Fargo Marathon Event Details

The Essentia Health Fargo Marathon features the two-day Expo prior to the race, which all participants must visit in order to pick up their race packets. Free and open to the public, this expo features the latest in running technologies, fitness apparel, health & nutrition information and interactive displays. Stay tuned for exciting updates regarding vendor lists and more!

All runners must visit the expo to pick up their race number, gear bag and race shirts/hoodies.

Dates:
May 20th: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
May 21st: 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Location:
FARGODOME
1800 N. University Dr.
Fargo, ND 58102

*The Expo entrance is through the main doors on the east side of the FARGODOME.

Packet pick-up will NOT be available on race morning, Saturday, May 22nd.

If you cannot pick up your race packet before Expo closes on Friday evening, there are two options for you:

First, Have another person pick up your packet for you. They just need to have your confirmation email.

The second option is to purchase packet mailing to have your runner’s kit shipped to you prior to race day. Packet mailing registration closes on May 9, 2027.

Interested in becoming a vendor at the expo? Contact us at [email protected].

Parking at the FARGODOME will be available in Lot C, E, F, G. Access from 19th Ave or University Dr. Enter Expo from the main doors on the east side of the FARGODOME.

Please refer to the Expo Parking Map for specific details and access recommendations.

Parking will be available at selected lots at the FARGODOME and NDSU on race day. Please refer to the Race Day Parking Map for specific details and access recommendations.

Shuttle Locations Map

Shuttle buses will depart from locations every 15 minutes starting from approximately 5:00 AM until 6:45 AM on Saturday morning.

Shuttle buses will also be taking runners back to these locations (leaving from the FARGODOME) on a regular basis from 10:30 AM until 2:30 PM on Saturday afternoon.

All runners with a bib number are allowed on the bus at no charge. Only runners with a bib may ride the bus – no extra passengers.

Shuttle Bus Pickup Points

West Acres Mall – Overflow lot SW JC Penny Parking Lot

Scheels Arena – South Parking Lot

Radisson Blu Hotel – Downtown Fargo

Gear check will be available for the 5K on Friday and the Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K on Saturday as a convenient option to leave your gear in a safe secure location at the start/finish line.

- Friday Gear Check will close at 8:00 PM
- Saturday Gear Check will close at 2:30 PM

* All bags must be picked up by this time.

Please note: Fargo Marathon is not responsible for lost or stolen items. We CANNOT accept any backpacks, duffle bags, tote bags, etc. at Gear Check. Please do not leave your bag unattended or it will be removed.

Your experience as a runner is so important to us, and part of that experience includes an adequate number of Aid Stations (Water & Electrolytes). The full and half marathon courses in Fargo have aid stops located approximately every two miles.

All Aid Stations will have water and portable toilets.

Gatorade will be provided at the following locations:

• Marathon - Miles 5, 9, 11.5, 13.5, 16.5, and 22
• Half Marathon - Miles 4.5, and 9

GU Energy Gels will be provided at the following locations:

• Marathon - Miles 13.5 and 22
• Half Marathon - Mile 9

Medical Supplies and Drop Out locations will be available at the following locations:

• Marathon - Miles 7.5, 13, 20.5, and 24.5
• Half Marathon - Miles 7.5 and 11.5

Fast deserves first-class treatment. If you’ve posted an exceptional marathon or half marathon finish time within the past two years, you may qualify for our Elite Runner Program, designed to give top competitors the race-day experience they’ve earned.

Elite runners enjoy access to a dedicated Elite Runner Corral at the very front of the start line, ensuring a clean, unobstructed launch and the best possible conditions to chase a PR. Even better—qualified athletes receive a complimentary entry to this year’s race as our way of recognizing your hard-earned performance.

To apply for a fully comped entry as an elite athlete, please click the apply today button below to submit your application!

Male Elite Runner Corral Qualifying Times

MARATHON - 2:27
HALF MARATHON - 1:11

Female Elite Runner Corral Qualifying Times

MARATHON – 2:59
HALF MARATHON – 1:25

Standards for both the marathon and half marathon must have been run within 18 months of the race to qualify. Athletes applying for elite complimentary entry will not be included in the Age Group results or awards. They will be categorized in the overall Elite results only.

Applications must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the event. Late entries will not be accommodated. An elite complimentary entry is non-transferable and only applies to the Half Marathon and Marathon distances. Other distances do not qualify.

Overall Awards

Overall awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in the Marathon, Half Marathon 10K and 5K. Winners will be announced at the Post Race Party at the DJ Stage and will receive an exclusive award onsite. Overall winners will also receive the below prize pack:

Half Marathon & Marathon Overall:

• 1st Place
  • $500 + Exclusive award onsite + free entry into next year’s event
• 2nd Place
  • $250 + Exclusive award onsite + 75% off entry into next year’s event
• 3rd Place
  • $125 + Exclusive award onsite + 50% off entry into next year’s event

5K & 10K Overall:

• 1st Place
  • $250 + Exclusive award onsite + free entry into next year’s event
• 2nd Place
  • $150 + Exclusive award onsite + 75% off entry into next year’s event
• 3rd Place
  • $100 + Exclusive award onsite + 50% off entry into next year’s event

Age Group Awards

Age group awards will be given to the top three male and female winners in the following age groups for the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon: 19 & Under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80+ (The 5K will also have its own division of 9 and under). Age group awards will be mailed out 4-6 weeks after the event.

• 1st Place
  • Exclusive award + free entry into next year’s event
• 2nd Place
  • Exclusive award + 75% off entry into next year’s event
• 3rd Place
  • Exclusive award + 50% off entry into next year’s event

Wheelchair Division

Awards will be presented to the top three male and female wheelchair finishers in each distance. See more information on participating in the Wheelchair Division.