RacesReviewed / Top 25

Top 25 Races in North Dakota

North Dakota offers a diverse racing landscape worth exploring.

North Dakota's racing scene has something for every runner.

Ranked races

25North Dakota's best racing events.

Race types

Road, Trail, UltraNorth Dakota's diverse terrain.

Signature event

See #1The state's premier event.

How we ranked these races

What went into the selection

Field Size

How many runners typically participate.

Longevity & Prestige

Event history and regional standing.

Course Quality

Scenery, variety, and support.

Runner Experience

Aid stations, swag, and overall satisfaction.

Notable Features

Unique elements that make the race memorable.

Full ranked list

All 25 races ranked

25 visible
#1
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The Fargo Marathon delivers a flat, fast course through North Dakota's vibrant Red River Valley, making it perfect for first-time marathoners and experienced runners chasing personal bests. Known for incredible community support with thousands of enthusiastic spectators lining the streets, this USATF-certified race showcases the best of Fargo's legendary Midwestern hospitality. Runners traverse a scenic course that winds past iconic landmarks while experiencing the unique charm of this thriving city on the banks of the Red River.

Fargo MarathonMarathonSpring
FargoMarathon
  • Fargo
  • Marathon

#2

Grand Forks Marathon

Grand Forks, ND

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Experience the thrill of the Grand Forks Marathon, a hidden gem through North Dakota's scenic Red River Valley featuring a flat, fast course perfect for chasing personal records. This community-driven event showcases the warm hospitality of Grand Forks while offering runners breathtaking prairie landscapes and well-organized aid stations along the route. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner seeking a qualifying time or a first-timer tackling the 26.2, the Grand Forks Marathon delivers an unforgettable race-day experience.

Grand Forks MarathonMarathonFall
Grand ForksMarathon
#3
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The Maah Daah Hey Trail 100 Mile is an ultra endurance race through the dramatic Badlands of western North Dakota. Starting and finishing in historic Medora, this challenging 100-mile course showcases some of America's most rugged and beautiful terrain. Runners who conquer this trail earn their place among the most dedicated ultra athletes.

Maah Daah Hey Trail 100 Mile100 MileSummer
Medora100 Mile
#4
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The Sheyenne River Trail 50K invites runners to challenge themselves along the serene Sheyenne River Valley in Lisbon, ND. This 31-mile trail race offers a peaceful escape into nature, with diverse terrain and scenic river views throughout. Perfect for trail runners seeking a quieter racing experience away from crowded city courses.

Sheyenne River Trail 50K50KSummer
Lisbon50K
#5

Lace up for the affordable Race Through North Dakota 1 Mile in Bismarck, the heart of the Peace Garden State. This budget-friendly race is perfect for beginners looking to complete their first mile or seasoned runners seeking a quick distance challenge. With distances ranging from 1 mile to a full marathon available, there's no excuse not to join the fun along the scenic Missouri River.

Race Through North Dakota 1M, 5K, 10K, 13.1, 26.2 – Now Only $18!1 MileSeasonal
Bismark1 Mile
#6

The Scheels BurliMOT 1 Mile Run/Walk/Roll in Minot, ND is an inclusive race welcoming all abilities to experience the energy of North Dakota's premier running event. Whether you walk, run, or roll, this accessible mile offers a perfect entry point into the Scheels BurliMOT race weekend with a scenic course through Minot. Families, beginners, and adaptive athletes alike can join the excitement of this community celebration of fitness.

Scheels BurliMOT Half Marathon, Relay, 5K, and 1 Mile Walk/Run/Roll1 Mile Run/Walk/RollSeasonal
Minot1 Mile Run/Walk/Roll
#7

Push your limits through North Dakota's rugged sandhills on this extreme ultra running experience starting in McLeod. END-SURE offers 100K, 50K, and 25K trail distances through pristine prairie terrain that few runners ever experience. Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or trail newcomer, this event delivers an unforgettable test of endurance through some of the most isolated and beautiful terrain in the Midwest.

Extreme North Dakota Sandhills Ultra Run Experience (END-SURE)100K, 50K, 25K trail runSeasonal
McLeod100K, 50K, 25K trail run
#8

Running of the Pink

Jamestown, ND

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Tie on your pink and join runners in Jamestown for the Running of the Pink, a vibrant community race featuring 10K and 5K distances. This inspiring event brings together participants of all fitness levels to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Run through the scenic streets of Jamestown while showing your support for a powerful cause.

Running of the Pink10K, 5K runSeasonal
Jamestown10K, 5K run
#9
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Light up the Fourth of July with the YMCA Firecracker 5K/10K Fun Run/Walk in Grand Forks, ND! This patriotic celebration brings the community together for races suitable for all ages—from competitive 10K runners to little ones in the kids run. Whether you're chasing a personal best or making family memories, the Firecracker event delivers summer race fun with Red River Valley charm.

YMCA Firecracker 5K/10K Fun Run/Walk10K, 5K run | kids runSeasonal
Grand Forks10K, 5K run | kids run
#10
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Run with purpose at the Race for Parkinson's in Bismarck, ND—a community event bringing together runners and walkers of all fitness levels to support Parkinson's awareness. Choose your challenge with three distance options: 10K, 5K, or a family-friendly 1-mile route. Every step you take helps raise vital funds and awareness for those affected by Parkinson's disease in North Dakota and beyond.

Race for Parkinson's10K, 5K, 1M runSeasonal
Bismarck10K, 5K, 1M run
#11

Grand Forks 10

Grand Forks, ND

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This 10m, 10k, 5k run in Grand Forks, ND, organized by Grand Forks 10, grand forks 10. It's a solid choice for runners of all levels looking for a 10m, 10k, 5k run in the Grand Forks, ND area.

Grand Forks 1010M, 10K, 5K runSeasonal
Grand Forks10M, 10K, 5K run
#12
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Test your limits on the legendary Maah Daah Hey Trail, a grueling 116-mile ultramarathon through North Dakota's stunning Badlands. This iconic endurance challenge attracts elite and determined runners seeking the ultimate test of perseverance. Experience rugged terrain and dramatic landscapes where the frontier spirit endures.

Maah Daah Hey Trail Run116M trail runSeasonal
Medora116M trail run
#13
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The MAAH DAAH HEY 100 MTB Race delivers an adrenaline-pumping 13-mile mountain bike challenge through the rugged Badlands surrounding Medora, North Dakota. This iconic singletrack experience pushes riders through dramatic terrain that showcases the state's most spectacular landscapes. Perfect for intermediate to advanced cyclists seeking a authentic North Dakota mountain biking adventure off the beaten path.

MAAH DAAH HEY 100 MTB RACE(S)13 MileSeasonal
Medora13 Mile
#14
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Experience the BurliMOT Half Marathon through the heart of Minot, North Dakota, where runners can choose from three exciting distance options including the full 13.1-mile half marathon, a 5K, or a team relay. This beloved annual event showcases the best of North Dakota's prairie landscapes while bringing together a passionate running community. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner chasing a personal best or a newcomer looking for your first half marathon experience, BurliMOT delivers an unforgettable race day atmosphere.

BurliMOT Half Marathon13.1M, 5K run | 13.1M relaySeasonal
Minot13.1M, 5K run | 13.1M relay
#15
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This 13m, 3.5m trail run in Mandan, ND showcases ND's trail running scene, with a otter creek trail run. It's well-suited for runners looking to explore Alabama's trail networks while pushing their limits.

Otter Creek Trail Run13M, 3.5M trail runSeasonal
Mandan13M, 3.5M trail run
#16

Experience the heart of America at the Center of the Nation Series Day 5, where runners tackle the marathon or half marathon through the vast prairies of Bowman, North Dakota. This unique multi-day series celebrates rural endurance running with breathtaking views and small-town hospitality. Perfect for runners seeking an authentic, uncrowded race experience away from the typical city marathon scene.

Center of the Nation Series - Day 526.2M, 13.1M runSeasonal
Bowman26.2M, 13.1M run
#17

Williston Marathon

Williston, ND

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Run the wide-open plains of North Dakota at the Williston Marathon, where flat, fast terrain stretches to the horizon across marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K distances. Whether you're chasing a personal best or walking your first 5K with family, this event showcases the rugged beauty and warm community spirit of the Bakken region. The endless prairie views and small-town hospitality create an unforgettable race experience you won't find in bigger city marathons.

Williston Marathon26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K runSeasonal
Williston26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run
#18
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Experience the wide-open beauty of North Dakota's prairie landscapes at Prairie Series Day 8 in Wahpeton. This multi-distance event offers everything from a full marathon to a 5K, making it perfect for runners of all levels seeking a scenic, less crowded race experience with Midwestern charm.

Prairie Series Day 8 - ND26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K runSeasonal
Wahpeton26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run
#19

Bismarck Marathon

Bismarck, ND

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Run the Bismarck Marathon through North Dakota's capital city with stunning Missouri River views as your backdrop. This USATF-certified course offers flat, fast racing through Bismarck's most scenic corridors, making it ideal for both first-time marathoners chasing a qualifying time and seasoned runners seeking a memorable PR. With options ranging from the full 26.2 miles to a 5K and team relay, runners of all skill levels can experience the charm of racing in the Badlands gateway.

Bismarck Marathon26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run | 26.2M relaySeasonal
Bismarck26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run | 26.2M relay
#20

Experience the premier gravel cycling adventure in the heart of the Great Plains! The Lyons-Heart Gravel Classic invites riders of all skill levels to explore the rugged beauty of central North Dakota on a scenic 35-mile route through rolling prairies and gravel roads. This non-competitive ride celebrates the spirit of gravel cycling with community, camaraderie, and the open road.

Lyons-Heart Gravel Classic - Premier Gravel Bike Race in Mandan, North Dakota35-Mile Non-Competitive RideSeasonal
Mandan35-Mile Non-Competitive Ride
#21
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Conquer the rugged North Dakota Badlands on two wheels with the Badlands Gravel Battle 39 Mile. This challenging gravel race winds through the dramatic landscapes surrounding Medora, offering riders an unforgettable blend of breathtaking scenery and test of endurance. Perfect for adventurous cyclists seeking a unique gravel experience in one of America's most striking landscapes.

Badlands Gravel Battle39 MileSeasonal
Medora39 Mile
#22
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The MAAH DAAH HEY Trail Run 5k in Medora, ND invites runners to explore the rugged Badlands landscape through an unforgettable trail running experience. This accessible race welcomes runners of all skill levels to discover the stunning terrain that inspired Theodore Roosevelt. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or a beginner, you'll experience the magic of North Dakota's most iconic scenery on this well-organized event.

MAAH DAAH HEY TRAIL RUN(S)5kSeasonal
Medora5k
#23
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Experience the charm of rural North Dakota at the Fort Stevenson Sap Run 5k, a family-friendly race through the scenic landscapes surrounding Garrison. This community event welcomes runners of all skill levels to explore the park's natural beauty while enjoying small-town hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned runner seeking a scenic course or a beginner looking for your first 5k, this event offers a memorable outdoor adventure.

Fort Stevenson State Park Sap Run 5k5KSeasonal
Garrison5K
#24
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This 5k in Bowman, ND, organized by 5K - Individual Age group/open, 5k - individual age group/open. It's a solid choice for runners of all levels looking for a 5k in the Bowman, ND area.

5K - Individual Age group/open5KSeasonal
Bowman5K
#25

This 5k adult (13+) in Mandan, ND, organized by Mandan Rodeo Days 4th of July Road Race, mandan rodeo days 4th of july road race. It's a solid choice for runners of all levels looking for a 5k adult (13+) in the Mandan, ND area.

Mandan Rodeo Days 4th of July Road Race5K Adult (13+)Seasonal
Mandan5K Adult (13+)
Top 25 Races in North Dakota | RacesReviewed