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 Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon features a scenic, mostly flat loop around Lake Bemidji, combining 50% paved trail and 50% paved roads along the Paul Bunyan Trail with views of the iconic Paul Bunyan & Babe statues. Organized by the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon team, the event takes place on Saturday, 11 October 2025, beginning and ending at The Sanford Center, Bemidji, Minnesota, USA.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon?
How long is the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon?
Where does the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon?
The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon features a scenic, mostly flat loop around Lake Bemidji, combining 50% paved trail and 50% paved roads along the Paul Bunyan Trail with views of the iconic Paul Bunyan & Babe statues. Organized by the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon team, the event takes place on Saturday, 11 October 2025, beginning and ending at The Sanford Center, Bemidji, Minnesota, USA.
The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon is 42km long.
The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon takes place in Bemidji, MN, USA.
Runna classifies the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Marathon?
The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon features a scenic, mostly flat loop around Lake Bemidji, combining 50% paved trail and 50% paved roads along the Paul Bunyan Trail with views of the iconic Paul Bunyan & Babe statues. Organized by the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon team, the event takes place on Saturday, 11 October 2025, beginning and ending at The Sanford Center, Bemidji, Minnesota, USA.
How long is the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon?
The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon is 42km long.
Where does the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon take place?
The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon takes place in Bemidji, MN, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon?
Runna classifies the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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.
