Save 10% with code 25RRFARGO
***
Don’t miss the excitement at America’s best small town race! We’re bringing that sweet midwestern charm for a celebration of running – and there’s really nothing small about it. Live bands, a town-wide cheering section, and an epic after-party will keep you movin’ and groovin’ as you run this flat and friendly course.
Marathon
The Essentia Health Fargo Marathon course will be a 26.2-mile party unlike any other! You’ll be treated to live bands and DJs lining the route. PLUS you’ll be welcomed around town by Fargo’s incredible residents who cheer on every runner as they go by throughout the day. You couldn’t ask for better entertainment and support as you complete 26.2 miles on Saturday.
And as always, the Essentia Health Fargo Marathon is a USATF-Certified Course and a Boston Qualifier!
Half Marathon
Recognized as one of the fastest half marathons in the region, the Essentia Health Fargo Half Marathon includes the best pieces of Fargo all wrapped up in 13.1 miles with live bands and DJs rockin’ along with you every mile!
This course has everything you hoped for! All 13.1 miles of the course are very flat, very fast, and of course very fun! Taking you through tree-lined residential streets before exploring bike path trails along the Red River. The half marathon course continues through historic 8th and 9th Streets, Broadway and passing by the Fargo Theatre!
10K
The Essentia Health Fargo 10K route will take you through beautiful North Fargo neighborhoods and then wind back around to make your grand finish.
Mark Knutson Friday Night 5K
Join thousands of runners for a Friday Night 5K, now renamed The Mark Knutson Friday Night 5K after late Fargo race director. The Mark Knutson Friday Night 5K is a massive celebration of running and all things Fargo, celebrating Mark’s legacy by making his memory a part of the race he loved so dearly. Featuring a theme of Mark’s favorite 80’s rock music and an electric atmosphere, this is a 5K you won’t want to miss. The race kicks off at 6:30 p.m. and will have you rockin’ and runnin’ from the inside out!
Go Far Challenge
Are you someone who really likes a challenge? Then the Bell Bank Go Far Challenge is for you!
The concept is simple: run or walk the 5K on Friday evening and then run the 10K, Half Marathon, or Full Marathon Saturday morning!
You’ll receive the ultimate swag kit including the 5K swag item and a finisher’s medal, the swag item and finisher’s medal from your Saturday race, an exclusive Fargo Go Far Challenge bonus item, and all the bragging rights you want!
LESS
A fun celebration for all runners
This run is essentially a celebration for anyone who appreciates running and those who have worked hard to create an environment for all to participate in. It is worth the … MORE
This run is essentially a celebration for anyone who appreciates running and those who have worked hard to create an environment for all to participate in.
It is worth the time and effort to participate!
Great City, Course Mostly Meh
Granted, some heavy rains in the weeks before the race ended up closing the bike paths we were supposed to run on. But I liked the portions of the course … MORE
Granted, some heavy rains in the weeks before the race ended up closing the bike paths we were supposed to run on. But I liked the portions of the course winding through downtown and the college campuses the best. The “meh” bit had to do with all the out-and-back sections that ended up stitched together to add up to the 26.2. The expo was nothing spectacular. The running jacket was novel, I guess, though pretty flimsily made. 10th anniversary medal was nice and big. They made you walk back to downtown to hit the after-race party, by which time I was pooped. Don’t know how many times (and emails) I heard about Joan Jett at the Fargodome. All righty, then!
Flat course
The race has quite a few turns and is very flat. The crowd support is pretty good but not very scenic because it’s mainly running through neighborhoods. This was the … MORE
The race has quite a few turns and is very flat.
The crowd support is pretty good but not very scenic because it’s mainly running through neighborhoods. This was the first year with a new race director so there was a few things that hopefully they fix.
Working on the Kinks
Fargo is a fun city. There was a lot more going on that I expected and the weather was perfect! A group of us rented an AirBnb and enjoyed exploring … MORE
Fargo is a fun city. There was a lot more going on that I expected and the weather was perfect! A group of us rented an AirBnb and enjoyed exploring the area. My piece of advice is get to the expo early. We were there before it opened and were let in a few minutes early. We came back around 3:00 to hear Dakotah Lindwurm and Dick Beardsley speak, and when we left, the line was wrapped around the building. No idea how quickly it moved, but it didn’t appear to move that fast.
Parking for the race was very easy to get to and there was plenty of it when we arrive about 45 before the race.
I loved the race jacket we were given, even though it was big (I requested the smallest size). Post-race I heard about the green bananas, but unfortunately I never saw them or any post-race food (I did find water). I’m not sure how I missed it but I sure needed something after the race and ended up going through a drive-thru.
Would I do this race again? Probably not, but I did enjoy the town and appreciate the efforts the town and volunteers put in.
Enjoyable City and Race!
The entire staff at the expo were friendly and knowledgeable. I really like the windbreaker type jacket I got. The course was flat. The scenery consisted mostly of neighborhoods with … MORE
The entire staff at the expo were friendly and knowledgeable. I really like the windbreaker type jacket I got. The course was flat. The scenery consisted mostly of neighborhoods with lots of beautiful trees. Lots of people out cheering the runners. Water station volunteers were not prepared. Had to wait for water at two stops. Mileage markers were missing. I wish we had also run on some country roads. Staggering runners at the start would prevent the congestion. The city of Fargo was enjoyable. Went to the zoo, visitor’s center and botanical gardens. Downtown was also enjoyable. The city was clean and the people very friendly.
Nice and cheerful atmosphere
This is a medium size race (about 3200 runners for the half in 2024). Runs together with the full marathon. Course is flat with only a couple of down and … MORE
This is a medium size race (about 3200 runners for the half in 2024). Runs together with the full marathon. Course is flat with only a couple of down and up on underpasses. It is a great running tour of the Fargo core, passing through nice neighborhoods and the main downtown district. The route usually includes a paved trail bordering the Red River. That would’ve been a great scenic area. But this year they changed the route at last minute due to flooding in the preceding week. Safety first !! I’m cool with that. Lots of cheerful locals along the way. Excellent volunteer and hydration support. If you have North Dakota in your racing bucket list, this is a fantastic choice.
Solid Race!
Overall a solid course. Mostly flat, some ups and downs in the transition areas. Only complaint would be the after party being significantly removed from the finish line. Post race … MORE
Overall a solid course. Mostly flat, some ups and downs in the transition areas. Only complaint would be the after party being significantly removed from the finish line. Post race snacks were provided, however any real food options were quite a ways removed from the finish line. Good crowd support and very friendly. The course was adjusted from the original so while mileage was correct in the end, it seemed off at the beginning. The expo did seem to have a few more non running related booths from others that I had been to but did have some nice booths.
Quality declines every year
This was a real EXPERIENCE in previous years when it started and ended in the Fargo Dome. Since changing organizers years ago, the quality has declined every year. This year's … MORE
This was a real EXPERIENCE in previous years when it started and ended in the Fargo Dome. Since changing organizers years ago, the quality has declined every year. This year’s swag was the cheapest crap I’ve ever seen.
Long live Mark Knutson
As someone who usually just does the marathon I loved being able to hear the story of how this week of events was created and the heart behind it. Seeing … MORE
As someone who usually just does the marathon I loved being able to hear the story of how this week of events was created and the heart behind it. Seeing so many different walks of life come together for this event was truly something special to see. This was a perfect tribute to Mark. Just shy of 3,000 people. The community and the work of those who put the race on truly made this event so special.
Best day running with friends!
I usually prefer trails however this is my favorite race & the only marathon I’ve ever repeated. This year I brought one of my good friends (who is not a … MORE
I usually prefer trails however this is my favorite race & the only marathon I’ve ever repeated. This year I brought one of my good friends (who is not a seasoned marathoner) from Ohio with me and we had a blast together! Somehow I talked this race up and I was relieved he felt it was worth the hype. As it seems like everyone knows the race director passed away and it made the race have a few hick ups but nothing major from what I experienced. (My only negatives I felt were not a lot of food at the finish.) I felt the new director did a good job picking up a twenty year project honoring what Mark created. I’ll without a doubt be back and it’ll be fun to see how the race grows both honoring Mark and new ideas.
FargoFaithful
As a Fargo native who moved away I look forward to this race each year. The amount of people who come out to cheer and support the runners is like … MORE
As a Fargo native who moved away I look forward to this race each year. The amount of people who come out to cheer and support the runners is like nothing I’ve experienced in other races. Being able to run down broadway and see the historic Fargo sign is so much fun.
Race director needs to go
Race director needs to go Organization was worst I have ever seen. Dog run and youth run started while marathon was still going on. Director hasn't a clue what fargo … MORE
Race director needs to go
Organization was worst I have ever seen.
Dog run and youth run started while marathon was still going on.
Director hasn’t a clue what fargo marathon race week is about. He wrecked it this year
People were going off course (not marked)
Vehicles were driving on the course
Have a root canal, it will be less painful
Awesome rockin' atmosphere!
I have been running the Fargo races for years and rarely miss one. Love the event; it is always a well-organized and exciting event with lots of activities and amazing … MORE
I have been running the Fargo races for years and rarely miss one. Love the event; it is always a well-organized and exciting event with lots of activities and amazing support for the running community!
Usually top notch event!
2024 was an off year after losing long time race director. I am hopeful mistakes will be corrected and this will continue to be a destination event with a flat … MORE
2024 was an off year after losing long time race director. I am hopeful mistakes will be corrected and this will continue to be a destination event with a flat course and tons of support along the way!
Great way to start!
This was my first ever timed race of any kind and I'm so glad that I started here. Fargo provides a nice, easy run. The aid stations were well placed. … MORE
This was my first ever timed race of any kind and I’m so glad that I started here. Fargo provides a nice, easy run. The aid stations were well placed. There was a great crowd. For a half marathon, the medal was much more than I’d expected. There was never any confusion on route throughout the course. I’d love to go back again!
Always a great race
I've run both the 10k and the half at the Fargo Marathon, both of which occur on the Saturday morning. It's always a very well organized and well run event. … MORE
I’ve run both the 10k and the half at the Fargo Marathon, both of which occur on the Saturday morning. It’s always a very well organized and well run event. The swag is good and something I wear throughout the year. The routes sometimes change a bit because of potential spring flood warnings from the river but we always run through beautiful residential neighborhoods, longer routes adding runs through the historic downtown. There are always lots of supporters, music, water stations; the washrooms at the start are plentiful so waits before the run are not terrible.
For those looking for a PR, this is a good course because it is flat and supportive, and the weather is usually perfect (though obviously that’s tough to guarantee).
Enjoyed the race very much. The post
Loved the medal, everything ran smoothly and was well planned out. definitely will recommend. Was not a fan of the post race treats. Drinks were warm, no chocolate milk or … MORE
Loved the medal, everything ran smoothly and was well planned out. definitely will recommend. Was not a fan of the post race treats. Drinks were warm, no chocolate milk or coke and bananas were green.
I really enjoyed the Fargo Marathon.
Be aware of course changes and other runners as you run. Enjoy the bands as you run and its a great atmosphere. The crowd is great support as well as … MORE
Be aware of course changes and other runners as you run. Enjoy the bands as you run and its a great atmosphere. The crowd is great support as well as runners going in opposite directions gives you good support during the race.
Fun 5K with mascot high fives at the end
It was a new location this year and I liked changing it up. Fitz is the best race announcer! Finishing with Fitz and the local mascots was the best! MORE
It was a new location this year and I liked changing it up. Fitz is the best race announcer! Finishing with Fitz and the local mascots was the best!
Flat and fast! Run far, run FARGO!
One of the flattest courses in the nation so great if you are trying to BQ. One downsize is that they don't have corral starts so it does start out … MORE
One of the flattest courses in the nation so great if you are trying to BQ. One downsize is that they don’t have corral starts so it does start out slow trying to get around runners and spread out.