapolis.

Race Weather & Climate

Located among the lakes just outside downtown in southeastern Minnesota, about 15 miles west of Minneapolis, Long Lake typically sees cool to mild weather in October, which has brought record temperatures as low as 9°F (in 1972) and as high as 87°F (in 1953).

On race day (Oct. 14), the average low is 38ºF and the average high is 60ºF.

Past Results

• 2022 Results
• 2021 Gear Western Country Half Marathon Results
• 2019 Gear Western Country Half Marathon Results
• 2018 Gear Western Country Half Marathon Results
• 2017 Gear Western Country Half Marathon Results
• 2016 Gear Western Country Half Marathon Results
• 2015 Gear Western Country Half Marathon Results
• 2014 Gear Western Country Half Marathon Results
• 2013 Gear Western Country Half Marathon Results
• 2012 Gear Western Country Half Marathon Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the Gear Western Country Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

• 8:30 AM – half marathon
• 9:00 AM – 5K

Fees

• $50 – $70 for the half marathon
• $25 – $35 for the 5K

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2023 running of the Gear Western Country Half Marathon & 5K race, register online at GearWest.com here.

Official Race Website

www.gearwesterncountryhalf.com

Comments

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See more races in: October, Minnesota