The 11th annual Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon is held in Bemidji, Minnesota, located in the northern part of the state. The event is themed to celebrate the folklore of Paul Bunyan and the north woods.
The race starts and finishes near two iconic city landmarks, the statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Runners make their way through a mix of urban and natural landscapes. The course winds through residential streets, paved paths in Lake Bemidji State Park, and along the shores of Lake Bemidji. The terrain is relatively flat, with minimal elevation changes.
Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon & Half Marathon Weekend
Date
Oct 11, 2025
Starting Time
9:00 AM
Course
Road
Fees
$55 – $85
Location
Bemidji
Participants
100-500
Terrain
Fast & Flat
Environment
Lakefront
Temperature
High: 55°
/ Low: 36°
Overview
Course Description
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.
