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 on North 4th St from E Boulevard Ave to E Divide Ave from 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM on Saturday, Sept. 20th. 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.
- 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 20. 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 at one of our 4 FREE Rally Points!
Do you want to party?
We need your help! The Bismarck Marathon welcomes runners from over 45 different states and different countries every September. Show them what it means to be North Dakota nice as they run by.
Join one of our 4 FREE Rally Points along the course! With different decades and activities, there is a Rally Point for everyone on Saturday. Learn more about Rally Points here!
Parking Map
Parking at the North Dakota State Capitol Grounds is limited and will fill up quickly on race day.
The Bismarck Marathon and officials from the North Dakota State Capitol 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 Capitol Grounds to prioritize runner safety.
Learn more about parking here!
Packet Pick-Up
The Bismarck Marathon is excited to partner with the Bismarck Scheels once again for Race Packet Pick-up!
Friday, September 19th from 10 AM to 9 PM
Packet pick-up is typically located in the East wing of Scheels next to Gina’s Cafe and Kirkwood Mall.
Learn more about Packet Pick-Up here!
The Race Bibs
There are four different races going on during the Bismarck Marathon on Saturday, Sept. 20th!
The MDU Resources Full, Essentia Health Half, and BNSF Railway Relay will all start at 7:30 AM.
The Thrivent 10K will start at 8:00 AM.
The Scheels 5K will start at 8:20 AM.
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!
Spectator Guidelines
Race Swag
Our 2025 race swag is here! Runners receive a Bismarck Marathon-themed shirt and hat with registration! Keep an eye out for these slick shirts throughout our community for years to come. Learn more here!
After The Race
The party doesn’t stop after the course closes! Join us for the Sun Cruiser 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 3 PM and 7 PM to get started.
Don’t wait to be a part of Bismarck’s biggest party! Learn more about the Pub Crawl here.
