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5Ks, 10Ks, Kid Races & More | Nisswa & Brainerd Lakes Area 2026 Race Guide

  • Writer: Camp Nisswa
    Camp Nisswa
  • Apr 14
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 17



Looking to lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement in the Nisswa and Brainerd Lakes Area? Whether you're aiming for a personal best, walking for a cause, or signing the kids up for their first fun run, there are several great races lined up for 2026.


Running Clubs:


Here’s a list of upcoming runs to mark on your calendar:


5K for Mental Health Awareness (Brainerd, MN)

  • Date: April 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM

  • Details: Co-hosted by Central Lakes College Brainerd and Crow Wing Energized, the 5K for Mental Health Awareness begins and ends at the CLC Brainerd campus and includes a community resource fair featuring local mental health support and services. The event includes a 5K run and a 1-mile walk, with proceeds supporting local mental health organizations or nonprofits as well as a CLC program such as the CLC Food Pantry. Registration opens January 1, 2026. Pricing starts at $25 for the 5K run or 1-mile walk, student pricing starts at $10, no-shirt participation is $20, and kids 10 and under are free.

  • Event Link



Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes (Nisswa, MN)

  • Date: May 1-2, 2026 | Friday events begin at 2:00 PM; Saturday races begin at 8:00 AM

  • Details: The 19th Annual Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes returns May 1-2 with this year’s main beneficiary being The Brainerd Outreach Program. The weekend includes a marathon, half marathon, relay marathon, 10K, Friday 5K Color Run/Walk, 1K Kids Fun Run, Zer0K, and challenge options. Friday features registration and packet pick-up at The Brainerd Outreach Program in Nisswa, along with the 1K Kids Fun Run and 5K Color Run/Walk at the Nisswa Community Center. Saturday includes late packet pick-up, race starts, and awards throughout the day at the Nisswa Community Center. Registration pricing varies by race and date, and participants must register by April 15 to be guaranteed a t-shirt. Online registration closes April 24 at 11:59 p.m.

  • Event Link


Notice Festival 2026 (Nisswa, MN)

  • Date: May 16, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Details: The 4th Annual Notice Festival returns to Nisswa City Park for a full day of movement, music, and wellness. The event includes a mindful 5K on the Paul Bunyan Trail, yoga sessions, a Headphone Yoga Flow and Silent Disco Dance Party with DJ Taz Rashid, Kai Chi Do and breathwork with Biana Mavasheva, and local wellness vendors. Tickets are listed at $99 for general admission and $169 for VIP, plus service fees.

  • Event Link


Hallett Freedom 5K Run/Walk 2026 (Crosby, MN)

  • Date: July 3, 2026 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

  • Details: The Hallett Freedom 5K Run/Walk returns to Crosby with an out-and-back course on a paved trail and water available at the halfway point. Bib timing will be provided by Pickle Events. Registration is $38.10 including fees, and participants who register by June 15, 2026, are guaranteed a race day t-shirt. Finish line festivities include refreshments, door prizes, and awards for the top 3 participants under 18 and the top 3 participants over 18.

  • Event Link


Nisswa Firecracker (Nisswa, MN)

  • Date: July 4, 2026 | 8:00 AM

  • Details: The Nisswa Firecracker returns as a Lake Country classic featuring a 10K, 5K, and free Kidz Run. The 10K starts at 8:00 a.m., followed by 5K wave starts beginning at 8:03 a.m. Participants can enjoy a laid-back family-friendly event with event shirts, a complimentary beer for adults, a crawfish boil, and a foam party at the finish line. Pricing varies by registration date, with early bird rates available through April 7. Packet pickup will take place July 3 from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Journey Church in Nisswa.

  • Event Link


Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye (Crosslake, MN)

  • Date: July 4, 2026 | 7:00 AM - 10:15 AM

  • Details: The 29th Annual Grandpa’s Run for the Walleye takes place at the Crosslake Community Center with a 10K at 8:15 a.m., a 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m., and the Kids Sunfish Dash at 9:45 a.m. Both the 5K and 10K are certified, chip-timed courses by Pickle Events. Race day registration and packet pickup run from 7:00-8:00 a.m., with awards at 9:30 a.m. Pricing is $32.80 for the 5K and 10K, including fees, and $11.60 for the Kids Sunfish Dash, including fees. Proceeds support fish habitat protection and enhancement on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes.

  • Event Link



Know of another local race we should add? Reach out—we’re happy to include it!

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