On October 11, 2025, the 11th annual Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon returns to northern Minnesota, guiding runners on a certified Boston-qualifying 26.2-mile road race, alongside a half marathon and the scenic 26K Lake Loop—all set on paved trails and roads around Lake Bemidji. Marathoners start at 8:30 AM from the Sanford Center, traversing municipal streets, the Paul Bunyan State Trail, Lake Bemidji shoreline, Lake Bemidji State Park, and the downtown corridor, with a symbolic passing by the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues just before the final mile. Preceding this, Friday’s schedule includes a 5K, 10K, and kids’ fun runs at the same venue. The course is predominantly flat (just ~300 ft elevation gain), partly shaded, and built for fast times among fall foliage. The weekend draws up to 5,000 participants, who enjoy chip timing, aid stations every few miles, long-sleeve tech shirts, finisher medals, a post-race expo, and a free 10 oz beer from Bemidji Brewing for marathon and half finishers.
Races
Marathon
26 km
Half Marathon
10 km
5 km
Race Date:
11 October, 2025
The 26K Lake Loop offers runners a full circumnavigation of Lake Bemidji, a USATF-certified 16‑mile route that threads through Lake Bemidji State Park, downtown, and along sweeping lakeshore trails. Hosted by the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon team, it takes place on Saturday, 11 October 2025, at Bemidji, Minnesota.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop?
How long is the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop?
Where does the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop?
How can I prepare for the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop?
The 26K Lake Loop offers runners a full circumnavigation of Lake Bemidji, a USATF-certified 16‑mile route that threads through Lake Bemidji State Park, downtown, and along sweeping lakeshore trails. Hosted by the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon team, it takes place on Saturday, 11 October 2025, at Bemidji, Minnesota.
The Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop is 26km long.
The Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop takes place in Bemidji, MN, USA.
Runna classifies the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop?
The 26K Lake Loop offers runners a full circumnavigation of Lake Bemidji, a USATF-certified 16‑mile route that threads through Lake Bemidji State Park, downtown, and along sweeping lakeshore trails. Hosted by the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon team, it takes place on Saturday, 11 October 2025, at Bemidji, Minnesota.
How long is the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop?
The Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop is 26km long.
Where does the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop take place?
The Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop takes place in Bemidji, MN, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop?
Runna classifies the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Bemidji Blue Ox 26K Lake Loop?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
More
Sport:
Running
Tags:
Kid friendly
Fun Run
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon 2025 or Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon 2025 website.
