Come RUN and have some FUN at the Bismarck Marathon! Introduced in 1981 by the Missouri Valley YMCA, Bismarck’s Marathon has evolved into one of the state’s premier running events. With breathtaking scenery along the out-and-back course that parallels the Missouri River, runners are treated to a fast, flat course …
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Come RUN and have some FUN at the Bismarck Marathon!
Introduced in 1981 by the Missouri Valley YMCA, Bismarck’s Marathon has evolved into one of the state’s premier running events. With breathtaking scenery along the out-and-back course that parallels the Missouri River, runners are treated to a fast, flat course that promises experienced runners new PR opportunities and novices a great race experience. What’s more, the course is USATF certified, meaning marathoners hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon may do so here.
New this year on the course will be sponsored water stations and mile markers. Each water station and mile marker will be sponsored by a local business who’s employees will be competing for fun awards like best dressed, best themed, most entertaining, and more.
The event was successfully operated for 25 years by the YMCA and turned over to a volunteer committee of local community business leaders—who happen to also be running enthusiasts—to continue the event. The committee kicked off a new era for Bismarck’s Marathon that included a new name, a new racing division (a marathon relay) and a new marketing plan. All told, this great race has successfully reinvented itself, bringing in record participation and newfound community support.
With your help, it is our goal to increase awareness and participation of this great event and to establish the Bismarck Marathon as an annual community event in North Dakota’s capital city.
The Bismarck Marathon is a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation run by a volunteer board of running enthusiasts. All proceeds from the Bismarck Marathon go back to support local non-profits that support health and wellness initiatives in our city and across our state.
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Pretty prairie course
They changed the course this year to start and end at the State Capitol, which was a nice setting. The course went over the Missouri River and through city trails … MORE
They changed the course this year to start and end at the State Capitol, which was a nice setting. The course went over the Missouri River and through city trails among the trees, as well as through some neighborhoods and downtown. There were so many water stations, which was much appreciated!
Great hospitality
What a wonderful race! I’ve never seen so many aid stations! The course really was beautiful and had helpful people. Unfortunately there was a mess up with results which led … MORE
What a wonderful race! I’ve never seen so many aid stations! The course really was beautiful and had helpful people. Unfortunately there was a mess up with results which led me going from third in my age group, receiving the awesome award only to have results change on me. I still got the award and so did the other people and the heartbreak was made a little easier by the very kind and understanding race directors. Overall great event!
Perfect Small Town | PR Race
~ 200 participants but very well organized. The race routes could have been better markings ... but full marks to the organizers. They really did an awesome job with the … MORE
~ 200 participants but very well organized. The race routes could have been better markings … but full marks to the organizers. They really did an awesome job with the organization and logistics. It was a torrential downpour this year but the race still went on very smooth…
Glad to get a sub 530
This race was celebrating their 40Th Anniversary and it showed they know a thing or two about marathons. This marathon totally utilizes their parks and trails to make this happen. … MORE
This race was celebrating their 40Th Anniversary and it showed they know a thing or two about marathons. This marathon totally utilizes their parks and trails to make this happen. The water/aid stations are plentiful and great volunteers.
Packet pick up was at Scheels and you walked thru store to simply get your bag (backpack) with race shirt and bib. No vendors.
Beer at the end and food to purchase. If you feel up to it, you could participate in a pub crawl with other runners
Very nice and professional race
Everything about the race was nice except for the puddles we had to run through at the beginning of the race - it had rained the night before - and … MORE
Everything about the race was nice except for the puddles we had to run through at the beginning of the race – it had rained the night before – and my shoes and socks were wet for the entire race. This is a very small race (around 550 – 600 half and full marathoners), but the production was a professional as in many bigger races. No expo to speak of and almost nothing at the finish line, but the race was flat and scenic. Swag was nice.
Nice, small town race
I had a really good time in Bismarck. I loved touring the state house and exploring the city. The marathon was fun and scenic. At one point, I almost took … MORE
I had a really good time in Bismarck. I loved touring the state house and exploring the city. The marathon was fun and scenic. At one point, I almost took a wrong turn because it wasn’t clear which was the race went. Overall, I was pleased with my then-PR at this race.