Next race
Sunday, 5 September 2027
7:30 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain
150 m climbing
Race profile
The Bismarck Marathon draws approximately 206 finishers each September on an urban road in Bismarck, United States. North Dakota's longest-running marathon draws runners from across the Midwest to the capital region each September. The course tours Missouri River trails, state capital neighborhoods, and Bismarck–Mandan riverfront roads. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Bismarck Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 206 finishers
Course & terrain
The Bismarck Marathon is a rolling urban road course with moderate climbs. Starts and finishes in the Bismarck–Mandan area on a certified capital-city loop. The course tours Missouri River trails, state capital neighborhoods, and Bismarck–Mandan riverfront roads. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs.
The Bismarck Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Rolling · 150 m gain — approx. 519 m above sea level
↑ 150 m · ↓ 140 m · net +10 m
Registration
Bismarck Marathon is typically held in September. Registration opens through https://thebismarckmarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Getting there
Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS)
5 km / 3 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Bismarck.
The Williston Marathon draws approximately 10 finishers each October on a scenic road in Williston, United States. Northwest North Dakota's established marathon serves the Williston running community on a flat prairie loop. The course runs through Williston neighborhoods and northwestern prairie roads. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Saturday, 5 June 2027
The Run Crazy Horse Marathon draws approximately 135 finishers each October on a scenic road in Hill City, United States. The Black Hills marathon near Crazy Horse Memorial draws runners to Hill City each October. The course tours Black Hills roads with granite peaks, forest corridors, and Crazy Horse Memorial vistas. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.
Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027
The Fargo Marathon draws about 2,500 finishers each May through North Dakota's largest city on the flat Red River valley. The course passes the Fargodome, the historic downtown, and the Red River with community celebrations at every mile. May spring weather on the northern plains and a flat, friendly course make it one of the most beloved regional marathons in the American Midwest.
Next race: Saturday, 22 May 2027
The Leading Ladies Marathon draws approximately 125 finishers each June on a scenic road in Spearfish, United States. Spearfish's Leading Ladies Marathon is a popular June Black Hills race with a rolling scenic course. The course follows Spearfish Canyon connectors and northern Black Hills scenic roads. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
The Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon draws approximately 238 finishers each June on a scenic trail road in Deadwood, United States. South Dakota's largest running event by participation finishes in the historic landmark town of Deadwood. The course follows the crushed-limestone Mickelson Trail through Black Hills forests, creeks, and mining-country scenery. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
The Brookings Marathon draws approximately 89 finishers each September on an urban road in Brookings, United States. Brookings' certified marathon serves eastern South Dakota runners on a flat prairie-city loop. The course tours Brookings neighborhoods, university-area roads, and eastern prairie connectors. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Saturday, 2 October 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
