3 weeks before the race, I found out I was heading to Fargo to work the marathon expo. Since I was going to be there, I did what any reasonable runner did... I signed up to run! Why not add ANOTHER race to my already packed spring/summer!?!?!

Take note, the race is now the Sanford Fargo Marathon. Same great race as in the past, just a new title sponsor!

Pre-race communication was excellent! Even tho I signed up only a few weeks before the race, I never felt like I missed any important details.

This year, the race expo moved from the dome to the Sanford Health Athletic Complex. There were a large variety of vendors so you could find almost anything you needed, and even a few things you didn't! LOL

Awesome race swag this year! Instead of the usual t-shirt that most races offer, this year all half and full marathon participants received sweatshirts! Also included was a fabulous heavier weight drawstring bag (which is also your gear drop bag) that wont' fall apart after a few uses!

Start/Finish line is INSIDE the Fargodome! You are inside out of the elements (Fargo is notorious for its winds) and there are plenty of bathrooms available. Gear check is here too, right near the start/finish line so you can drop your bag off just before the race starts and then pick it up after without a far walk!

The race take you through a few different parks and then historic downtown Fargo. Spectators are plentiful and well-stocked aid stations are located about every 2 miles. My favorite section was through downtown! The streets were literally lined from end to end with spectators cheering on runners. I thought about stopping at the local donut shop for a treat, but I didn't have any $$ with me!

After meandering through a flat course (people also say it's fast, but this was not a fast race for me after working the expo for 2 day, I was just enjoying the day) you finish back inside the Fargodome.

Post race treats include the usual, as well as some not so usual... cookie dough after running 13 miles? Yes please! There are also bounce houses for the tiny humans to burn off some energy and plenty of room for everyone to hang out, chill out and enjoy the celebration.

Do I recommend the Fargo Marathon? ABSOLUTELY!! They go out of the way to take care of their runners and go out of the way to make sure you have a fabulous experience!

To read more on my weekend and race details, check out my blog post here: http://ampdwellness.crazyhamster.run/when-you-want-to-go-far-go-to-fargo/