North Dakota’s Longest-Running Marathon Offers Fast Courses, Deep Community, and a Race-Day Experience That Runners Keep Coming Back For
BISMARCK, ND – Most fall marathons offer a finish line. The Bismarck Marathon presented by MDU Resources, now in its 45th year, offers something harder to find: a community-focused race that starts and finishes at a landmark the city is known for – the ND State Capitol Grounds.
The scenic finish line is just one of the reasons why this community race has drawn runners from 47 states and four countries to Bismarck.
USATF-Certified and Boston-Qualifying
The marathon and half marathon courses are USATF-certified, which means runners pursuing a Boston Marathon qualifier can toe the line in Bismarck with full confidence their time will count. The Thrivent 10K sold out before race day in 2025, and the MDU Resources Full Marathon and Essentia Health Half Marathon hit 95% capacity, reflecting the demand runners have for a well-run race.
A Race Built Around the Runner
Over 1,300 finishers crossed the line across the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K in 2025. More than 500 volunteers supported the course, handling everything from aid stations to finish line logistics. That volunteer-to-participant ratio translates directly to a smooth race day – fewer bottlenecks, faster support, and a finish line experience that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Community Investment, Not Just Community Presence
The Bismarck Marathon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with proceeds directed to local charities focused on youth, health, and wellness. Runners who travel to Bismarck aren’t just racing – they’re contributing to the city that shows up for them on course. That alignment between the race and its community is part of what keeps the event’s reputation strong heading into its 45th year.
The Case for Bismarck
The Bismarck Marathon is a combination of factors that individually are common and together are rare: certified fast courses, a city that fills the route with genuine support, a nonprofit mission that means something, and 44 years of operational experience behind every decision made on race day. Runners looking for a fall marathon that delivers on its promises should have Bismarck on their list.
Registration for the 2026 Bismarck Marathon is open now at thebismarckmarathon.com.
About The Bismarck Marathon
The Bismarck Marathon is North Dakota’s longest-running marathon, held each September at the North Dakota State Capitol Grounds in Bismarck. The event features a full marathon, half marathon, relay, 10K, 5K, and free community races for youth. USATF-certified courses allow participants to pursue Boston Marathon qualifying times. The Bismarck Marathon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to supporting local charities focused on youth, health, and wellness.