Construction on the Interstate 94 (I94) bridge between Minnesota and Wisconsin this summer makes the walkway inaccessible throughout the season.

Unfortunately, this impacts all distances of the Gopher to Badger Half Marathon on August 8, as the race begins in Minnesota and uses the walkway to cross the St. Croix River to the finish in Hudson, WI.

Despite efforts to work out a solution an alternate course that still includes the river-crossing feature starting in Minnesota and ending in downtown Hudson, WI is not available.

The race will occur on August 8 as planned. Because of the road construction, it will be based entirely in Minnesota with all distances loop courses based at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo, MN; the traditional start location of the Half Marathon.

All distances are still offered – Half, 10K and 5K – and will be USA Track & Field sanctioned and certified. Routes for each distance are still being worked out and will be communicated as soon as they are available.

The Fairgrounds offers easy access from major highways and ample parking for runners and spectators. Start locations will be positioned within the grounds and all distances will share a common finish line.

Course maps will be available as soon as possible. Please watch the website and email updates for details. All distances will be U.S.A. Track & Field certified and sanctioned.

The 2026 routes are loop courses starting and ending at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo. We are in the early stages of certifying and sanctioning these routes with USATF.  Once we have a “thumbs up” on our plans, course maps will be immediately available on the Course Maps page for the Gopher to Badger Half.

Starting in the Stillwater, Minnesota area and finishing in Hudson, Wisc., runners cross the I-94 bridge over the St. Croix river, and battle for the lead and the honor of bringing home the win for their state. Come for the spirit of friendly competition. Stay for the fun and atmosphere in Hudson after the race.

Runners Receive:

• A great race experience with a choice of three distances, all on USA Track & Field (USATF) certified and sanctioned courses
• Gender-specific, premium quality cotton blend shirt NOTE: Will Call and In-person registrants receive their race shirts after the event at packet pick-up (if your size is available) or in the mail following the event.
• Collectible medals to all finishers – each year Run Stillwater medals fit together as a set to commemorate your season
• Personalized race bibs up to 10 characters (Deadlines apply. See Race Pricing Schedule for details)
• Timing by Mtec Results (Half, 10K, 5K) – a leader in race timing technologies and based in the Twin Cities
• Participant tracking using the Run Stillwater app. Download in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Track and easily share participant performance, see current and projected runner locations, view chip and gun times, get real-time results including overall and division place, and more
• Bag drop at each start location with bags provided at the starts (clear, 15″ x 18″ with drawstring)
• Pacers for half marathon runners
• Staffed water stations to serve and cheer you on with water and Gatorade available (Most race-day support staff is provided as part of Run Stillwater’s Volunteer for Donation program. Learn more HERE.)
• Restroom facilities at each start and at approximately two-mile intervals along the courses
• Finish line recovery food and beverages – fruit, salty snacks, Gatorade, and Cub Foods brand bottled water
• Selfie clock at the finish showing your name and time
• Video finish accessible along with results at mtecresults.com
• Free photos available to download on Mtec Results and the Run Stillwater Facebook page
• Shower facilities available at River Valley Athletic Club after the race for all registered runners – show your bib and bring your own towel
• Keepsake age group awards – personalized with name, date, time, distance and division – for top three finishers in each age group (based on 5-year increments) are mailed to winners after the event
• A Buy-One/Get-One at Lift Bridge Brewing for a cold beer or beverage! Redeemable at Lift Bridge Brewing Company tap rooms in Stillwater and New Richmond

… and more

Online Registration – Available online throughout the season until midnight Wednesday preceding race day. Ensures your bib number and race shirt in the size you requested are ready and waiting for you at Packet Pickup.

Will Call – Available online from midnight Wednesday until Friday at noon preceding race day. Your bib number is assigned before Packet Pickup opens. You’ll look it up when you arrive and proceed to the Will Call table. Will Call registrants receive their shirts after the race.

In-person – Sign up in-person at Packet Pickup (credit, cash, checks accepted). Your bib number is then assigned and your shirt is waiting for you after the race.

Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration:

Friday, August 7

3:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Highly Recommended)
Bridgewater Bank
11999 Upper 40th St N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042

Saturday, August 8

Beginning at 5:20 a.m.
Washington County Fairgrounds, Building A
12300 40th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082

Ample parking is available at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

Enter the fairgrounds from the south, off 40th St./CH14 and McFair Ave. N. Parking is available in the south parking area visible as you make the turn.

Race Day Information

Runners are sent an email Thursday before the race from Mtec Results with their assigned bib number and other race information. Bib numbers can also be looked up at packet pickup. In the meantime, please see the Race Info page for answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Join us August 8 for the Kids Fun Run at the Gopher to Badger Half Marathon!

• Entry fee, $21 per child
• Kids 10 and under, limited space available – sign up online before race day
• Kids get a bib number (not timed), a finisher medal with ribbon, finisher refreshments, a photo opportunity!
• Cross the official finish line!
• Approximately .3 miles within the Washington County Fairgrounds – no streets or traffic
• Adults may run along with a child (one adult per child, please)

Race Day Schedule

• 9:00 a.m. – Bib pick-up and in-person sign up available in Building A at the Fairgrounds
• 10:40 a.m. – Gather to walk to the start line (Location TBD)
• 11:00 a.m. – Start time