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Williston Marathon

WillistonNorth DakotaUnited States

Next race

Saturday, 5 June 2027

6:30 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Scenic road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

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.

Williston Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants

Approximately 10 finishers

Weather

Cool to mild autumn

8–16°C · humidity 55–75%

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Course & terrain

Williston Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

Starts and finishes at Overland Aviation on the Williston Basin International Airport campus; runners use airport runway and surrounding roads. Flat prairie profile.

Registration

Williston Marathon entry requirements

Williston Marathon is typically held in October. Registration opens through https://www.willistonmarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.

Getting there

Williston Marathon travel

Airports closest to Williston for flight planning and race-week travel.
Closest airport

Williston Basin International Airport (XWA)

16 km / 10 mi

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Williston Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
The Williston Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Williston Marathon holds a certified 42.195 km course that can be used for Boston Marathon qualifying times, subject to current Boston Athletic Association standards and the race's USATF (or equivalent) certification status in the registration year.
What is the Williston Marathon elevation profile?
The Williston Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Williston Marathon?
The Williston Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. The Williston Marathon is a scenic road through Williston.
What time does the Williston Marathon start?
The 2027 Williston Marathon starts at 6:30 am local time on Saturday, 5 June 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Williston Marathon start and finish?
Starts and finishes in Williston on a northwest North Dakota loop. Updated each year.
When is the Williston Marathon and how do I register?
Williston Marathon is typically held in October. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Williston Marathon course flat?
Yes. Williston Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
What landmarks does the Williston Marathon pass?
The loop tours Williston neighborhoods and northwest North Dakota prairie roads.
What weather should runners expect at Williston Marathon?
Cool October mornings on the northwestern prairie.

Official resources

Williston Marathon links

Websites

Social Media

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Williston.

Bismarck Marathon
BismarckNorth DakotaUnited States· 260 km away

Bismarck Marathon

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

Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
DeadwoodSouth DakotaUnited States· 419 km away

Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon

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

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Planning guides

Related guides

Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

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