Maple Grove Lions Half Marathon, 10K & 5K

The Maple Grove Lions Half Marathon, 10K & 5K is a signature community event scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026. Known as a "Nature Run," the event takes place in the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis, utilizing a scenic combination of city trails, park paths, and road segments. The routes primarily wind around Rice Lake and through the expansive Elm Creek Park Reserve, offering participants a tranquil, green backdrop for their run. Established in 2008, the event is hosted by the Maple Grove Lions, with all races beginning and concluding at the Maple Grove Senior High School stadium.

Maple Grove is a thriving city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, with a population of approximately 70,000 residents. The city is recognized for its high quality of life and extensive park system. The demographic profile is predominantly White (78.3%), with significant Asian (9.4%), Black or African American (5.1%), and Hispanic or Latino (2.9%) communities. The median household income in Maple Grove is approximately $130,000 USD. Geographically, the race is centered around Elm Creek Park Reserve, a 4,900-acre park managed by Three Rivers Park District. The terrain is largely flat to gently rolling, featuring paved trails that cut through diverse habitats including wetlands, prairies, and hardwood forests typical of the Upper Midwest.

Participants are encouraged to attend the pre-packet pickup on Friday, May 8th, at TC Running in Maple Grove to collect their bibs and shirts. On race day, parking is available at the high school lot, though carpooling is highly recommended. While there is no formal award ceremony, all participants will receive a custom 2026 Finishers Medal upon crossing the finish line. The course officially closes at 11:00 AM. For technical questions regarding the certified routes or registration, the event contact, Mary Anderson, can be reached at 651-688-9143.