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Become An AdvertiserMarathon Details - Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon
North America Marathons > USA > MN > Bemidji > Bemidji Blue Ox MarathonBemidji Blue Ox Marathon
Bemidji, MN USA
October 12, 2024
Race Details
Whether it's the stunning scenery or the smoothly organized details, the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon in Bemidji USA, leaves a lasting impression on its participants. This event is not just a race-it's an experience that runners from all walks of life remember fondly. The marathon course, winding through the tranquil beauty of Bemidji, provides an almost magical backdrop for those seeking both a personal challenge and a memorable journey.
Runners have shared their heartfelt reflections on the Blue Ox Marathon, recounting how the picturesque route, with its mix of paved bike trails and roads, inspires and motivates. From the enthusiasm of race day volunteers to the unique and charming swag, the event captures the essence of a perfect race experience. Each runner's story reflects the joy and satisfaction of crossing the finish line, whether they were savoring the flat, shaded trails or relishing the camaraderie of fellow participants.
Discover these wonderful reflections from past runners who have embraced the Blue Ox Marathon and felt its impact long after the race is over. If you have your own Blue Ox Marathon story to share, we'd love to hear it-send it our way and be part of the ongoing celebration of this extraordinary event.
Contact Information
| Name: | Phil Knutson | |
| Address: | PO Box 633
Bemidji, MN 56619 |
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| Phone Number: | (218) 766-0958 | |
| Email: | Email the organizers | |
Runner Reviews (6)
Course 4.8 
Organization 4.8 
Spectators 4.0 |
T. K. from Chicago
(11/17/2016)
"Perfect in every way." (about: 2016)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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. | |
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T. N. from Minneapolis, MN
(10/15/2014)
"Great race, but start time too late" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 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. | |
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Dick Daymont from Northfield, MN
(10/29/2013)
"A great fall marathon...cool & fast!" (about: 2013)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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! | |
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Tim Mullican from SD
(10/17/2013)
"Great inaugural event at a great time of the year." (about: 2013)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was attracted to this marathon because it looked like a great time to see the fall foliage and it appeared to be a fast course. I wasn't disappointed in either aspect. The trail was entirely paved, with just one small insignificant hill, and extremely flat and smooth pavement. This was the fifth marathon that I've run in the upper midwest this year, and this was by far the best organized one. For a small marathon, there were an above average number of spectators, and they were very vocal and enthusiastic. I really felt like I was being supported by them. They clapped, cheered, played music, and held up signs for every runner. I was really impressed. The race was also really well organized, from packet pickup to posting the race results. They even had free massages at the finish line, which really helped me recover from my strong finish. There is no question that I would run this again. | |
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K. D. from Pierz, MN
(10/14/2013)
"FAST, lake-cooled course with great volunteers" (about: 2013)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Once my time is close to Boston Qualifying, I plan to run this course to qualify - it's fast. This was my wife's first full marathon so I ran with her. There were a lot of first-time marathoners, and this was a great race for them. It was also about as fast a course as I could imagine, with all of it being flat and tar. The lakes ensured cool weather (but it was drizzly and cool anyway this day). There were lots of volunteers at each water stop so there was no congestion anywhere on the course. I enjoyed seeing the elite half-marathoners pass us at about mile 5 or 6, as they started 20 minutes later. The course was beautiful - the half-marathoners missed the nicest 6-mile stretch. I highly recommend this course for both beginners and PR/BQ runners. | |
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Heike Dodge from Little Falls, MN
(10/14/2013)
"Beautiful, fast, lots of aid stations" (about: 2013)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The MOST BEAUTIFUL course, lots of water/potty stations with lots of volunteers, massages at the finish line, spectators braved the rain to encourage us all the way to the end. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS RACE. |
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