Until now, when someone asked what my favorite marathon is, I did not have an answer...well now I do...FARGO. I loved the course, just enough turns to keep it from getting boring and break it into sections, PLENTY of portajohns in the neighborhoods without long lines, lots of aid, community support and enough of the river and city sections to keep me clicking with the camera. I loved it! GREAT JOB!

Pros: great organization, nice flat course.

Con: At 18 miles the marathon runners joined the half marathon course (the half started 30 mins after the marathon) at its 5 mile point. The course was narrow and the half marathoners were plentiful which made the marathon miserable and frustrating from there on. Cut-off, run into, and complete stop-and-go traffic is the last thing you want in the last 8 miles of a marathon!!!

If the race director does something to rectify the problem, it'd be a great event. Otherwise know that you're going to have to take it slow and cautiously in the latter miles.

Fargo did a 1st class job at this race, from the expo, to the post race party everything was thought of.

Well done!!!

This was great value. Great swag. Great flat and fast course. Expo and finish well done. Nice job FARGO

I have a son going to school this summer an hour north in Grand Forks (UND), so I did this to have an excuse to see him.
This was my 10th full, but by far the largest number of competitors. The first mile was congested, but once I got ahead of one of the pacers (who remind me of Forest Gump running through the Southwest with a group following him), it wasn't too bad.
Course was primarily through residential areas & featured about 100 turns (really). My favorite part was going through Concordia College with the bells ringing. Supportive spectators along most of the course. It was very nice to wait indoors for the race to begin.
Only 3 negatives (aside from the power failure at MSP which really fouled up getting home): The finish area was too small/crowded (especially if you skipped the last porta-potty) and hitting the half-marathon walkers from the 18 mile mark (most were fine, but there were the oblivious ones walking 5 abreast). Little known fact is that just before delivering his news of the military victory, Pheidippides could be overheard cursing the half-marathon walkers in his way. Also the wheelchair/handcrank people started after the runners so they and their escort vehicles had to weave through most of the runners.

This race is a classic. Everything is done first class. Race kit pick up is a breeze. Pasta feed excellent. Volunteers are first class. I was amazed at so many spectators on the course. They were so friendly and raucous. As well the bands were great. This sort of thing really gives you a wonderful lift. This race is so very well done. I dont know of any other marathon that gives you a back pack, a great technical shirt and a fantastic finisher medal. It does to show that the race committee cares about the runners. Not like a certain marathon I could name. I encourage all Winnipeggers to come down and run this one. Its great.

Compared to other upper Midwestern marathons, Fargo doesn't have the scenic beauty of Twin Cities, Grandma's or Madison; but the enthusiastic crowds, music along the course and unique finish all make this a race worth trying. Note that it is very much a half marathon (6,000 runners) with a marathon on the side (2,200 runners); and the groups share the course for the last 10 miles. This contributes more energy; but leads to bobbing and weaving, which got frustrating late in the race.
The whole town seemed excited to be hosting the events, and everyone was very welcoming. To the organizers: nice job.

One of the best organized marathons in the country! Loads of porta potties at the start plus free Starbucks to get you going. A band on almost every street corner. The entire town turns out to support the runners either cheering or volunteering. The race director should give courses on how to run an exceptional marathon. 1/2 marathon started an hour after the marathon and that was great. Thank you Fargo for such a wonderful weekend. Icing on the cake was hot pizza at the finish line. Gorgeous long sleeve tech shirt. Bravo Fargo!!!!!!!!!

Pros: Flat, extremely well organized marathon. Congrats to the enthusiastic crowds cheering. Having bands at every mile was an outstanding addition to the event.

Cons: Lots of concrete to run on. Quite a few turns on the course.

This was my first marathon and now I think I will be forever disappointed in any future marathons when I compare them to this one. My experience in Fargo was amazing from start to finish!
First of all, it was so neat to the city of Fargo really go all in for this event. It seemed like everyone was so excited for the marathon. We were repeatedly thanked for coming to Fargo by people all over town.
The expo was easy to get to/park at and was a neat set up in the Dome. Race morning still had lots of parking and the pre-race environment was very exciting.
The course was great, my favorite parts being Concordia, downtown (twice!), and the finish!! I cramped at about 18 and to walk a few, but the crowd was still extremely supportive, yelling out my name and offering encouragement. The bands were all great and very entertaining!
After the race there is TONS of food and lots of space to hang out. Having showers right there in the Dome was very convenient for those of us that had to hit the road after the run.
All in all, this was a fantastic event. I would encourage anyone from a first timer to a veteran to run this race. It was truly AMAZING!