Bismarck – Are You Ready For 26.2 Miles? YES!

Just a couple of things to look forward to seeing on Monday

This weekend is an event that some people will remember for a lifetime. No, it's not a concert or anything like that, it's a goal that quite a few people have set for themselves for some time now -HARDLY anyone just boldly comes right out and accomplishes this without any training. Don't be surprised if you see someone walking backward down a flight of stairs this Monday. Get ready for the 43rd running of the Bismarck Marathon!

North Dakota State Capitol Grounds  - Starting Grounds

According to the Bismarck Marathon:

The Bismarck Marathon presented by MDU Resources is gearing up for its 43rd year at the North Dakota State Capitol Grounds this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 21-22.

New for 2024, the race is now on both Saturday and Sunday morning - in the past, the race had taken place across three days starting on a Thursday. The races start on Saturday with the SCHEELS 5K and Sanford Health 10K at 8:30 AM, followed by free kids race in the Bartlett & West Kids Mini Marathon and a dog race in the Mandan Automotive BisBark4K. Local mascots will also get involved with the H.A. Thompson & Sons Mascot Dash.

On Sunday, the MDU Resources Full, Basin Electric Half, and BNSF Railway Relay start at 7:30 AM - taking on a USATF-certified course that can qualify them for races like the Boston Marathon. Runners from 45 different states and three different countries will compete in Bismarck on Sunday.

“We are thrilled to continue this 43-year tradition with a move to a new schedule format featuring a weekend of races and festivities for people of all ages,” co-race director Patrick Johnson said. “This race has worked hard to do so much for our community throughout the years by engaging runners to promote health and wellness while making significant annual contributions to local charities. We invite the community to pull up a lawn chair and come out to cheer on some amazing humans.”

Good luck to all this weekend! 

Every runner appreciates your support - do what you can to cheer them on - it doesn't matter if you finish first or last, just that you achieve your goal - to the first timers, you'll never forget this experience.