HalfRuns
Gandy Dancer Marathon

Gandy Dancer Marathon

The Gandy Dancer Half Marathon winds through Wisconsin's scenic rural landscape.

Race Date

Oct 10, 2026

Location

Luck, WI

Solid Pick51

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Location
Luck, Wisconsin
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat SwagWell Organized

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The Gandy Dancer Half Marathon, now in its 12th year, offers a rural escape through Wisconsin's picturesque countryside. This event, first run in 2015, typically sees around 85 finishers, with about a third returning for subsequent races, highlighting its loyal following. Runners often travel from approximately 8 states to experience this charming half-marathon.

The course is primarily a road race, characterized by its flat profile and a net-downhill trajectory, making it a potential PR course. The rural setting promises a serene running experience, far from the hustle of urban environments. The race is designed to be welcoming, with a generous 6-hour time limit for the full marathon, suggesting a relaxed atmosphere for all participants.

Finishers receive a T-shirt, and those registered by early deadlines can snag a Gandy Dancer Beanie. The event is part of a larger race day that includes a full marathon, 5k, and relay, all taking place in Luck, Wisconsin.

Race-provided description

Join us for our 12 year Anniversary! - Saturday, October 10, 2026 Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k, Marathon Relay (Marathon course is a Boston Qualifier, USATF Certification: WI23001MAB) ALL Participants registered by June 30, 2026, will receive a Gandy Dancer Beanie. T-Shirts are guaranteed with registration by September 14, 2026 There is a 6-hour time limit on the full marathon. Please plan accordingly.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

115 West St., Luck, WI, 54853

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Rural

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles3.1 Miles

Quality Score

Solid Pick51
Methodology
Heritage4/20

2 years running

Size10/15

~108.5 finishers a year

Momentum0/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

34% returning runners

Course & details3/15

4 timing sources

National draw5/10

runners from 8 states

Front-pack speed1/5

winner 1:30:33

Weather8/10

typical high 61°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

45°

Afternoon (High)

61°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

13 mph

Wind

67%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Gandy Dancer Marathon?

The Gandy Dancer Marathon is held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Gandy Dancer Marathon take place?

It takes place in Luck, Wisconsin.

What distances does the Gandy Dancer Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles.

Is the Gandy Dancer Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Gandy Dancer Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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