2027 Blue Ox Marathon
The Blue Ox Marathon offers a scenic escape around Minnesota's Lake Bemidji.
Race Date
Oct 8, 2027
Location
Bemidji, MN
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, October 8, 2027
- Location
- Bemidji, Minnesota
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 3,697
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
Course Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9413 years running
~400 finishers a year
growing or steady
22% returning runners
USATF certified · 2 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 21 states
winner 1:23:48
typical high 58°F
Historical Finish Times
How 3,697 finishers actually crossed the line across 13 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
3,697
Median time
2:19:33
Latest turnout
402
States
40
Turnout by year
2018–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the 2027 Blue Ox Marathon?
The 2027 Blue Ox Marathon is held on Friday, October 8, 2027.
Where does the 2027 Blue Ox Marathon take place?
It takes place in Bemidji, Minnesota.
What distances does the 2027 Blue Ox Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the 2027 Blue Ox Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The 2027 Blue Ox Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course.
How many people run the 2027 Blue Ox Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,697 runners who have completed the 2027 Blue Ox Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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