I ran the Fargo Marathon this year to check off state #38 in my 50 States Marathon quest. I knew many other runners here from all over the country, which made it a lot of fun.
Fargo is one of those fantastic small town races with a very big following, especially for the Marathon Maniacs and 50 States Marathon Club. It is known to be fast and flat, so it also attracts runners trying to qualify for Boston.
The race is extremely well organized, with the start and finish line inside the Fargodome - fantastic for staying warm and comfortable - and exciting to see everyone on the jumbotrons. The sheer size of the arena made the expo feel small, but it had plenty to offer. The race swag was top notch - a warm sweatshirt, nice backpack and luggage tag which everyone used for gear check. The large arena also provides ample parking and restrooms which helps eliminated pre-race stress. Gear check was right at the finish line and post-race showers available in the team locker rooms, perfect for those who had to check out of their hotels in the morning.
The marathon started at 7:45am, 15 minutes after the half marathon start. It was an absolutely gorgeous sunny day with temperatures ranging from 50-65 degrees, the low humidity made it feel quite cool till the end. Spring was definitely in the air, much of the course lined with beautiful blossoming trees that were noticeably fragrant. The course runs mostly through the surrounding neighborhoods, the North Dakota State University campus and downtown, with plenty of spectators and a few rowdy cheer zones.
Fargo itself has an cool, eclectic downtown and a city motto "North of Normal" which also describes a great event production and all of the runners who trekked here to run 26.2 miles. 😊

I can't rave enough about this marathon, it is one of the most scenic races I've run. The race takes place in Black Hills National Forest starting at in Wyoming and crosses into South Dakota. It is a fast Downhill course with an elevation drop of about 3500 ft.
The race director does a spectacular job for a small event. Top notch race swag included a race logo canvas bag, Goodr sunglasses and a soft cotton t-shirt..
I highly recommend staying at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge located at mile 12,, the shuttle bus to the race start picked me up there.
The race starts at 6:30 am at Cement Ridge Fire Lookout Tower, which has a bird's eye view of the great plains in one direction and Black Hills in the other.
Smokey the Bear was on site to take pre race pics and officiate the race start countdown. The first Half of the race is on dirt/ gravel roads though the forest and the second half on pavement down Spearfish Canyon.
Finish line festivities were also top notch, with homemade grilled cheese sandwiches, fun photo ops and nice medal and awards.
It is also a fantastic racecation, the Black Hills have so much to offer: Mount Rushmoor, Crazy Horse Monument, Cathedral Spires / Needles Scenic Highway, wild buffalo in Custer State Park, Historic Deadwood. We also hit up Devils Tower in Wyoming and Badlands National Park..