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.
Williston Marathon 2026 race day
The next Williston Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 October 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Williston Marathon course route
The Williston Marathon is a largely flat scenic road course suited to steady pacing. Starts and finishes in Williston on a northwest North Dakota loop. The course runs through Williston neighborhoods and northwestern prairie roads. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.
Williston Marathon elevation profile
The Williston Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, 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 2026 Williston Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.willistonmarathon.com/ 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 course maps are published at https://www.willistonmarathon.com/ each year.
- When is the Williston Marathon and how do I register?
- 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.
- 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.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
