I drove over 400 miles to run this race
I could not sleep the night before the marathon because I was ready for the hill. I loved the hill twice. Please work on direction for second time out (loop) Thank you for the sale on last years swag.

I've run the half here once and the full twice. The first time I ran the full it was on the old course, which is very scenic for the first and last miles but to me is quite boring for the big chunk in the middle. The new course, which involves a mile or so climb up what is probably the biggest slope in the area (you run it twice) is overall quite pleasant to run and is one that I will come back to run again.

High points for the race: the volunteers are terrificfriendly, encouraging, and all round fun to have on course; a decent race course; easy parking and a nice start/finish area; a decent recovery area; good organization (with one caveat); a decent t-shirt; tons of water stations; Bismarck is a fun place to visit.

Lows: on the first lap of the two-lap course, you are supposed to cut off the main part of the course to go through the start/finish line to complete a 1.5 mile loop before rejoining the regular course (does that seem confusing? that's because it is): volunteers were trying to direct people appropriately, but as some of the runners in a pack would already have done the loop and others not, figuring out who goes where could be tricky. And it was. Two very tiny signs explained what to do, but were way too small to read while running. I figured it out, but I met one guy who backtracked an extra couple of miles when he realized his GPS didn't match the course markers and I also know of one other runner who missed the lap but was allowed to add it on at the end of the race to complete the distance so there were surely others. A really big sign with really big lettering is needed! I don't want anyone to be dissuaded from running this fine race, however, but it is something worth paying attention to in future. The other low for me is that there is one rather long (3-4 mile) stretch with almost no bend at all. That got a little trying on lap 2.

Overall, I highly recommend this race. There are lots of poorly run races out there, but this is one of the good ones.

Came here to cross ND off my 50 state list and enjoyed a well-organized, pleasant marathon. I enjoyed the size of this marathon- it's probably not best for those wanting glitz and glamour marathons, but if you want a quality race experience, the race director and volunteers deliver in Bismarck.
Easy packet pickup, nice tech shirt, and also nice age group awards also helped make this a great race. Start and finish line area was laid out well and had everything you could possibly need.
Only thing I did not care for was the course- you looped around a park 4 times and I talked to one woman who missed her turn and would have run 24 or so miles versus 26.2 because no one told her where to turn. I was lucky and had a volunteer directing me, but this turn area was tricky. The course had more miles on a bike path than I care for, but I know in some cities it's all they've got. I am glad I reviewed the course before I got there so I knew what to expect. You also run the first half of the course with the half marathoners so you cross the finish line twice (13.1, 26.2) and some days crossing once knowing I have to do the same loop again could be deflating. Again- glad I knew what to expect, so mentally I was prepared.
The volunteers were all very friendly and helpful and this race has been run for 30+ years which says a lot about a marathon. They've clearly worked out the kinks over the years and produce a top-quality marathon. I'd highly recommend to anyone looking for a marathon in ND.

This is a well organized marathon with attention to details. The Ramkota Best Western is a very nice hotel across the street from the packet pickup; the hotel will pick you up and drop you off at the airport if you need a ride. The registration fee is very reasonable, and especially for what you get: a wonderful marathon, a great medal, a long-sleeve technical shirt, and a nice running hat. If you need a ride, the race organizers will pick you up from your hotel to get you to the race and then drop you off afterward. There is even a pizza party after the race. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. The course is flat and fast and runs (partially) along the river and through a park. The spectators were few but very supportive and the course entertainment and music were fun. The morning weather was perfect; sunny with temperatures in the 50's-60's for the most part. Don't miss this one.

Kroll's Diner North Dakota Roughrider Marathon
Bismarck, ND
Saturday, September 20, 2008
7:30 a.m.

As an out-of-town runner, I found all aspects of the marathon very convenient. I flew into Bismarck, via Minneapolis, on Friday afternoon and stayed in Expressway Inn, which provided the airport shuttle. Packet pick-up was in a shopping mall across the street from the hotel. Each runner received a high-tech long-sleeved shirt and runner's cap. There was no expo. I had dinner in Di Donna's Italian Restaurant, within short walking distance from the hotel, and the food was very good. Start and finish lines were at the Pioneer Park, and transportation to and from the race site was provided by race volunteers. Pre-race refreshments included coffee, bagel, and doughnut.

Race-morning temperature ranged from low 50s to mid 60s. It was sunny and a bit windy. The out-and-back course was flat, scenic, and peaceful. We ran on roads and paved trails through semi-rural neighborhoods. Water/sports drink stations were located at every other mile and the volunteers were cheerful. There was some entertainment in various spots. As expected, there was hardly any crowd support. Finisher's medallion was nice. Post-race refreshments included bagel, banana, pizza, and soft drinks in a picnic-type atmosphere. There were cash prizes for overall and various age-group winners. In short, it was a high quality running event, for which I commend the race organizers.

I am a 50-stater and this was #40.

Another well executed, smaller size marathon race. The race packet pick-up was at a local sporting goods store on the south end of town. Folks there were able to answer questions and direct runners on where to park for catching a bus to the starting line. The start area - Pioneer Park, just north of Interstate 94 near the Missouri River - was lit by portable lights (sunrise was about 2 minutes before race starting time, so it was dark until almost the starting time). The marathon provided some food and drinks - even Starbuck's coffee - before the race started.

The race started on time, with temperatures probably in the high 50's, as it began to get light - though it was probably an hour before the sunlight was effective (temperature was probably 75 by mid-day). The race followed close to the river until south of Bismarck, then went out into the rural area south of town. It was an out-an-back course. There was an incredible amount of shade on this course, in a state where we have heard that there are not too many trees. But there was plenty of sunlight too.

The course was very flat, and it was well marked. Volunteers staffed the aid stations and cheered on the runners too. Other than aid station workers, there was not too much fan support - though there was a kid doing tap dancing, and later, a young girl playing a cello. So that was novel. Anyway, aid stations were well stocked with Gatorade and water. Cookies were available at the turn-around point, and one station had M & M's too.

Back at the finish line, there were more fluids (power drinks and water) and pizza was post-race food, with lots of bananas were available too.

This was a well planned and coordinated marathon event. David Nash and his staff/volunteers did an outstanding job with this marathon, and I highly recommend this race.

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!

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!

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.