Boston Cut-off Time Prediction Contest

Boston Cut-off Time Prediction Contest

Predict the 2027 Boston Cut-off Time and win a great prize and bragging rights among all your running friends.

Submit Your Prediction

ENDS 5PM EDT FRIDAY, 9/18!


Marathon Pace Bands

Marathon Pace Bands

Run the Right Pace in Your Next Marathon

Nearly 500 marathon courses.
Ships same or Next Day

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

It's here! Our annual list of the year's
best marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.

2026 IS HERE!



Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon

Bemidji, MN
Saturday, October 10, 2026


  4.8 Stars from 5 Reviews

Course Description
The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon course is on all paved trails and roads. The route is fairly flat consisting of about 50% paved bike trail and 50% paved road. Most of course is partially shaded with some open areas along lake shore.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Minnesota Marathons near Bemidji, MN



Marathon Pace Bands

Want to run your best Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon?

Don't waste months of training only to run the wrong pace.


Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon Pace Bands are adjusted for the specific terrain of the course, your goal time and pacing strategies.



Only $9.99




Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Saturday, October 10, 2026
2025: Saturday, October 11, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 43°F (6°C)
Average High: 53°F (11°C)
Average Low: 33° F (0°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.06
Course Score: 99.06

Race Size

2025: 228 Finishers
2024: 178 Finishers
2023: 168 Finishers
2022: 114 Finishers
2021: 123 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 3.5%
2024: 4.5%
2023: 16.7%
2022: 7.9%
2021: 6.5%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 8 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 52°F  (11°C)
Low: 36°F  (2°C)

Race Start Conditions

43°F  (6°C)
Humidity: 75%

Overcast
SSE 7 mph

PR Score

98.88

Course Score

99.13






Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon was the 246th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 262nd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 3.5% of Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 4.5% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon ranked 348th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 326th in 2024. In Minnesota, it ranked 7th in 2025 and 8th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon has a Course Score of 99.06, ranking it as the 209th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest marathon course in Minnesota.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon a PR Score of 99.06. The PR Score ranks the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon as the 154th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 3rd best marathon for a PR in Minnesota.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Minnesota for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed209th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 5th fastest marathon course in Minnesota
Top 45% Nationally#5 of 7 in Minnesota
PR Potential154th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd best marathon for a PR in Minnesota
Top 33% Nationally#3 of 7 in Minnesota
Boston Qualifier Rate348th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 7th highest BQ percentage in Minnesota
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 73% Nationally#7 of 8 in Minnesota
Race Size246th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 7th largest marathon in Minnesota
Based on 2025 results
Top 42% Nationally#7 of 9 in Minnesota

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 1410 feet (429m)
Min Elevation: 1341 feet (408m)

Elevation Gain: 421 feet (128m)
Elevation Loss: 421 feet (128m)


Bemidji

Course updated 06/26/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon

View available accomodations around the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.

For a better mobile or desktop experience:






Compare the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon to other Marathons

Use tools below to compare races and convert times across courses.

Do you want to see how the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon stacks up against other marathons?

Compare the details of the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon in 3:23:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

See how your finish time would compare on other marathon courses with our Time Conversion Tool.


Time Converter Tool

Race Reviews


4.8
Based on 5 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Lake Bemidji Views

Full Review:

First time running this marathon and I loved it! The course is beautiful and brings you around Lake Bemidji. Check in at the center has easy to find parking, quick sign in, and on schedule busses. The crowed support is a huge help the last 4-5 miles. I like the layout of the water stations and personally didn't need to carry extra water. Overall, I loved this marathon and will do it again!

Race Tips:

This marathon offers pacers and my 10 minute pace group did very well. Definitely get to the race 30 to 45 minutes before hand. Follow signs for parking as the parking lot is next to check-in and the shuttles to the start of the half marathon. When running the course watch out for the stretch on the north side of Lake Bemidji as you are very close to vehicle road traffic for about 2 miles. The rest of the run is on paved paths or wide shoulders. Enjoy the beginning of the race through the park. Very pretty. The last couple miles also have nice views of the lake. Lots of supporters along the route too.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Once you come into Bemidji look for the event signs. Very well done to find parking.
Reviewed by Sean About 2025

Beautiful as long as the weather holds up

Full Review:

Great race. The lake loop is beautiful as long as the temperature is ok. Northern Minnesota the second week of October can be off and on

Race Tips:

Make sure to take the time to enjoy the views of the lake and the trees.
Reviewed by JD About 2025

Amazing Race!

Full Review:

I loved in the beginning when they had massages at the end for free! I do miss that portion - otherwise, overall my favorite race.
Reviewed by Theresa Dodge About 2022

Full Review:

This was my 10th state in my quest for all 50, it is definitely worth the trip! Very well organized, easy packet pick up (they offer race day pick up which is nice). The race doesn't start until 9:00 am which might turn some people off, but I loved it, it's not quite so cold at the start and you actually have time to enjoy breakfast at the hotel. The fall colors were at their peak and the view of the lake was gorgeous! The volunteers were helpful and encouraging, water stops were well spaced and organized. The shirt has a great design and actually fits, and the medal is one of my favorites!

Race Tips:

The course is mostly flat on bike trails with a nice loop through downtown, and a few small rolling hills after the halfway point to keep things interesting.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

We stayed at the Country Inn and Suites located right at the start/finish line. There are less expensive hotels around town but I felt it was worth it for the convenience. We enjoyed dinner at JJ's Dockside Restaurant (located in the hotel) the night before the race, and had a post race meal and pint at Brigid's Cross Irish Pub. Located a little over a mile from the hotel, it is actually along the race route, and a nice walk to stretch your legs after the race. This year The Bemidji State Beavers men's hockey team was playing at home Saturday night, if you wore your medal to the box office you could get discounted tickets. We took advantage of this offer and really enjoyed the game, they honored the runners during intermission. Overall, this was a really fun weekend getaway, worth the 11 hour drive. I would recommend it to anyone trying for 50 states!
Reviewed by ky About 2016

Full Review:

I ran this its first year. I understand there's been a slight course change, but knowing the area, I'm sure it's just as smooth of a course as before. Great support. Beautiful course. Not rolling "hills" but more little bumps. Highly recommend.

Race Tips:

Prepare for a little breeze off the lake on the 1st portion, as well as a bit on NW corner of lake. Perfect running temp 1st yr.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Lots of mom-n-pop motels in the area worth checking out for low rates, since most runners only crash there a few hours before anyway.
Reviewed by HJ About 2013