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Bismarck Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Bismarck Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.2 
Organization 4.6 
Spectators 3.1
Number of comments: 61 [displaying comments 41 to 51]
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M. J. from Wisconsin
(10/17/2007)
"Organized, flat, fast & scenic" (about: 2007)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Bismarck Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This marathon is in my top five (but second to none) of 85 marathons, for sheer enjoyment. This is how a marathon should be, from the ease of registration to the intimate post-race festivities. This was my first out-and-back course and I loved it! With a smaller marathon, it's nice to have activity all along the course... you're never out there alone! | |
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K. F. from Bismarck, ND
(9/19/2007)
"Getting Better and Better" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Bismarck Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This marathon was recently taken over from the YMCA to a committee of Bismarck/Mandan residents who are competitive runners and have run hundreds of races between them. Their insight and experience was noted right away by the increase in water stops, entertainment along the route, and contests for fans. I honestly see this marathon only getting bigger and better and soon the city will realize what a great experience they have in their backyard and start supporting it through spectators. The weather was perfect and the volunteers fantastic. THANK YOU for all the hard work and improvements. | |
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DAVID HURLEY from Roanoke, VA
(9/19/2007)
"FRIENDLY AND FAST" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Bismarck Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 David Nash and his marathon committee did an excellent job. This is one of the few of the 50 marathons that I have run for which I do not have a list of suggestions. When I had a few concerns about being in a new city, David always promptly answered my e-mails. I loved the out-and-back course. Even the runners on the way back were friendly to those of us who were far behind them. Those of us who stayed at the Kelly Inn were picked up by a lady who was on the committee and driven to the start and taken back to our hotel after the marathon. Compared to Myrtle Beach and New Orleans, Bismarck's course was just as flat and much more scenic. I have never run in a marathon where the people were so friendly. In fact, I ran with a young Air Force career gentleman for over 20 miles of the marathon. We chatted almost the whole way until we both became quiet from being so tired. He really pulled me along because he knew that I wanted to qualify for Boston. The water and Gatorade stops were spaced perfectly. Those working the tables were very friendly as they always offered encouragement to us. Definitely Bismarck should be at the top of the list for those running the 50 states and also for those who want to qualify for Boston. Thanks again for an awesome marathon experience! | |
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K. G. from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
(9/18/2007)
"Nice Marathon" (about: 2007)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Bismarck Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I enjoyed the marathon and was glad to see the weather cooperated. It was small enough that you did not have to work for your own space. There was active traffic on the rural roads during the race but most vehicles were respectful of the runners. | |
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Ken Pearce from Charlotte, North Carolina
(9/17/2007)
"Perfect for 50 Staters" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Bismarck Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 What a great race for those wishing to complete 50 states. If you like marathons along rural roads with river and farm views, this one is for you! The organization was great and what little crowd support that was available was enhanced by the unique water station gimmicks along the way. A race director mentioned to me they were considering bringing the route into the city but I would suggest they just leave it as is. You can't buy the type of tranquility that we experienced along the current route! The temperature was perfect for a September marathon (45-65 degrees). Bismarck is a cheap city to stay in and it is easy to find transportation to the events no matter where you stay. I would definitely recommend! | |
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K. E. from North Carolina
(9/22/2006)
"Great course, friendly people, great race" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Bismarck Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I enjoyed this race very much. It was my first trip to ND, and I couldn't believe all these nice, beautiful trails were at the capital city! Everyone was extremely nice - the volunteers and other runners. This was an out-and-back, so I met the frontrunners as they were heading back. This was the first time (in 22 marathons) where I have seen the first few leading runners giving encouragement to slower runners on their way back to the finish. Of course, all these marathons have not been out-and-back courses, but still it was great to be cheered by the leaders. The finish area was great and the organization was great. I cannot stress enough the friendliness of everyone I met. I would move to ND if it weren't for their long, cold winters! | |
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G. K. from Bismarck ND
(5/29/2006)
"Fast, Flat, and well organized marathon" (about: 2005)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Bismarck Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This out-and back marathon course follows the beautiful Missouri River for the first several miles. Passes next to Sertoma Zoo and park area and then through a residential sections of Bismarck. From miles 6-13 the route goes out to rural North Dakota which is a well preserved prairie. The path is either an asphalt park trail or ran on the side of the roadway with minimal to no traffic. Nearly zero elevation change throughout the entire course. Aid stations were well placed and staffed. Pizza was available post-race. Fan support is very sparse throughout the course. | |
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H. G. from Grand Island, NE
(9/13/2004)
"Bismarck - A really nice place for a marathon!" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Bismarck Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 North Dakota is really an underrated place. The Missouri river and woodland areas made for a beautiful course (which was really flat except for a slight incline in the first mile). Unfortunately, the only port-o-potties along the course were at the beginning, mile 5, and mile 21- which is a huge gap and makes for discomfort unless you're willing to become extremely familiar with those woodland areas. The people of Bismarck were very friendly and held a cosy pre-race pasta dinner and post-race pizza party. Despite the glitches, I would recommend this race to anyone trying to attain their 50 state + DC. | |
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R. L. from Seattle
(9/13/2004)
"Good, small race" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Bismarck Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 If you want crowds and lots of runners, this isn't your race. If you want a flat course with plentiful aid stations, you'll probably like it. Note that it is an out-and-back, so be ready to see everything twice. The weather was good for running this year... overcast and low 50s. It rained for a few minutes, but nothing bad. Once you got used to checking the pavement for directional arrows and mile markers, the course seemed reasonably easy to follow. They don't do traffic control. This isn't that big a deal because you don't cross any really major intersections and the race is early in the morning... but it is a Saturday (as opposed to a Sunday) race; on the way back to the finish, there was a bit of traffic. Drivers were mostly friendly and swerved out of your way, but folks in North Dakota seem to drive BIG vehicles. There were less than 200 folks in the full marathon (there's also a flat-and-fast half); everyone was especially friendly. Good choice for 50 staters, and let's face it, one of only a couple ND choices anyway. But overall, it was a well-run race that I'd consider doing again. | |
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D. J. from Mead, CO
(9/12/2004)
"Nice flat course" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Bismarck Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Normally I can't stand out and back courses, but this one was great. The course is essentially flat and is bordered by green fields, trees, and nice yards so it is never really boring at all. The course was mostly well marked but there were a few turns that had no directional arrows at all, and the turns were not all manned by volunteers. I would drive the course the day before so you know where you will be going. The aid stations were well stocked with water, Powerade and orange wedges. This race is small and pleasant but with very few spectators (if that's your thing). If you could pick a marathon to run on a very bad day for yourself (as I had, unfortunately), this would be the one since the course is not challenging as marathon courses go. Make sure you book a room early; I had to stay in Sterling which is about 22 miles to the east. All in all, I would definitely recommend this marathon. |
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