See You at the 2026 Helvetia Half

When I was a bit of a newbie to half marathons, I signed up for the Helvetia Half Marathon (10k/5k) more than a couple of times. It’s a sufficiently hard race (hello hills!) but so worth the effort for so many reasons. The best reason is that it’s a Run with Paula race, which means runners are getting an organized event with a well-marked course, wonderful volunteers, and great race swag.

There’s always a great post-race vibe too, complete with food and celebration for a job well done. For these reasons alone, I will always recommend it to a newbie, and I’ve run hundreds of races at this point. And what better year to register with it now in it’s 26th year!

This year, the Helvetia Half Marathon will be taking place at Hillsboro Stadium on June 13th, 2026. This venue is a great staging area for the race as well as the after-party, since there’s nothing like running in for a stadium finish!

Even better, the course meanders through the countryside roads where you’ll get some awesome views of Century Farms, the tavern that the race is named for, and so much more as you “Leave the City Behind!”.

Check out the course map here.

All three races begin at 8:00AM on race day. There is a 7:00AM early walk start for the half marathon walkers ONLY (15:00 min/mile+) to help avoid congestion at the start line. Participants will start on Century Blvd just outside of the Gordon Faber Rec. Complex and share the road for the first 1.4 miles.

The 5k will then turn around for their out-and-back and the 10k and half will continue until they reach about the 3 mile mark. From there, the 10k turns and heads back and half marathoners will continue through the epic hills of Helvetia. All runners and walkers will finish inside the Hillsboro stadium.

All participants will get an amazing race medal and a tee shirt, plus there’s always some great well-earned food! This year I’m all about the Run With Paula race events, and I’m all signed up for Helvetia and hope to see some friends there!