Your Race Weekend Guide | Bismarck Marathon

We are so excited that the 42nd edition of the Bismarck Marathon is running a new route through the neighborhoods of Bismarck.

As North Dakota’s longest-running marathon, we are excited for participants to start and finish at our beautiful State Capitol grounds while also experiencing different parts of the community we call home. We invite you to take the opportunity of your front-row seat along the marathon course to see these inspiring athletes run the streets to help us make this the best race North Dakota offers. We encourage you to host some friends and family to help runners conquer the course and cheer them to the finish.

As our community’s marathon, we want you to know what to expect on race day.

  • There will be a short road closure of 6th St. from Boulevard Ave to Ave A from 7:30 AM-9 AM on Saturday, Sept. 16th. to ensure the safety of the competitors as the races start.

  • Various areas of the course will see controlled access so that you will be able to get to and from your home. There may be slight delays to protect competitors and ensure safety for all.

  • It is important to know that there may be runners on the road during the hours of 7:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Please be considerate and provide them plenty of room for their safety.

  • Our board and committee members live, work and make this city our home as well. We want to hear from you on how we can make the Bismarck Marathon a great experience for all! Let us know if you have questions or concerns at thebismarckmarathon.com or send us a message to [email protected].

Race day is Saturday, September 16. Come help us make it an epic experience!

Words of encouragement and cheers of support from spectators have helped thousands of participants cross the finish line at the Bismarck Marathon. Your energy and inspiration make a difference!

Consider teaming up with your run club, nonprofit organization, business, neighborhood, or international group to motivate participants on their 26.2-mile journey through Bismarck-Mandan.

Our New Route

We’ve updated our route for the 2023 Bismarck Marathon to start and finish at the North Dakota State Capital Grounds!

Our new route will continue to feature a fast and flat, fully paved course with breathtaking scenery along the Missouri River!

New for 2023: The race starts and finishes right in front of the North Dakota State Capitol Building, making for a picture-perfect finish. Plus, parts of the route now run through historic downtown Bismarck neighborhoods.

Check out all the routes!
Is your home located along the new route?

We need your help! The Bismarck Marathon welcomes runners from over 40 different states and different countries every September. Show them what it means to be North Dakota nice as they run by!

Throw a block party on your front lawn, dress up to celebrate a special theme, or just cheer them on as they fly by. 

Parking Map

The Bismarck Marathon has a new route for the 2023 race in September! Parking at the North Dakota State Capital Grounds is limited and will fill up quickly on race day. 

The Bismarck Marathon and officials from the North Dakota State Capital are working together to create the best parking experience for all runners on race day.

Parking will not be allowed along the main loop of the Capital Grounds to prioritize runner safety.

Packet Pick-Up

The Bismarck Marathon is excited to partner with Scheels once again for Race Packet Pick-up! There are two different Packet Pick-up opportunities for runners.

  • Thursday, Sept. 14th from 6 PM – 9 PM
  • Friday, Sept. 15th from 9 AM – 9 PM 

Packet pick-up is typically located in the East wing of Scheels next to Gina’s Cafe and Kirkwood Mall.

NEW FOR 2023 — Runners receive a QR code inside their confirmation email after registering for the 2023 race. Show your QR code at the check-in table for the fastest packet pick-up yet.

The Race Bibs

There are actually four different races going on during the Bismarck Marathon on Saturday, Sept. 16th! The MDU Resources Full, Touchstone Energy Half, BNSF Railway Relay, and the Sanford Health 10K all start at 7:30 AM sharp.

Each race grants runners different color bibs so you can tell them apart. Many parts of the new route overlap these different events. Bibs are a great way to tell which event the runner is competing in and to identify someone you may know!

Runners receive their bib and bib number at packet pick-up at Scheels prior to the race.

Spectator Guidelines

POLICIES FOR SPECTATORS: The Bismarck Marathon spectators are asked for their cooperation in following reasonable and common sense guidelines to help ensure the safety and security of participants, volunteers, and spectators. The Bismarck Marathon and public safety officials ask the public to assist in creating a No-Drone Zone along the entire course at the Bismarck Marathon (unless approved prior). The use of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) anywhere in the area of the course, including above runners and spectators, is prohibited.
 
PLAN AHEAD: FAMILY MEETING AREA Prior to race day, make a plan for where to reunite with participants and loved ones. Whether that is at the North Dakota State Capitol Grounds in Runner’s Alley, at the ND Heritage Center, or somewhere else, it’s best to plan ahead.
 
DOS AND DON’TS: Runner’s World has some awesome tips and tricks for the best ways to support a runner as a spectator. Click here to learn more. 

Race Swag

Our 2023 race swag is here! Runners receive a Bismarck Marathon-themed shirt and running gloves with registration! Keep an eye out for these slick shirts throughout our community for years to come.

After The Race

The course for the Bismarck Marathon officially closes at 2:30 PM CT, but that doesn’t mean the party stops! Join us for the Truly Hard Seltzer Pub Crawl presented by Jerome’s Distributing following the race.

The Pub Crawl takes people through some of Bismarck’s BEST downtown bar stops! For just $10, registration gets you a special Pub Crawl medal that doubles as a bottle opener, a special Pub Crawl mug, and drink deals at every bar you go to. You can register online before the event, or join us at Sidelines Sports Bar anytime between 2 PM and 7 PM to get started. 

This event sells out every year, so don’t wait to be a part of Bismarck’s biggest party!

Register for the Pub Crawl