Fargo Marathon
Fargo, North Dakota, United States
Overview
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.
Fargo Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Fargo Marathon 2027 race day
The next Fargo Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 16 May 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Fargo Marathon course route
The Fargo Marathon is a loop that starts and finishes at the Fargodome and runs through downtown Fargo, along the Red River, and past the Moorhead waterfront across the state line. The course is very flat and fast through the Red River valley, and spectators pack the Fargodome and line the streets downtown and by the river.
Fargo Marathon elevation profile
The Fargo Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Fargo Marathon uses open registration at fargomarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time. Sign-up for the May race week festival typically opens the previous autumn. The flat Red River valley course draws regional participation and places usually remain available until closer to race day.
Fargo Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Welcome to the 2012 Fargo Marathon Course!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Fargo Marathon elevation profile?
- The Fargo Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Fargo Marathon?
- The Fargo Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the Fargodome.
- What time does the Fargo Marathon start?
- The 2027 Fargo Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 16 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.fargomarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Fargo Marathon finish?
- The finish is at the Fargodome in Fargo.
- Does the Fargo Marathon cross into Minnesota?
- Yes. The course crosses the Red River into Moorhead, Minnesota, and returns to Fargo.
- When is the Fargo Marathon?
- The race is held in May. Registration is at https://www.fargomarathon.com/.
- Is the Fargo Marathon flat?
- Yes. The Red River valley is completely flat.
- What is the Fargo Marathon atmosphere like?
- The Fargo Marathon is known for exceptional community support, with crowds at every mile and a festival atmosphere.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Fargo.
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States· 345 km away
Minneapolis Marathon
The Minneapolis Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Minneapolis, United States. The course starts and finishes on the Minneapolis riverfront. The route follows the Mississippi River trails and passes the Stone Arch Bridge and Minnehaha Falls. Mostly flat along the river.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
Duluth, Minnesota, United States· 356 km away
Grandma's Marathon
Grandma's Marathon is a classic North Shore point-to-point from Two Harbors to Duluth, Minnesota, drawing about 6,500 runners each June. The net-downhill course follows Lake Superior's scenic Highway 61 with views of the big lake, boreal forest, and Duluth's hillside finish in Canal Park. Cool lake breezes and a fast early profile make it one of America's most popular regional marathons.
Next race: Saturday, 19 June 2027
Omaha, Nebraska, United States· 629 km away
Omaha Marathon
The Omaha Marathon draws approximately 1,300 finishers each September on an urban road in Omaha, United States. Its downtown finish ties the race closely to Omaha's revived riverfront core. The route passes the Old Market, the Missouri River corridor, and broad streets with skyline views across the city. The Old Market, Missouri River corridor, and broad downtown streets roll with skyline views across a course tied closely to Omaha's revived riverfront.
Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026
Des Moines, Iowa, United States· 639 km away
Des Moines Marathon
The Des Moines Marathon attracts approximately 2,500 finishers each October through Iowa's capital on the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. The course passes the Iowa State Capitol with its golden dome, the East Village district, and Gray's Lake park on flat prairie terrain. October's crisp Midwest autumn makes it Iowa's largest road race.
Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
Related guides
Flat vs Hilly Marathons
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
Read guide →
Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Read guide →
How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
Read guide →