Our Course
Created in 2023, the Bismarck Marathon route features breathtaking scenery along the out-and-back course that parallels the Missouri River. Runners are treated to a fast, flat course that promises experienced runners new “personal record” opportunities and novice runners a great race experience. The new route will incorporate a start and finish line at the North Dakota Capital, 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 is sponsored by a local business whose employees compete for fun awards like best dressed, best themed, and most entertaining. These groups help create and enjoyable and entertaining experience for all runners!
Please note: The course enacted in 2023 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
Scheels 5K Race Map
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Half Marathon Map
MDU Resources Group Inc. Full Marathon Map
Sanford Health 10K Map
Scheels 5K Race Map
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Half Marathon Map
Full Marathon Map with Water Stations
- Water Station 1: On N 1st St, east side of road, in front of 409 N 1st St. Water station services runners in full (miles 1 and 25), half (miles 1 and 12), and 10k (miles 1 and 5).
- Water Station 2: On Main Avenue boulevard, south side of road, near large grassy area of
Bank of North Dakota. Water station services runners on Main Ave in full (miles 2.5 and 24), half (miles 2.5 and 11), and 10k (mile 2.5). Water station services runners on sidewalk for 10k return (mile 4). - Water Station 3: In Mandan, on sidewalk along 46th Ave SE, in front of Raging Rivers parking lot. Water station services full (mile 4).
- Water Station 4: In Mandan, on Lakewood Dr SE, at intersection with Beachfront Pl SE, on west side of road. Water station services full (mile 6).
- Water Station 5: On path behind Broken Oar, near break in fence by parking lot. Water station services full (mile 8) and half (mile 4).
- Water Station 6: On path along Riverwood Drive, just east of the entrance to Riverwood Golf Course. Water station services full (mile 9) and half (mile 5).
- Water Station 7: On Munich Dr, on south side of road, between Reno and Washington. Water station services full (mile 11) and half (mile 6.5).
- Water Station 8: On Burleigh Ave path, between Manchester St and Downing St (west of tree in the middle of the road). Water station services full (mile 12).
- Water Station 9: On 48th Ave SW, between Downing St and Thornburg Dr, on both north and south sides of the road. Split supplies between the two sides. Offer water on south side of road and Powerade on north side. Water station services marathon runners before and after the turnaround (mile 14).
- Water Station 10: On Calypso Dr, in front of 3502 Calypso Dr, on west side of the road. Water station services full (mile 16).
- Water Station 11: On Burleigh path, east of Tavis Rd at entrance to open land near tornado siren. Water station services full (mile 17).
- Water Station 12: On Langer Ln, on west side of road, just north of Misty Waters bridge. Water station services full (mile 19).
- Water Station 13: On Woodland Drive, on north side of the road, just west of Smokey Lane. Water station services full (mile 20).
- Water Station 14: On Riverwood Drive path, just south of entrance to Nishu Bowmen Club archery range. Water station services full (mile 21) and half (mile 8).
- Water Station 15: On Riverwood Drive path, on the T in the path, just southeast of the crosswalk near the tunnel. Water station located on the short path between the sidewalk near Riverwood Drive and the bike path near the golf course. Water Station services full (mile 22) and half (mile 9).
● Water Station 16: On Riverfront Trail along Riverside Park Rd, in front of Sertoma Community Center near Superslide Amusement Park. Water station services full (mile 23) and half (mile10).