Dick Beardsley Races

Want to run a race with one of the most legendary runners in American history? Join thousands of runners in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota this September for one of the best small-town races in America: The Dick Beardsley Races!  Tucked away in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, you’ll enjoy a 25K, half marathon, 10K run/walk, 5K, or youth run with scenic views as summer turns to fall. Plus, you’ll get to meet Dick Beardsley himself at the race and see him in action at the Friday night pasta dinner where he’ll be singing and playing guitar.

What better way to enjoy some miles and end the summer? Treat yourself to this experience today!

Half Marathon & 25K
All our courses take a trip along Detroit Lake, but only the half marathon and 25K go around the entire thing. Enjoy a mostly flat with a little rolling course as you take in scenic Minnesota views. You’ll start and finish inside Kent Freeman Arena. The half marathon course is 13.1 miles. The 25K is approximately 15.5 miles and is in its second year after its creation in 2020 to mark the 25th anniversary of the race.

10k
While the 10K doesn’t go around the lake, it does spend its entirety along Detroit Lake. For those looking for a run, casual 6.2 miles to end the summer months, we highly recommend this mostly flat course. This run also starts and finishes inside Kent Freeman Arena.

Andy Beardsley Memorial 5K
The 5K is one of our most special events. It was renamed the Andy Beardsley Memorial 5K after Dick Beardsley’s son who died in 2015.

Andy lived in Detroit Lakes and loved being outdoors, fishing with his dad, and his green Cadillac (thus the awesome logo!). Andy finished a 5K himself and even though he was not dubbed a runner, he exemplified the ability to take on the challenge and complete a race. Or as his dad’s quote reminds us “When you cross that finish line, it will change your life forever!”

Saturday’s Andy Beardsley Memorial 5K will give everyone a taste of the lake as you run past Detroit Lakes staples such as Zorbaz and Lakeside Tavern! This one is open for all ages and all levels. If you can walk for 45 minutes, you can do this! Crawl, run, or walk this awesome 5K event!

Youth Run
Make a weekend out of your trip and get the kids involved. We have two distances the kids can run a ½ mile and a 1-mile. All youth runners will receive a shirt and medal.

Post-Race Fun
At the finish, expect LIVE MUSIC & great post-race refreshments (ice cream is our favorite)!! After you leave, head over to the local establishments for the best food and drink around! Zorbaz, Lakeside Tavern, Hub 41 or Long Bridge are all local favorites!

Pasta Dinner
A fan favorite tradition of the Dick Beardsley race weekend. On Friday night before your race, join legendary runner Dick Beardsley himself for an awesome pasta dinner brought to you by Brygge Taps & Tastes & The Hub 41. Dick will be there to speak and more than likely sing a few great songs!  The funs starts at 6PM on Friday night at the Kent Freeman Arena (1130 Rossman Ave in Detroit Lakes).