Our Course
Created in 2023 and updated in 2024, the Bismarck Marathon route features breathtaking scenery along the out-and-back course that parallels the Missouri River. Runners are treated to a relatively fast, flat course that promises experienced runners new “personal record” opportunities and novice runners a great race experience. The route incorporates a start and finish line at the North Dakota Capitol Grounds, including new sections that take runners through historic neighborhoods in Bismarck.
The full and half marathon courses are USATF-certified – as well as the 10K, meaning marathoners hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon may do so here.
Each water station and mile marker along the various courses are sponsored by a local business whose employees compete for fun awards like best dressed, best themed, and most entertaining. These groups help create an enjoyable and entertaining experience for all runners!
Please note: The course enacted in 2023 – and updated in 2024 is not a closed course. The Bismarck Marathon will provide limited traffic control along the course route. Runners hold the responsibility to watch for traffic on open roadways.
Individual Race Maps
MDU Resources Group Inc. Full Marathon Map
Sanford Health 10K Map
Basin Electric Power Cooperative Half Marathon Map
Scheels 5K Race Map
Full Marathon Map with Water Stations
- 1: (Marathon mile 1 and 25, half mile 1 and 12) On N 1st St, east side of road, in front of 409 N 1st St. Open: 7:00 AM. Closing estimate: 1:45 PM.
- 2: (Marathon mile 2.5 and 24, half mile 2.5 and 11) On Main Avenue, south side of road, on the corner of Lake Ave and W Main Ave, west of Lake Ave. Open: 7:15 AM. Closing estimate: 1:30 PM.
- 3: (Marathon and half mile 4): On path behind Broken Oar, near break in fence by parking lot. Open: 7:15 AM. Closing estimate: 8:30 AM.
- 4: (Marathon and half mile 5): On path along Riverwood Drive, just east of the entrance to Riverwood Golf Course. Open: 7:30 AM. Closing estimate: 8:45 AM.
- 5: (Marathon and half mile 6.5) On Munich Dr, on south side of road, between Reno and Washington. Open 7:45 AM. Closing estimate: 9:15 AM.
- 6: (Marathon mile 8) On University Dr path, south side of road, just to the east of S 12th St. Open: 7:45 AM. Closing estimate: 9:30 AM.
- 7: (Marathon mile 9.75 and 10.25) On University Dr path, west side of road, at first turn off south of E Burleigh Ave and south of United Tribes tunnel. Open: 8:00 AM. Closing estimate: 10:15 AM.
- 8: (Marathon mile 11.5) On Cottonwood path, south of lake, near path intersection of north and south trails. Open: 8:00 AM. Closing estimate: 10:30 AM.
- 9: (Marathon mile 12.5) On Cottonwood path, just prior to crossing Santa Fe. Access through the soccer parking lot. Open: 8:15 AM. Closing estimate: 10:30 AM.
- 10: (Marathon mile 13.5) On Marietta Dr, where road travels east-west, south side of road, mid way down road. Open: 8:15 AM. Closing estimate: 11:00 AM
- 11: (Marathon mile 15) On Lennox Dr, north side of road, halfway between Peach Tree Dr and Boston Dr. Open: 8:30 AM. Closing estimate: 11:15 AM.
- (Marathon mile 16) On Burleigh bike path, at intersection with Meridian Dr, west of Meridian Dr. Open: 8:30 AM. Closing estimate: 11:30 AM.
- 13: (Marathon mile 18) On Santa Maria Ln, east side of road, halfway down road. Open: 8:45 AM. Closing estimate: Noon.
- 14: (Marathon mile 19.5) On Burleigh path, east of Tavis Rd at entrance to open land near tornado siren. Open: 9:00 AM. Closing estimate: 12:30 PM.
- 15: (Marathon mile 21, half mile 8) On Riverwood Drive path, just north of entrance to Nishu Bowmen Club archery range. Open: 7:45 AM. Closing estimate: 12:45 PM.
- 16: (Marathon mile 22, half mile 8.5) On Riverwood Drive path, at maintenance entrance to Riverwood golf course, just to the south of the W Bismarck Expy tunnel. Open: 7:45 AM. Closing estimate: 1:00 PM.
- 17: (Marathon mile 23, half mile 10) On Riverfront Trail along Riverside Park Rd, in front of Sertoma Community Center near Superslide Amusement Park. Open: 8:00 AM. Closing estimate: 1:15 PM.