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Marathon Details - Mankato Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > MN > Mankato > Mankato Marathon

Mankato Marathon

Mankato Marathon & Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Mankato, MN USA

October 18, 2025

http://www.mankatomarathon.com

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Race Details

countryside,, MInnesota Ruver Valley, finish in mankato

Contact Information

Name:
Address:	Final Stretch P.O. Box 121 Nerstrand, MN 55053
Phone Number:	507-664-9438
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (32)

Course 4.1

Organization 4.4

Spectators 4.3

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Number of comments: 32 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

B. B. from Nebraska (10/25/2018) "Half better than the full" (about: 2018) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 If you are looking for a BQ, this is not the place. Average temps here are usually ideal. I happen to pick the year with the coldest temp at gun time they ever had (20's). Add on to that 15-20 mph winds, wasn't meant to be. tough hills on the full, none on the half. Pacers waited until the very last minute, gathered at the starting mat, and then did a convoy through the crowd/corral to get back to their appropriate spot. NOT COOL !! Everyone had just lined up wherever, so lots of runners at the front of the pack that should not have been. Post race food/drink was OK. Expected a little more. Bag drop and transportation to start was organized well. Expo was well done with lots to see and do, although pacers were not there. Scenery is great this time of year. Would not do the full here again. Maybe the half.
Sonia Gomes from Sao Paulo-Brazil (10/22/2018) "I expected more" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I'm not talking bad about the Marathon. But some points could be improved: We do not sing the Anthem at the start of a half marathon and marathon. The course is boring (my opinion). A marathon in the cold that makes hot food (soup maybe) would be better. No dry bagel and beer. No thermal blanket at the end of the race. The same medal and size for 10K, half marathon and marathon, just changed the tape. Mankato Marathon I not run anymore.
m. s. from mansfield, TX (10/24/2017) "Great course, mostly flat" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 2017 had perfect running weather, cool at the start, warm and suny at the finish. Great expo and organization, nice finisher medal and great post-race finish area! Not a lot of spectators but those that were there were awesome.
Rob Klein from Paradise, Michigan (10/23/2017) "Cornfields, Hills, and Great Weather" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a well-organized event. Minnesota State University (which I did not even know existed!) hosted the Expo and packet pickup Saturday afternoon. Lots of free stuff. Of course, others were trying to sell their stuff too. And this was a reunion run for the 50-States Marathon Club, so they had a delegation of runners there too. The start line and finish line were in different places in town, so we had to leave our vehicles near the finish line and catch a bus to the start-line. So most of us were standing around with nothing to do for over an hour between getting dropped off until the race started. They had several tents set up as wind-breaker tents where folks could hang out while waiting. At least one of those was a glassed in structures where people could wait for a bus or a car-pool driver. It had a glass door, and it was heated inside. It must be nice during the cold winters there. The weather was pretty cooperative for this race. The Sun was obscured by clouds early, with temperatures in the 50's. By 10:00 a.m. the Sun was out, and the clouds seemed to burn off. Some of the course was well shaded; lots of the course had no shade at all, but the mid 60's was probably as warm as it got. The course started on time, and we exited the University campus and were almost immediately in the cornfields - and whatever else they grow there. And from the farm plateau - where the school sits, it is a long grade down to the rivers we had to cross; then back up on the other side. We did that a couple of times early on. Then we were on county roads, through city parks and in and out of residential neighborhoods. So it was hard to maintain orientation. But the course was all well marked and there were lots of volunteers too. Somewhere past the half-way point, we were on a country road (again), and after a couple of miles, we were on the brink of another long downhill stretch. At the bottom, we joined a well shaded and paved bike and foot path - an old railroad bed - that took us back into town. But just before getting into town, we turned and went under a train bridge and into a development and Sibley Park. We did a big loop in there - perhaps 3 miles. It just seemed to go on and on. There was a water filtration plant, the park itself, then a long stretch of elevated trail and road, with lots of grass, but no shade. By then the sun was out in force. Exiting the park area and turning left, we were headed into the downtown area and the finish line. They had lots of food to eat at the finish line. And they encouraged us to take extra. Mayo Clinic was one of the sponsors and there were lots plastic bags that said "Mayo" on them and they were available for us to use if we wanted anything extra. They had water, Gatorade, chocolate milk, and muscle milk available for drinks. These guys did a good job and have a really great course.
N. R. from MN (12/16/2015) "Run it!" (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my very first marathon. I ran it in 2015 and thought everything from the beginning expo to the end finish line was very well-organized. I may be a bit biased because I grew up in Mankato, but I loved the course. I would suggest driving the entire course beforehand if you can, because there are some definite hills you will need to get your mind and quads ready for! The entire course gives you a variety-pack: you will run through nice neighborhoods, out in the country through cornfields, on a trail next to a highway, through beautiful woodsy trails surrounded by pretty autumn foliage and leaves crunching under your feet, through a gorgeous (hilly!) park near the end...It's really enjoyable! The last mile had a bit more uphill leading to the finishing chute than my legs would have liked, but it wasn't too bad. It is true that there is not much cover during much of the first 18 miles, so the wind can get to you if it's present that day. Luckily the course changes directions frequently so you won't be running into the wind for long. All the volunteers were really friendly, and you will definitely have access to food along the course - the aid stations were well-stocked, but also many spectators were offering bowls of starburst/jolly ranchers/gummy bears/oranges and bananas/Dixie cups of pop/orange juice/wine...ha!, etc. along the way! There were many volunteers on bikes handing out swedish fish and checking that all the runners were doing ok. You will be well taken care of at the Mankato Marathon! :) I'd recommend it for sure!! But drive the course beforehand! :)
M. S. from Iowa (10/20/2015) "Nice Marathon on county roads/trails" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Very nice marathon, which is a net downhill. There are quite a few hills though, mainly on the first half. Windy course with very little cover. Post race food/beverages wasn't much, they had milk and bagels. Gatorade on the course was extremely watered down. Quite a few spectators for being a smaller marathon. May do again one day.
S. E. from MN (10/19/2015) "Awesome all around!" (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the half marathon and this race was well above my expectations. The spectators were awesome, lots of them spread out throughout the race. It definitely made the miles fly by! A flat course that started in town and headed out to the country then back into town for the finish. Great shaded, paved trails for a majority of it. Plenty of water stops and porta potties along the way. Definitely would recommend this race!
G. F. from Houston, TX (11/9/2014) "It's a good one...." (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Looking for a redemption marathon after a dismal effort, on my part, at another race. Pulled Mankato out of the air after seeing it on marathonguide. Previous comments talked about poor organization at past runs. I guess they took it to heart because I found the event to be extremely well done. Easy packet pick up, plenty o' buses, course was well laid out with excellent signage. Enjoyed the sprinkling of rolling hills and running thru the cornfields. Plus I'm a sucker for small college towns. Well done, Mankato. But you couldn't get 'Laura Ingalls-Wilder' to appear?
G. W. from Harrisburg (10/22/2013) "Don't be fooled" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 Race called itself 'bold.' Well it was bold with all the lack of organization that happened. The expo had no running shoes for sale, more businesses handing things out. They allowed half marathoners and 10k runners to get their shirt at expo, but not marathoners, yeah that's fair. They had no one blocking traffic near mile 13. They also allowed half marathoners to run marathon without having a marathon bib. Did they pay the marathon rate? Awards delayed 15 minutes because chick who won marathon had half marathon bib. Yeah really classy, better yet 'bold,' to allow her to do that. I had to catch a flight home so I left without my age group award. Course was ok. Not as fast as advertised.
C. D. from Minneapolis, MN (10/22/2013) "Problem turn" (about: 2013) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I just did the half, but the course was rural and mildly hilly, a plus. The clumps of supporters were very nice. The organization was mostly good, but we stood around for an hour in 30 degree breezy drizzly weather. This can be normal in MN this time of year, but FYI. My problem was that - glasses drizzled with rain, ten miles into running brain (23ish in the marathon course) I missed the sharp turn to the loop and ended up running a 10.5 miler. I never heard or saw someone directing me elsewhere. There was no pack and thus no one to follow- not a problem for the pace groupers, and no person or barrier stopped me from heading the wrong way despite being a busy intersection. Sure, my brain was fuzzy, but that's to be expected. I can't even think now where exactly I was supposed to go, even looking at the map. Maybe I'm the only person who had this problem, but again, FYI. Tje bag pickup people were having a continual problem with their area being poorly marked in terms of people figuring out how to get back in after they left the corral early before making it all they way down there- slightly aggro about it, too. Assuming people are mentally aware at the end is assuming too much. I complained to someone, hoping I might be allowed to go back to mile 10 and finish, but they wete unable to get through to any higher-ups and took my nsme and phone #. I never heard back. Everyone else had a great time, as far as I can tell. I might do it again, knowing now where to do things differently, if I lived closer. But I do not, so I won't spend my race money on this one again. They posted my time as an official half time, so I question the security of their certified course... That portion of the course is shared by the marathon.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]



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B. B. from Nebraska (10/25/2018) "Half better than the full" (about: 2018) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 If you are looking for a BQ, this is not the place. Average temps here are usually ideal. I happen to pick the year with the coldest temp at gun time they ever had (20's). Add on to that 15-20 mph winds, wasn't meant to be. tough hills on the full, none on the half. Pacers waited until the very last minute, gathered at the starting mat, and then did a convoy through the crowd/corral to get back to their appropriate spot. NOT COOL !! Everyone had just lined up wherever, so lots of runners at the front of the pack that should not have been. Post race food/drink was OK. Expected a little more. Bag drop and transportation to start was organized well. Expo was well done with lots to see and do, although pacers were not there. Scenery is great this time of year. Would not do the full here again. Maybe the half.
Sonia Gomes from Sao Paulo-Brazil (10/22/2018) "I expected more" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I'm not talking bad about the Marathon. But some points could be improved: We do not sing the Anthem at the start of a half marathon and marathon. The course is boring (my opinion). A marathon in the cold that makes hot food (soup maybe) would be better. No dry bagel and beer. No thermal blanket at the end of the race. The same medal and size for 10K, half marathon and marathon, just changed the tape. Mankato Marathon I not run anymore.
m. s. from mansfield, TX (10/24/2017) "Great course, mostly flat" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 2017 had perfect running weather, cool at the start, warm and suny at the finish. Great expo and organization, nice finisher medal and great post-race finish area! Not a lot of spectators but those that were there were awesome.
Rob Klein from Paradise, Michigan (10/23/2017) "Cornfields, Hills, and Great Weather" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a well-organized event. Minnesota State University (which I did not even know existed!) hosted the Expo and packet pickup Saturday afternoon. Lots of free stuff. Of course, others were trying to sell their stuff too. And this was a reunion run for the 50-States Marathon Club, so they had a delegation of runners there too. The start line and finish line were in different places in town, so we had to leave our vehicles near the finish line and catch a bus to the start-line. So most of us were standing around with nothing to do for over an hour between getting dropped off until the race started. They had several tents set up as wind-breaker tents where folks could hang out while waiting. At least one of those was a glassed in structures where people could wait for a bus or a car-pool driver. It had a glass door, and it was heated inside. It must be nice during the cold winters there. The weather was pretty cooperative for this race. The Sun was obscured by clouds early, with temperatures in the 50's. By 10:00 a.m. the Sun was out, and the clouds seemed to burn off. Some of the course was well shaded; lots of the course had no shade at all, but the mid 60's was probably as warm as it got. The course started on time, and we exited the University campus and were almost immediately in the cornfields - and whatever else they grow there. And from the farm plateau - where the school sits, it is a long grade down to the rivers we had to cross; then back up on the other side. We did that a couple of times early on. Then we were on county roads, through city parks and in and out of residential neighborhoods. So it was hard to maintain orientation. But the course was all well marked and there were lots of volunteers too. Somewhere past the half-way point, we were on a country road (again), and after a couple of miles, we were on the brink of another long downhill stretch. At the bottom, we joined a well shaded and paved bike and foot path - an old railroad bed - that took us back into town. But just before getting into town, we turned and went under a train bridge and into a development and Sibley Park. We did a big loop in there - perhaps 3 miles. It just seemed to go on and on. There was a water filtration plant, the park itself, then a long stretch of elevated trail and road, with lots of grass, but no shade. By then the sun was out in force. Exiting the park area and turning left, we were headed into the downtown area and the finish line. They had lots of food to eat at the finish line. And they encouraged us to take extra. Mayo Clinic was one of the sponsors and there were lots plastic bags that said "Mayo" on them and they were available for us to use if we wanted anything extra. They had water, Gatorade, chocolate milk, and muscle milk available for drinks. These guys did a good job and have a really great course.
N. R. from MN (12/16/2015) "Run it!" (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my very first marathon. I ran it in 2015 and thought everything from the beginning expo to the end finish line was very well-organized. I may be a bit biased because I grew up in Mankato, but I loved the course. I would suggest driving the entire course beforehand if you can, because there are some definite hills you will need to get your mind and quads ready for! The entire course gives you a variety-pack: you will run through nice neighborhoods, out in the country through cornfields, on a trail next to a highway, through beautiful woodsy trails surrounded by pretty autumn foliage and leaves crunching under your feet, through a gorgeous (hilly!) park near the end...It's really enjoyable! The last mile had a bit more uphill leading to the finishing chute than my legs would have liked, but it wasn't too bad. It is true that there is not much cover during much of the first 18 miles, so the wind can get to you if it's present that day. Luckily the course changes directions frequently so you won't be running into the wind for long. All the volunteers were really friendly, and you will definitely have access to food along the course - the aid stations were well-stocked, but also many spectators were offering bowls of starburst/jolly ranchers/gummy bears/oranges and bananas/Dixie cups of pop/orange juice/wine...ha!, etc. along the way! There were many volunteers on bikes handing out swedish fish and checking that all the runners were doing ok. You will be well taken care of at the Mankato Marathon! :) I'd recommend it for sure!! But drive the course beforehand! :)
M. S. from Iowa (10/20/2015) "Nice Marathon on county roads/trails" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Very nice marathon, which is a net downhill. There are quite a few hills though, mainly on the first half. Windy course with very little cover. Post race food/beverages wasn't much, they had milk and bagels. Gatorade on the course was extremely watered down. Quite a few spectators for being a smaller marathon. May do again one day.
S. E. from MN (10/19/2015) "Awesome all around!" (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the half marathon and this race was well above my expectations. The spectators were awesome, lots of them spread out throughout the race. It definitely made the miles fly by! A flat course that started in town and headed out to the country then back into town for the finish. Great shaded, paved trails for a majority of it. Plenty of water stops and porta potties along the way. Definitely would recommend this race!
G. F. from Houston, TX (11/9/2014) "It's a good one...." (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mankato Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Looking for a redemption marathon after a dismal effort, on my part, at another race. Pulled Mankato out of the air after seeing it on marathonguide. Previous comments talked about poor organization at past runs. I guess they took it to heart because I found the event to be extremely well done. Easy packet pick up, plenty o' buses, course was well laid out with excellent signage. Enjoyed the sprinkling of rolling hills and running thru the cornfields. Plus I'm a sucker for small college towns. Well done, Mankato. But you couldn't get 'Laura Ingalls-Wilder' to appear?
G. W. from Harrisburg (10/22/2013) "Don't be fooled" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 Race called itself 'bold.' Well it was bold with all the lack of organization that happened. The expo had no running shoes for sale, more businesses handing things out. They allowed half marathoners and 10k runners to get their shirt at expo, but not marathoners, yeah that's fair. They had no one blocking traffic near mile 13. They also allowed half marathoners to run marathon without having a marathon bib. Did they pay the marathon rate? Awards delayed 15 minutes because chick who won marathon had half marathon bib. Yeah really classy, better yet 'bold,' to allow her to do that. I had to catch a flight home so I left without my age group award. Course was ok. Not as fast as advertised.
C. D. from Minneapolis, MN (10/22/2013) "Problem turn" (about: 2013) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I just did the half, but the course was rural and mildly hilly, a plus. The clumps of supporters were very nice. The organization was mostly good, but we stood around for an hour in 30 degree breezy drizzly weather. This can be normal in MN this time of year, but FYI. My problem was that - glasses drizzled with rain, ten miles into running brain (23ish in the marathon course) I missed the sharp turn to the loop and ended up running a 10.5 miler. I never heard or saw someone directing me elsewhere. There was no pack and thus no one to follow- not a problem for the pace groupers, and no person or barrier stopped me from heading the wrong way despite being a busy intersection. Sure, my brain was fuzzy, but that's to be expected. I can't even think now where exactly I was supposed to go, even looking at the map. Maybe I'm the only person who had this problem, but again, FYI. Tje bag pickup people were having a continual problem with their area being poorly marked in terms of people figuring out how to get back in after they left the corral early before making it all they way down there- slightly aggro about it, too. Assuming people are mentally aware at the end is assuming too much. I complained to someone, hoping I might be allowed to go back to mile 10 and finish, but they wete unable to get through to any higher-ups and took my nsme and phone #. I never heard back. Everyone else had a great time, as far as I can tell. I might do it again, knowing now where to do things differently, if I lived closer. But I do not, so I won't spend my race money on this one again. They posted my time as an official half time, so I question the security of their certified course... That portion of the course is shared by the marathon.

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Marathon Details - Mankato Marathon