What a wonderful, small-town marathon. It was well organized, with plenty of porta-potties and fun water stops. Great hospitality and marathon-friendly locals. It was a little warmer than normal this year, and beyond the five-mile mark, you'll be running into the rising and full sun all the way to the turnaround at mile 15. Since I'm not that fast, I had sun overhead all of the way back in (except for the last couple of miles back through the park area). There were plenty of post-race drinks and food, which is most appreciated for the "back halfers." Thanks to all of the volunteers. This might be a small race, but for all of you Fifty Staters, this is the North Dakota race to run. I loved it.

The website pictures of the race didn't do it justice - this race was more scenic than I expected. There was also a lot more shade on the course than I thought there would be, though the temperature climbed up 20 degrees from the race start.

This year they did a loop around Sertoma Park/Zoo at the start which allowed you to preview the final mile of the course that you got to run through. It was scenic and shady, with a fun water stop in the middle. The volunteers for the various water stops dressed up in different themes and really added to the whole event. The course is very flat, and much of it is along bike trails, making for a good running surface. There was plenty of porta-potties at the start (no waiting) and throughout the course, and they had so much pizza at the end that they started giving it away to spectators. They also had bagels and energy drinks available before the race. There were also free massages at the end.

In summary, if you're looking to check off ND on your states list, I highly recommend this one.

Good, relatively flat marathon. It would have been a really fast course for me were I not doing the Montana Marathon the next day. Really fun aid stations. Great organization. The out-and-back course was a little boring, but it was a beautiful day nonetheless. State #13 in the pursuit of 50. Great job, Bismarck!

This was my first marathon and I loved it. Very flat course, and a small race - not many runners. Great course for a first-timer; my wife was able to get to about 10 places along the course to cheer me on. I hope they keep it small.

Very nice setting; all of the aid stations were fun and well run. A very spectator-friendly course for family to follow the race. Nice hats, but the shirts were a little goofy.

This was a surprisingly great marathon! I wasn't expecting the lovely scenery and historic sights along the Missouri River, and Lewis & Clark trail course. Organization was super - packet pick-up at the Midwest's largest sporting goods store at a mall on the way from the airport was quick and convenient. Everyone I met was friendly, many with the unusual North Dakota accent, always trying to help. The weather was perfect and the course flat. Water stop staff were enthusiastic, each vying to be best in some kind of volunteer competition. Nice welcome at the finish, announcing names and times. All in all, worth the long trip to ND. There's lots to see and do in the area, so don't hesitate to plan extra time for sightseeing.

Sick of the big-city stuff, of mis-management, of falling over people for the first 2 miles? Are you a person who cares more about your time than the throngs cheering you? Close to a PR but can't get over the hump? RUN THIS!

Well organized marathon. No suggestions for improvement. If you like a flat course with long straight runs, this is the marathon for you. If you are looking for crowd support, look elsewhere.

This marathon 1s one of my favorites of the 51 that I have run. It is a perfect marathon course if you would like to qualify for Boston. Money was given to the top 3 age group winners. A member of race committee picked us up at the hotel and another member took us back at the end of the race. Great running shirt!

Great job. Keep up the good work.

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.