The Fargo Marathon was the 74th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 85th largest in 2022.
This year 9.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 8.4% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Fargo Marathon the 227th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 162nd highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.48 ranks it as the 103rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest course in North Dakota.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Fargo Marathon a PR Score of 99.48. This PR Score ranks it as the 71st fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in North Dakota.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Fargo Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 908 feet (276m) Min Elevation: 874 feet (266m)
Maybe I came during an off year, but I had higher hopes for this race. First, the race started adjacent to the dome in 2024. The pre-race area was lack luster. I didn't bring any warm clothing thinking I would be inside the dome. Second, the weather was much warmer this year. Usually that's not a problem as I live in a warmer, humid climate. However, I was blown away at the lack of water stops especially in the last 13 miles of the marathon. I think there were 4 small tables from mile 14-26. I consumed a lot of extra gels/salt tabs during the first half of the race, but I was dying of thirst around mile 18. Last, they changed the course at the 11th hour due to flooding. My watch said there was nearly 600 feet of elevation gain during the marathon. Still fairly flat, but over twice the normal elevation gain of the original course. There were some positives such as crowd support, volunteers, and swag. Overall, I won't return to this one.
Race Tips
It's very sunny course. Bring a hat. Also consider carrying your own water.
Parking is literally steps away from the start line.
Jeff's review of 2023 Fargo Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This was an excellent race. The route is as flat as can be. The Fargodome is a nice venue, great for keeping warm before the race, loads of restrooms, and easy parking. Great volunteer presence throughout the race. Prepare for a lot of turns. One improvement could be tracking/results communication.
Race Tips
Prepare for turns, focus on tangents to avoid excess mileage. The route couldn't be more flat, a couple underpasses are the only real inclines/declines to speak of.
Pay attention to race time, the 13.1 started at 7:30 and 26.2 at 7:45. This initially concerned me, but the routes diverge immediately so it's not an issue.
George's review of 2023 Fargo Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
Volunteers, crowd support and the community were awesome. It was really nice to be able to wait inside the Fargo Dome before the race. The sun came up at 5:30am so I do not know why the race director waited until 7:45am to start the marathon. The sun was high in the sky by the time we started so it was too hot for me by the time we finished. Course has a lot of turns. I was getting dizzy. The post race food was ice cream, donuts and chocolate milk. Nothing salty and no beer. There was supposed to be an after party later in the afternoon in another location. Why you would not have it immediately following the race at the finish line is beyond me. We made plans to celebrate somewhere else closer to our hotel which was lucky because apparently they cancelled the after party but did not announce it.
Race Tips
Get ready for a lot of turns. The roads are really rough so you will have to watch your footing like a trail race not a road race. Race has a late start so plan to be running in the heat of the day.
Since the race starts inside, try going outside just before you line up to start and get your watch to connect to the satellites that way it will connect faster once the race starts and you leave the dome.
RS's review of 2017 Fargo Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This was my first marathon and BQ after 20 years of shorter distances, and it was excellent. Extremely well run and organized. Starting and finishing indoors was unique and set a gold standard. The course is a bit twisty, but excellent, with good scenery, and race support.
Race Tips
About as flat as you could expect, except for the short but steep underpass around mile 24/25. Coming into the finish you get a nice gentle downhill heading into the dome.
The breweries in town are excellent, and everyone is extremely supportive of race participants. Plenty of parking an hour before race time right at the FargoDome. Bathrooms and showers inside the Dome are all open as well.
JE's review of 2017 Fargo Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This race was excellent. The organization, spectators, and scenery were all phenomenal. The indoor start and finish were well received, but get ready to walk those stairs to get off the stadium floor.
Race Tips
The course was pancake flat. There were a lot of turns, so practice running the tangents and 180 turns. I would suggest even pacing. Your wont have to save for any last minute hills. This year's weather was perfect. High 40's with cloud cover and no wind.
Parking is a breeze and there were plenty of restaurant options. The town of Fargo was very accommodating. I stayed in West Fargo, which looked to be newly developed. Check out the Main Street for food and entertainment after. Plenty of choices.
4.4 Stars from 8 Reviews
