FAQs
Whether you're tackling your first Essentia Health Fargo Marathon event or returning for another unforgettable race weekend, we've got you covered. Be sure to read the entire event details page or browse the frequently asked questions below for quick answers and important event information so you can focus on enjoying the journey to the finish line.
Let's Do This Registration
Participants can visit Manage Booking where they can input their booking reference and validate their information. You can also find your Manage Booking link within your confirmation email. From here, you can see transfer, additional add-on purchase information, or you can edit personal information.
Where can I check to see if I am registered?
Participants can visit Manage Booking, enter your booking reference and validate your details — if your registration comes up there, you're confirmed. Your booking reference and Manage Booking link are also in the confirmation email you would have received after signing up.
What is the easiest way to access my booking?
The easiest way to access your booking is through your confirmation email. You are one click away from making revisions and/or additions to your registration.
When does registration close?
Online registration closes at noon on Friday June 4th. In person registration will be available at Expo. There is no race day registration.
How can I change my distance?
Participants can visit Manage Booking enter your booking reference and validate your details, then click Transfer and select Transfer to another race within this event.
When completing your updated registration, you must reselect any add-ons or items from your original registration that you still want included. If you do not reselect them, they will not carry over to your updated registration.
You will not be charged again for those items as long as your available credit covers them. However, your credit is limited to this transfer, so if it's not used, it won't be returned to you.
How do I add coupon/promo code?
When you reach the payment stage of registration, you will see an area titled “Discount Code’. Here you will input the code, and click Apply. This will then apply the code to your booking.
How do I clear my cart and start my registration over?
If you decide to remove an entry from your basket, you can change the number of tickets in your basket. To remove entries, head to the race selection page shown and remove the ticket.
Where can I find the waiver to sign?
Waivers can be signed when registering for the event. To sign your waiver after registration, participants can visit Manage Booking where they can input their booking reference and validate their information. From here, click Waivers and follow the steps to complete the waiver.
How do I transfer my registration to another person?
Participants can visit Manage Booking where they can input their booking reference and validate their information. From here, click Transfer and follow the steps to complete the transfer.
Can I transfer to another Ventures Endurance Event?
Yes, you can transfer to another event. To transfer to another event, visit Manage Booking to input your booking reference and validate your information. From Here click transfer then Transfer to Another event.
Can I defer my registration to next year?
Yes. Enter your booking from your confirmation email open manage booking. Look for Defer your entry. Follow the prompts to complete your deferral. Once completed, you will receive an email confirmation. We will follow up with further instructions once next year's registration opens.
Can I get a refund?
All sales are final. No refunds will be given, unless you are registered for a live race and the live race is cancelled by the event organizer due to COVID-19 or any of its variants (the “Pandemic”) and/or governmental restrictions put in place as a result of or in connection with the Pandemic which make the live race unfeasible or impractical to run, in which case refunds will be given in accordance with the below. A date or venue change is not a cancellation.
When does Packet Mailing close?
Packet Mailing closes three weeks prior to the live event on May 2nd, 2027.
Can I add Packet Mailing to my order after I register?
Yes. Head to Manage Booking on Let's Do This, enter your booking reference and validate your details, then click "Purchase or View Add-Ons" — packet mailing will be there along with the other add-ons available for your registration.
Can someone else pick up my packet on my behalf?
Yes! If someone is picking up your packet, please ensure they have either your confirmation email or a picture of your photo ID (a picture on your phone works great!).
When does the price increase?
Price increases are scheduled for the following dates, subject to change based on availability and demand.
11/1/2026
1/17/2027
2/28/2027
3/28/2027
5/9/2027
General
I have two accounts. Can I merge them into one account?
If you need help combining accounts together, just let us know. Please let us know the relevant details, including email addresses/booking IDs etc, and we can ensure all bookings are related to a single email address.
Do you have a referral program?
Yes, after you complete your registration, a unique tracking link will be created for you. You can easily share this link with friends and family to register. The link will appear on your confirmation. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method within 7-10 business days following the live event, ensuring the same tax treatment as the initial transaction. Refunds cannot exceed the amount of your registration.
Who do I contact for Protection Plan questions?
Go to Manage Booking and enter your booking reference (you'll find this on your confirmation email. ,On your booking screen, find the Refund Protect (sometimes shown as "Refundable Registration") section and click the link there. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete and submit your claim.
Who do I contact for any Let's Do This account related questions?
For any account related questions please reach out to [email protected].
Where can I find the race info packet?
The race info packet will be emailed to all participants in the week leading up to the event!
Are the courses hilly?
No! Fargo is flat, fast, & friendly!
What is the weather like in Fargo in end of May?
According to Weatherspark, the average high is generally in the mid-60s Fahrenheit with average lows in the mid-40s Fahrenheit throughout event week.
How do I change my size?
Participants can visit Manage Booking where they can input their booking reference and validate their information. From here, click Purchase or View Add-Ons, and edit your size.
Do you need to pay to attend the Post Party?
Everyone is warmly welcome to join us for the post party, and we hope you'll be part of the celebration. The post party is open to all, but for safety reasons, only participants with a bib are permitted to be on the course.
Where can I find the photos?
Free finisher photos are provided to all participants in the Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon & 5K. Photos are taken by professional photographers stationed on the course and at the finish line. After the event, participants will receive an email notification with a link to access their photos — typically within 24–48 hours. Photos can be searched by bib number online. No purchase is required.
Do you have a merch store?
Yes! Please visit our store Fargo Marathon – Ventures Endurance Store.
What are the AWD (athletes with disabilities) guidelines and event rules?
Ventures Endurance happily welcomes all athletes to participate in our events. Athletes with Disabilities (AWD) include, but are not limited to the flowing athletes, Blade Runners, Visually Impaired Runners, Adaptive / Guided Runners, Pushed Athletes, Push Rim, Racing Chair and Hand Cycles. To participate as an AWD athlete you must notify the Race Director of your participation a minimum of 20 days in advance. This allows our staff to ensure the safety and security of each athlete on the course prepare the ES (early starters) corral for athletes.
To ensure your spot and be approved as an AWD participant please contact [email protected]. Should there be a duo team, a coupon code may be provided for the pusher/coach by emailing [email protected].
See the Ventures Endurance Athletes with Disabilities Event Rules.
Who do email for press inquiries?
Contact our team at [email protected]!
How can I reserve a space at the expo or post-race festival?
If you’re interested in reserving a space at either our expo or downtown after party, please visit our Exhibitors & Sponsors Page to find all the necessary information.
Race Day
Do you offer race day packet pick-up?
There is no race day packet pickup.
What about parking and shuttles?
Please read the Parking section of our website for information regarding parking and shuttle buses.
Do all group members have to run the same distance?
No! Participants may choose different race distances while remaining part of the same group.
What are the course time limits?
The full marathon course will be open for 7 hours, equivalent to a 16 minute/mile pace. The half marathon course will be open for 4 hours, equivalent to an 18 minute/mile pace. There will be a support vehicle traveling behind the slowest finishers.
Can I participate with a stroller/scooter/bike?
The use of wheeled devices by participants is limited to approved AWD wheelchair, handcycle and duo team participants only. Strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, unauthorized bicycles or any other wheeled devices are not permitted.
To ensure the safety of all participants, athletes requiring additional support (wheelchair, handcycle, crutches or guide) must adhere to the Ventures Endurance Athletes With Disabilities Event Rules found here and receive written approval from the Race Director, no less than 21 days in advance of the event.
Can I carry my child/baby while on course?
For the safety of the child and those around, we ask that you do not carry any children or babies while on course. All participants on course must be registered with a bib following the age limits that are assigned to each category.
Can I run with my dog?
No, we do not allow dogs on course for the safety of our runners.
Is there an age limit?
Runners must be at least 8 years of age or older to run the 5K, 10 years of age or older to run the 10K, 14 years of age or older to run the half marathon and 18 years of age or older to run the marathon.
Is there a walker division?
Walkers are permitted in the 5K race only. No walkers permitted in the half marathon. All half marathon runners must reach the first cut-off point at Mile 8 within two hours after the race starts. All runners must reach the second cut-off point at Mile 12 within three hours after the race starts. This rule will be strictly enforced by our tail sweep. A shuttle back to the start area will be provided at each cutoff location.
Do I need to return my timing chip?
No. We use disposable chips that are attached to your bib. They do not need to be turned in after the race. They should also not be torn off your bib.
Are headphones, iPods, or MP3 players permitted?
You may wear your headphones, iPods, or MP3 players. However, we ask that you keep the volume at a reasonable level for your own safety and out of courtesy for fellow participants. You should still be able to hear participants and volunteers in proximity to you. Be courteous of others!
Where are the water stops?
There will be 7 water stops on the half marathon course. Each water stop will feature water first and an electrolyte drink second. Each water stop will also feature portable restrooms at or near the water stop location. The 5K course will feature one water stop.
Where are the portable restrooms?
Portable restrooms will be placed at 7 locations on the half marathon course. The 5K course will have one location with portable restrooms at Mile 1.5.
Will there be pacers?
The Fargo Marathon will offer pace groups for the following time goals for the full marathon: 3:00, 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:05, 4:10, 4:20, 4:35, 4:50, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, and 6:00.
We will also offer pacers for the half marathon for the following times: 1:30, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:45, and 3:00.
How do I join a pace group? And where do I find them on race morning?
On race morning, look for the pacers in their yellow safety shirts holding signs with their target finishing times. Pacers will be lined up at the starting line 15 minutes prior to the start in goal time order.
Do I need to stay with my pacer the entire time?
Definitely not! Pacers are meant to be a helpful tool. Use them as a reference point for your pace. If you find the pace too challenging, don't hesitate to slow down. Conversely, if you feel energized towards the end, go for it and exceed your goal! They're there to support you in achieving your best.
How will the pacers handle the aid stations?
Pacers will communicate their aid station strategy to their group at the starting line and throughout the race. In general, they'll either slow down to allow runners to grab fluids or, in the case of slower pace groups, walk through the aid stations. Listen carefully to your pacer's instructions for the best approach.
Who are the pacers?
Get ready to run with the best! Beast Pacing's team of talented runners comes from all over the United States, bringing their expertise and passion to help you achieve your goals from the front of the pack to the back.
Can I check my gear?
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.
Is there a capacity limit (cap) on the distance events?
The Fargo Marathon faces both logistical and materials constraints, necessitating the existence of a capacity limit on these events. We have a cap of 2,000 on the full marathon, 6,500 on the half marathon, and 5,000 for the 10K. The 5K does not have a cap. The caps exist to ensure that all participants receive a safe and enjoyable experience along with the perks promised to them.
Awards
How do I get my free race photgraphs?
We will have professional photographers on the course and at the finish line taking pictures. We will send notifications to all participants immediately after the event with instructions on how to access your free race photos.
Are there overall and age group awards?
Yes! Age group awards will be emailed to first, second, and third finishers in each age group after the race. Overall awards will be presented to the top 3 male and female finishers.
Will there be award presentations after the race?
There will be an award presentation for the top three male and female overall finishers in the 5K and half marathon following the race at the post-race party. If you won your age group but did not finish top three overall, there will be no presentation as your award will be emailed to you following the race.
When will the check be mailed as an overall winner?
Checks will be mailed 6-8 weeks after the race.
When will I get my age group award?
Age group awards will be sent out 4-6 weeks after the event date.
What is the exclusive award?
More info will be released on what the award will look like, but we’re bringing back an award you can take home and proudly display for overall and age group winners!
When will I get my free or discounted race registration code?
You can expect to receive this about 4-6 weeks after the event. If you already registered prior to winning, no worries, we can refund your account and apply the code!
Virtual
Where and when can I complete my virtual run?
Anywhere, anytime—this is your race! Whether you prefer sidewalks, trails, treadmills, or a stroll with your dog Sprinkles and a stroller in tow, you can complete your virtual run wherever and whenever works best for you.
Once you’ve completed your run (or walk) you can log your results in your registration in Let’s Do This by visiting Manage Booking. Simply input your registration reference and time.
What items are included with the Virtual Run?
We'll ship the same awesome runner's kit to your door as the live event.
How can I track my time and distance?
There will be live tracking available for the Full Marathon and Half. The link will be emailed to week of the event. For the Virtual Run, we accept results on the honor system, but the most accurate tracking is typically via a device with GPS tracking.
How do I log my results?
- Enter your Registration Booking ID.
- Click Manage on the registration you need to submit results for.
- Click the Submit Results tile shown .
- Enter your finish time and add your Strava tracking link or any other tracking platform link OR upload a photo for proof.
- Click Submit Results and you are all set!
When will my packet ship?
Virtual Packets ship 1-2 weeks after the completion of the live event.
Do I need to submit results to get a medal?
No. Your medal will be mailed to you with your packet after you register!
Do you ship internationally?
The Virtual Run is currently available only for addresses within the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii*.
*Shipments to Alaska and Hawaii will incur an additional shipping fee.
What do I do if my goodie bag doesn’t fit? Can I swap it?
We do not offer any size exchanges post packet shipment. All changes to sizes need to be made prior to confirming registration. We highly recommend that all participants take care to view the sizing chart to order the correct size.
Groups
Do all group members have to run the same distance?
No! Participants may choose different race distances while remaining part of the same group.
Can members register at different times?
Yes. Group members can register individually using the group's unique registration link. Group registration generally closes a week before regular registration.
What happens if our group grows after registration opens?
We encourage it! New members can continue joining until the group registration deadline.
Is there a minimum group size?
Groups begin at 10 participants.
Can our group include walkers?
Absolutely.
Volunteers
How long is the volunteer shift?
Most volunteer shifts last approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on the role.
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
Volunteers should be at least 14 years old. For questions regarding younger volunteers, please contact our Volunteer Team at [email protected].
When does volunteer registration open?
Volunteer registration typically opens 10 weeks before race weekend and closes approximately 2 weeks before the event.
Are accessible volunteer roles available?
Absolutely. We welcome volunteers of all abilities and are happy to discuss accommodations needed for a successful experience.
What if I can no longer volunteer?
If your plans change, please notify us as soon as possible at [email protected] so we can ensure all race-day positions remain staffed.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
The answers to 99.9% of the questions we get asked every day are already on this awesome website, which means you’ll find an answer much quicker here than by emailing us and waiting a few days for a response! Of course, if you’ve read every word on this site and still can’t find the answer, shoot us an email and we’ll respond as soon as we can!
For customer service inquiries, contact our team at [email protected]. For press inquiries, contact our team at [email protected]!