Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon, 26K & Half Marathon

Saturday, October 12, 2024 • Bemidji, MN • Course Map

The First City on the Mississippi. Curling Capital of the U.S. Nestled in the northern part of the Land of a Thousand Lakes, the small town of Bemidji, Minnesota goes by many mottos. Besides earning notoriety for its multiple mottos and serving as the central hub for several Native American reservations, Bemidji also hosts a vibrant recreation scene, including the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon, Half Marathon & 26K around Lake Bemidji each year.

The half marathon begins several miles ahead of the full marathon and 26K along the Paul Bunyan Trail. The course aligns with the full marathon and 26K for the majority of the race around Lake Bemidji, which takes runners across what race organizers describe as a scenic road course on all paved roads and trails. Along the way runners pass through the scenic views of Lake Bemidji State Park, Cameron Park, downtown Bemidji, Diamond Park, and Bemidji State University while making their way to the finish line.

Runners will also see a statue of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox Babe toward the south side of the lake as runners approach the finish line. Located just before the start of the last mile, the statue serves as a sign that the race is almost over.

All three races finish on the south side of Lake Bemidji at the Sanford Center, with a finisher area from the local community.

Race Weather & Climate

Located in northern Minnesota near several state forests (including the Paul Bunyan State Forest), Bemidji experiences cool and often cold weather in October, with temperatures as low as 2° (1952) and as high as 95° (1963).

On race day (Oct. 12), the average low is 36ºF and the average high is 55ºF.

Past Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the Bemidji Blue Ox Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

8:30 AM – full marathon
9:00 AM – 26K, half marathon

Fees

$55 – $85 for the half marathon
$55 – $90 for the 26K
$75 – $100 for the full marathon

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2024 running of the Bemidji Blue Ox Half Marathon, register at RaceMenu.com.

Official Race Website

bemidjiblueoxmarathon.com

Comments

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