The Belle Plaine Chamber of Commerce is working with local and national businesses, as well as various governmental agencies on the MN River Valley Cleanup Project, which helped fund efforts to remove more than 1,200 tons of material from a contaminated, former salvage yard.
Funds raised from the race will go toward promotion of Belle Plaine and its unique location as the last stop on the MN River Valley Scenic Byway, as well as environmental projects, including the ongoing Minnesota River Valley Cleanup Project. This project has a long-range goal of extending biking and hiking trails from the Twin Cities to Mankato.
The race begins and ends at Court Square Park, which is home to the nation’s only two-story outhouse. Following a course with moderately hilly stretches and mostly flat terrain, the Belle Plaine Scenic Byway Half Marathon takes runners on a circular loop of quiet country roads that encompasses the beautiful Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway, a 287-mile stretch of River Valley in which Belle Plaine is the last stop.
Anderson Race Management will help organize the events, which include chip timing, awards, medals and a post-race party with food, entertainment and kids activities at Court Square for participants and families. The half marathon starts at 9:00 AM, while the 5K race gets underway at 9:20 AM.
