Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon

Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon

Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon

( 5 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Bemidji,
    Minnesota,
    United States
  • October
  • 3 miles/5K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, Other
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Amy W

Minnesota, United States
41 24
2016
"Improved Full Marathon Course & Gorgeous Fall Leaves"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Amy W's thoughts:

Since the last time I ran the Blue Ox full marathon in 2013, the organizers have re-routed the first 8 or so miles of the race to go through downtown instead of on a country highway. This was awesome! I enjoyed the change of scenery and looking at all of the downtown businesses as we ran by.

Expo: I picked up my packed the morning of the race and missed out on most of the race expo. In the morning packet pick-up, my kids did get foam "horns" for Babe the Blue Ox and a foam "beard" for Paul Bunyan, along with cheering pom-poms, moraccas and blow-up axes. They had a ton of goodies for my family and I!

Race Swag: The full marathon participants received a long-sleeve technical shirt and I loved their "Harness Your Inner Ox" design for this year.

Course: Along with the course change I mentioned above, the Blue Ox course was beautiful with the changing fall leaves. The course has rolling hills, especially some big ones from miles 20-25, making for a challenge on tired legs. I really enjoyed taking in all of the Fall leaves changing colors along the routes through the state park and alongside the college campus.

Aid Stations: The aid stations seemed further apart this race but I think it's also because I just ran a marathon two weeks ago with super close aid stations (Grand Forks). They offered sports drinks and water at each station along with two stations of GU's. The Salted Caramel GU's are my new favorite!!!

Medal: I love the medals this year! The medal "lanyard" was a piece of blue plaid wool material from the Woolen Mill in that town. Loved their design. For coming in as first Female, I received a full-sized ax with the logo and text "burnt" into the wood. It's HEAVY but a super cool award.

Logistics: Parking was a breeze and my family had a great time watching me from numerous spots along the course.

Check out my full race recap here: http://www.livinglifetruth.com/2016/10/race-report-blue-ox-marathon-2016.html

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