The MDU Resources Full Marathon and BNSF Railway Marathon Relay are sold out for the 45th annual Bismarck Marathon, but four distances remain open for race day, Saturday, September 19, at the North Dakota State Capitol Grounds: the Essentia Health Half Marathon, the Thrivent 10K, and the Scheels 5K.
The Half Marathon carries the same course credential that sold out the Full: it’s USATF-certified and a Boston Marathon qualifier, crossing the Missouri River and finishing on the Capitol grounds, home to the tallest building in North Dakota. The Thrivent 10K and Scheels 5K run the same certified roads on a shorter distance, drawing runners chasing a fall PR rather than a qualifying time.
What a sold-out Full Marathon signals for the rest of the field: this is a race people already choose to travel for. Last year’s field came from 47 states and four countries, and this year’s has drawn registrants from 38 states, Washington D.C., and three countries, with the Full and Relay already full.
September in Bismarck runs cool and stable, and a field sized well below major-market marathons means runners get open road instead of a crowded start.
Every finisher, at every distance, takes home a 2026 medal shaped like the state of North Dakota, with a blank line on the back to record a finish time.
The race is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and registration proceeds support local youth, health, and wellness charities in the Bismarck-Mandan area – more than $700,000 donated since 2007. Registration for the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K, are open now at TheBismarckMarathon.com.
About The Bismarck Marathon
The Bismarck Marathon is North Dakota’s longest-running marathon in Bismarck, North Dakota which occurs in September every year. The event features a full marathon, half marathon, relay, 10k, 5k, and free community races for kids and more. The Bismarck Marathon is proud to offer USATF-certified courses, allowing runners to qualify for races like The Boston Marathon. The race attracts runners from across the region and has become a highlight of the local running community. The Bismarck Marathon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to supporting local charities, specifically those that benefit youth, health, and wellness.