Headbanger Half
The Headbanger Half offers a fast, rural course with shaded trails and lake views.
Race Date
Jul 12, 2026
Location
Oconomowoc, WI
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, July 12, 2026
- Location
- Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 2 Miles, 0.5 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 550
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Headbanger Half, now in its 17th year, takes runners through the scenic Wisconsin countryside near Laura Lake and Golden Lake. The course, recently relocated to Summit, Wisconsin, promises a flat and fast experience with low traffic and shaded sections along the Glacial Drumlin Trail.
This event is designed for speed, with a course profile conducive to personal bests. While the typical field size has been around 197 finishers, it has seen a recent decline. The race draws participants from approximately 4 states, and a small percentage, around 3%, are repeat runners.
Runners can choose from various distances, including a 5K, 10K, and the half marathon itself, alongside shorter options and a kids' 1K. The event aims to celebrate the spirit of headbanging, offering a festive atmosphere for all participants.
Race-provided description
May 20, 2026 Important Course Update Due to permitting conflicts with Waukesha County, we were unable to secure final approval for the original Headbanger Half Marathon course. After working through several course options, we have officially secured approvals in Summit, Wisconsin — the location of Silver Circle’s very first half marathon 17 years ago. The new course is flat, fast, rural, low traffic, and includes shaded sections of the Glacial Drumlin Trail, plus scenic areas near Laura Lake and Golden Lake. We understand course changes are not ideal for everyone. If you would like to defer, switch to another Silver Circle event, or request a refund, please email info@silvercirclesportsevents.com.
Get ready to rock at the Headbanger Half! 🎸 Whether you’re here for the miles or the music, there’s a distance for everyone: 5K, 5K Ruck, 10K, and Half Marathon 🏃♀️🏃♂️. Not a runner? No problem. Join the fun with our 2-mile walk 🚶♀️🚶 and celebrate the glory days of headbanging in your own way. 🤘 And don’t forget the kids — the Little Banger 1K 👧👦 is free and perfect for young rockers ready to join the action! 🎉
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
37505 Genesee Lake Rd, Oconomowoc, WI, 53066
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Lake River, Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
4 other maps for this race
Quality Score
4 years running
~197 finishers a year
shrinking
3% returning runners
2 timing sources · 3 photos
runners from 4 states
winner 1:23:21
typical high 80°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
62°
Afternoon (High)
80°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.2"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 550 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
550
Median time
2:04:38
Latest turnout
71
States
22
Turnout by year
2022–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Headbanger Half?
The Headbanger Half is held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Headbanger Half take place?
It takes place in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
What distances does the Headbanger Half offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 2 Miles, 0.5 Miles.
Is the Headbanger Half course flat and good for a PR?
The Headbanger Half is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Headbanger Half?
HalfRuns has finish records for 550 runners who have completed the Headbanger Half.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Oconomowoc? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
