Lead Rush 1/2 Marathon

Filled with rolling hills and views of the mighty Mississippi River, the Galena Lead Rush Half Marathon makes its way along a route that starts and finishes near the ski slopes of the Chestnut Mountain Resort.

The half marathon follows a course that starts near the entrance to the ski area on Chestnut Mountain Road. From there, runners head east along Chestnut Mountain Road for just over a mile until they meet up with Blackjack Road.

The terrain remains largely flat for these first few miles and then the course introduces some hills after runners make a few turns.

Runners can expect a gradual uphill over the next few miles as they headnorth, followed by another big downhill descent. From there begins a stretch in which the course loses nearly 400 feet in elevation, as runners head in the direction of the river.

The final few miles of the race, along Sand Hill and South River Roads, are nearly all flat as they unfold with gorgeous views of both the water on one side and the mountains and ski slopes on the other as they cross the finish line.