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Bismarck Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Bismarck, ND, USA
- Race Date: 09/19/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Bismarck Marathon Description
The Bismarck Marathon takes runners through North Dakota’s capital city every September, starting and finishing right on the North Dakota State Capitol grounds. The fully paved, USATF-certified course is both a Boston and New York City qualifier, tracing the Missouri River and winding through historic downtown Bismarck neighborhoods for a fast, flat, and scenic run. Alongside the full marathon, the event includes a half marathon, marathon relay, 10K, and 5K, drawing runners looking for a PR against a picture-perfect capitol backdrop.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Bismarck Marathon Additional Details:
Every Bismarck Marathon medal includes a blank space specifically designed for writing in your finishing time, a small but thoughtful touch for a race that draws so many PR chasers. Finishers collect their medal at what’s locally nicknamed Medal Alley, then head to a recovery tent staffed by Sanford athletic trainers and an MDU power-up station stocked with bananas and chocolate milk. Aid stations appear every one to two miles with water and Powerade, and volunteers here have earned a reputation for a genuine “leave no one behind” attitude, some of them have been working the same stretch of course for years. It’s the kind of small-town hospitality that’s hard to find at bigger, more anonymous marathons.
Course Information
Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6 hr 30 min
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 500 to 550
Marathon: 200 to 250
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 477 ft (Marathon), Unknown (Half)
Elevation Loss: 477 ft (Marathon), Unknown (Half)
Average Temperature
- Low: 35°F
- High: 67°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Structured plans for every experience level, first finish to chasing a new PR.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you to the start line ready.
Your bridge into marathons, with a plan built for stepping up the distance.
Things to Do in Bismarck, ND, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Food & Drink
Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks
Sample World Beer Cup-winning brews at Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks, part of Bismarck-Mandan’s growing craft beer scene — a relaxed way to celebrate the finish line.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Missouri River Trail at Sertoma Park
Follow the Missouri River Trail at Sertoma Park for the city’s most direct connection to the riverfront — a flat, scenic, low-impact stroll after race day.
Outdoors & Trails
McDowell Dam Nature Park
Hike the trails, fishing ponds, and picnic areas of McDowell Dam Nature Park just outside Bismarck — an easy, flat option for tapering or recovering legs.
Arts & Culture
Five Nations Arts Center
Browse Native art and rotating exhibits at the free Five Nations Arts Center in Mandan — a relaxed, low-impact way to spend a taper afternoon after race weekend.
Museums & History
North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
Explore 12,000 years of North Dakota history, including a mummified dinosaur, at the free North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum — an easy, indoor rest-day stop.
Shopping
Downtown Bismarck
Browse boutiques and local shops in vibrant downtown Bismarck, known for its dining and nightlife too — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Landmark
Keelboat Park
Walk the riverwalk at Keelboat Park, where Lewis and Clark once camped, and see a full-size replica of their expedition’s keelboat — an easy, flat riverside stop.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Dakota Zoo
See 600 animals across 125 species, from mammals to reptiles, at the 90-acre Dakota Zoo — a flat, self-paced walk that’s easy on recovering legs.
Sports & Entertainment
Belle Mehus Auditorium
Catch a concert or event at the historic Belle Mehus Auditorium, a longtime Bismarck performing arts venue — a relaxed, seated way to spend an evening.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Bismarck Marathon
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Boston Qualifier: Yes