Race Information

Both of these runs are very unique because runners are bussed to the start in Minnesota and run back to the finish in Hudson, Wisconsin, where finish line festivities and food will be near the amphitheater at the park. This is a must race for your annual calendar. We had over 1,200 runners last year and are planning for almost 1,400 this year. All runners receive a technical shirt for coming!

The Gopher to Badger Run is excited to announce the addition of the Minnesota Pacers Pace Team to the 2012 Half Marathon. Want more information on this exciting free offer, click here!

Participant t-shirts are by A4 for sizing chart click here.

Photos

Photos of Gopher to Badger can be viewed at: www.minnefotamoments.com

I have looked at many of the photos and they are great! Nice job Matt Fulton and Minnefotamoments!

Parking

There are many parking lots in the Lakefront Park area in Hudson, in addition to the bountiful street side parking. Registered runners can be dropped off or ride share to the ½ Marathon start line as there is plenty of parking available. However, there is no bussing back to the start. Runners can be dropped off at the 5K start point, but there is no parking for vehicles at this location. Directions and parking areas for Registration, Race Day packet pickup, and Finish line, as well as Start line are designated on the Directions/Parking link. 

Bussing

There is bussing from the registration/finish line area in Hudson to each race. 1/2 marathon runners will get on the bus at Lake front park between 6:30 am and 7:20 am. The last bus to leave Hudson for the ½ marathon is at no later than 7:20 am. There are several bathrooms and water at the start so please get on the bus early. We encourage all ½ marathoners to get rides to the start in Stillwater because the busses are crowded, uncomfortable and slow. The busses leave for the 5K start line at 7:50 am. There are no toilets at the start for the 5K run.

Course Information

The 1/2 marathon runners will enjoy some very scenic views as they run through the historic city of Stillwater and through the St. Croix River Valley. All runners will go over the Interstate 94 bridge via the running trail on the south side of the bridge.

The bridge is nearly a mile long with spectacular views of St. Croix River below. Registration and finish line are located at the Lakefront Park in Hudson, WI. There will be mile markers at every mile and water stops about every 2 miles.

Background

The race was started in 1997 and has continued to revel in the rivalry between the Minnesota Gophers and Wisconsin Badgers. This rivalry has a long history and we enjoy the competition this event has on race day. Over the past couple of years, Minnesota and Wisconsin have shared the glory of bringing home the prize of being the top runner.

Race Awards

Finisher medals will be given to the Half Marathon Finishers

Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female runners in each age category: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and up. Award ceremonies will immediately follow the race near the start/finish line in the park. Must be present to win.

Top runners in 2012:

Top runners in 2011:

Top runners in 2010:

Race Success

2011 Participation Level - 1268 Runners
2010 Participation Level - 1250 Runners
2009 Participation Level - 1200 Runners
2008 Participation Level - 1050 Runners

Race Benefits

Charities Challenge
Stillwater Football team
Hudson Cross Country athletic team