Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon - Weekend
The Blue Ox Marathon offers a scenic escape around Minnesota's Lake Bemidji.
Race Date
Oct 10, 2026
Location
Bemidji, MN
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Location
- Bemidji, Minnesota
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2M, 26K
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 3,294
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Blue Ox Marathon invites runners to experience the natural beauty of Northern Minnesota, circling the picturesque Lake Bemidji. This event, first held in 2013 and now in its 12th edition, offers a variety of distances, including the full marathon, a 26K Lake Loop, and a half marathon.
The course winds through the serene Lake Bemidji State Park and past Bemidji State University, providing a refreshing blend of natural scenery and campus views. With minimal elevation change, the course is designed for speed, making it a potential PR course for many participants.
Drawing runners from approximately 14 states, the Blue Ox Marathon has cultivated a loyal following, with about 19% of its recent ~400 finishers returning in subsequent years. This growing event offers a chance to embrace the outdoors and achieve personal bests in a beautiful lakeside setting.
Race-provided description
The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon - Take in all of the beauty of Northern Minnesota running around beautiful Lake Bemidji. Full Marathon, 26K Lake Loop, Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids Fun Runs. Run through Lake Bemidji State Park and Bemidji State University
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+0.43 m
Separation
29.4%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MN25003TRR · 2025 Bemidji Blue Ox Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change.
Course Map
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8812 years running
~338 finishers a year
growing or steady
19% returning runners
USATF certified · 8 photos
runners from 14 states
winner 1:24:47
typical high 58°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
44°
Afternoon (High)
58°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,294 finishers actually crossed the line across 12 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,294
Median time
2:16:13
Latest turnout
400
States
38
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon - Weekend?
The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon - Weekend is held on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Where does the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon - Weekend take place?
It takes place in Bemidji, Minnesota.
What distances does the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon - Weekend offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2M, 26K.
Is the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon - Weekend course flat and good for a PR?
The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon - Weekend is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon - Weekend?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,294 runners who have completed the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon - Weekend.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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