Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon 2025

Great time of year to run the Northwoods; fall color was peaking. They adjusted the course this year to run through Bemidji streets, then loop around the lake. I prefer smaller marathons. This was a wonderful experience and run. Volunteers were great, spectators were few (compared to larger races), but very supportive. Runners were awesome too. I beat a runner dressed as Thor (hammer in hand) by a few minutes. I BEAT THOR! How great is that? The route was pretty good. For someone from the pancake flat-lands of the Chicago lakefront (me), it was hilly. For others, think gently rolling hills. Nothing big. Aid stations every 2-3 miles. Like I mentioned before, fall color was just starting to peak. Gorgeous! Plenty to do and see in Bemidji. Or just bring a fishing pole and enjoy being outside. Mississippi Headwaters/Lake Itasca a short drive away.

This was a great race and very well organized. I have run many large and small marathons and this nears the top for organization, it was well supported and I got my first Boston Qualifier here. The only thing I didn't like was that the marathon started at 9:40 am, a bit late, because I didn't finish until after 1 PM which is nearing the warmest part of the day and that many miles in the warmer weather makes the final miles even more challenging, only change I would recommend is to have the race start earlier. But otherwise great course, medical aid, water stops were all high quality. A good amount of spectators for a smaller race as well. Definitely recommend this race.

The Bemidji Blue Ox crew did a wonderful job putting on this inaugural marathon. An excellent web-site, a fast and entertaining course, outstanding volunteers and spectators and certainly above average shirt, medal and food! The large event center next to the start/finish line area provided great relief from a bit of cool and windy fall weather before the start. Congratulations to Race Director Dennis Bartz and the rest of his lumberjacks!