Next race
Saturday, 22 May 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
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.
Approximately 2,500 finishers
Course & terrain
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.
The Fargo Marathon course is 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.
Registration
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.
Getting there
Hector International Airport (FAR)
5 km / 3 mi
Race footage
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 Fargo.
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 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
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.
Next race: Sunday, 5 September 2027
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon (listed here as Minneapolis Marathon) draws thousands of finishers on an urban point-to-point road course from Minneapolis to Saint Paul, United States. It starts downtown Minneapolis and finishes at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul after passing the Chain of Lakes. Mostly flat with gentle undulations and a late Summit Avenue climb.
Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027
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
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Which US marathons produce Boston qualifiers in practice — course data, typical BQ rates, and how to match a race to your qualifying window.
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
