Taste of Portage Half Marathon and 5K
Taste of Portage Half Marathon offers a scenic riverfront run with a lively downtown block party.
Race Date
Aug 29, 2026
Location
Portage, WI
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Location
- Portage, Wisconsin
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 148
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Taste of Portage Half Marathon winds through the community parks and along the paved Levee path beside the Wisconsin River. This flat, scenic course provides a refreshing escape through nature.
Runners can expect a vibrant atmosphere, with the race culminating in a large downtown block party. This post-race celebration, part of the annual Taste of Portage Market Fair, features live music, food, and family entertainment, including a classic car show and sidewalk sales. The event, first run in 2025, typically sees around 52 finishers, with about 17% returning each year, drawing participants from approximately 3 states.
Packet pickup on Friday night offers a chance to enjoy live music and food, setting a festive tone for the weekend. The race starts and finishes in downtown Portage, with ample parking and facilities available. The event aims to be a community gathering, with special lodging rates offered nearby.
Race-provided description
Taste of Portage Half Marathon will take you on a beautiful run through Portage, Wisconsin. Taste of Portage Half Marathon will be a course with lots of variety as you make your way past several of our community parks and the paved Levee path on the Wisconsin River. We will have cool swag, medals, and a huge downtown post-race block party/awards ceremony! See you in August! Bring your whole family and enjoy the race as part of our annual Taste of Portage Market Fair in downtown for the weekend. Friday night packets can be picked up at the event and you can stay to enjoy some live music and food. After the race on Saturday, you and your family can enjoy the downtown party with live music, kid’s entertainment, a classic car show, sidewalk sales and specials in our businesses and of course lots of food and cold beverages to enjoy! The Taste of Portage Half Marathon & 5K will start and finish in downtown Portage at the Columbia County Administration Building, located at 112 Edgewater Street, Portage, WI 53901. There will be plenty of parking here and portable bathrooms to use. Event photos are encouraged! NEED LODGING? The Portage Best Western Resort Hotel & Conference Center (2701 South County Highway CX, Portage) is offering a special group rate for those staying over and who are in town for the Taste of Portage Half Marathon. To reserve a room at this special rate call 608-742-2200. (Ask for the Taste of Portage Marathon Room Rate). The Best Western has recently been renovated, offers an indoor heated pool and a complimentary HOT breakfast. COURSE ROUTES - 5K Course Map and Half Marathon Course Maps (subject to change) will be posted on our website at www.portagewi.com as the event gets closer. Course Map Half Marathon Course Map 5K
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Start Time
7:15 AM
Giveaway
Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Start Location
112 East Edgewater Street, Portage, WI, 53901
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick513 years running
~52 finishers a year
growing or steady
17% returning runners
5 timing sources · 9 photos
runners from 3 states
winner 1:20:18
typical high 79°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
61°
Afternoon (High)
79°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 148 finishers actually crossed the line across 3 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
148
Median time
2:04:53
Latest turnout
52
States
8
Turnout by year
2023–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Taste of Portage Half Marathon and 5K?
The Taste of Portage Half Marathon and 5K is held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, starting at 7:15 AM.
Where does the Taste of Portage Half Marathon and 5K take place?
It takes place in Portage, Wisconsin.
What distances does the Taste of Portage Half Marathon and 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles.
Is the Taste of Portage Half Marathon and 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Taste of Portage Half Marathon and 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Taste of Portage Half Marathon and 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 148 runners who have completed the Taste of Portage Half Marathon and 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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