Discover the welcoming spirit of Hamlet Park parkrun, a free, weekly 5K community event taking place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Cottage Grove, MN. This event offers a fantastic opportunity for walkers, joggers, and runners of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors and connect with a friendly community. The 5K course is run entirely on permanent paved paths, starting at the southeast corner of the Hamlet Park parking lot. Participants will enjoy a scenic route featuring a large loop and a smaller second loop that encircles wetlands and the picturesque Hamlet Lake. Highlights include a charming wooden footbridge offering views of Koi fish, geese, and ducks, as well as a shaded quarter-mile "Tunnel of Trees" just before the finish line. While largely flat, the course does present one modest hill at the north end of the lake.

Hamlet Park parkrun is renowned for its inclusive atmosphere, where every participant is encouraged and no one finishes last. Typical race day conditions in early June offer pleasant running weather, with historical highs around 77F and lows around 59F, and only a 17% chance of precipitation. The event provides both indoor restrooms and portable outdoor facilities for convenience. Ample parking is available, and after crossing the finish line near the north end of the parking lot, many participants gather for post-run coffee and conversation, fostering the strong community bond that makes this parkrun truly special. With its scenic, tree-shaded paths and a supportive volunteer team, Hamlet Park parkrun is more than just a race; it's a vibrant weekly gathering for health and camaraderie.