Event Type : Half Marathon

The Hill No! run is back for our sixth year! We have added another twist this year giving runners four different race options in 2026! Our scenic 1/2 marathon, challenging 5k, easy going 2-mile family Fun Run and, NEW THIS YEAR, is the PRSUT Fitness 5k. All events start and finish at Louisville High School, featuring multiple water stations, supportive volunteers, and lively music to keep the energy high throughout the race. The 1/2 marathon route consists of 20% pavement and 80% gravel, while the 5k and 2-mile courses are primarily on pavement.

New for 2026 is our PRSUT Fitness 5k: We have partnered with our good friends at PRSUT Fitness who developed additional challenge stations at each mile on our 5k course. These stations will consist of three traditional CrossFit style activities including burpees, wall balls, etc. If you are looking for a challenge beyond just the Hill No! 5k, please add the PRSUT option to your registration for no extra cost!

We welcome runners of all skill levels, walkers, and pets to join the fun. The 2-mile family fun run/walk features a less vertically inclined course and is the perfect chance to engage the whole family in a fun and active event!

Awards for the ‘King and Queen of the Hill’, PRSUT Champions, and others will be given to the top 1/2 Marathon, 5k, and 5k PRSUT participants, with cash prizes for the top finishers.

All participants will receive a swag bag including race shirt and other goodies.

The Nebraska State Fair Marathon is back for its 12th year on Saturday, August 29, 2026!

No need to be a marathon runner; there is a race distance for everyone in the family! Options include the Marathon, a Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K, 1-Mile Kid Run, Push Rim Wheelchair, and Handcycle.

All races will start and finish on the Nebraska State Fairgrounds in Grand Island, Nebraska, with a post-race celebration amidst the fair festivities.

Join us on Sunday, September 27, 2026, for the marathon, half marathon or 5K.

33rd annual Ultramarathon. 33 miles or so of rolling hills, gravel and dirt roads through scenic rural Butler and Saunders counties, some bike trail and some Cross Country course, very little pavement. Crew friendly loop course starting and finishing at my house in downtown Brainard. Water and Aid stops every so often, Long Sleeve Shirts to all entrants, Finishers Award to all survivors, No Time Limits, Post-Race Food and Drink Social.  $80 entry fee.  Lodging available in nearby towns, free camping in Brainard.

43rd annual. Half Marathon is a scenic and hilly loop on gravel and dirt roads, 1 mile of  bike trail, 2 miles of off-road cross country course, 1 mile of pavement. Water stops every 3-4 miles. T-Shirts to all entrants. Medals to all finishers.  Post Race Barbeque following the races for entrants. Showers available. $70 for the Half Marathon. Start and finish is at 213 Madison Street in downtown Brainard. Race Day registration is welcome

4 mile is a scenic and hilly run on gravel and dirt roads, 1 mile of pavement. Race Begins at 8:00 AM. T-Shirts to all entrants. Medals to all finishers. Post Race Barbeque following the races for entrants. Showers available. $60 for the 4 Mile Run. Start and finish is at 213 Madison Street in downtown Brainard. Race Day registration is welcome

Kids Mile begins at 7:40 AM. 1 mile of pavement. T-Shirts to all entrants. Ribbons to all finishers. Post Race Popsicles following the race for entrants. $25 for the Kids Mile. Start and finish is at 213 Madison Street in downtown Brainard. Race Day registration is welcome