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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!



Bismarck Marathon

Bismarck, ND
Sunday, September 20, 2026


  4.5 Stars from 2 Reviews

Course Description
the Bismarck Marathon route features breathtaking scenery along the out-and-back course that parallels the Missouri River. The route incorporates a start and finish line at the North Dakota Capitol, including sections that take runners through historic neighborhoods in Bismarck.

September Other Marathons in September Other Marathons in North Dakota Marathons near Bismarck, ND



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, September 20, 2026
2025: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 56°F (13°C)
Average High: 70°F (21°C)
Average Low: 43° F (6°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.02
Course Score: 99.02

Race Size

2025: 206 Finishers
2024: 186 Finishers
2023: 179 Finishers
2022: 169 Finishers
2021: 145 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 8.3%
2024: 7%
2023: 8.4%
2022: 7.1%
2021: 11%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 11 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 70°F  (21°C)
Low: 48°F  (9°C)

Race Start Conditions

50°F  (10°C)
Humidity: 89%

Clear
NNW 5 mph

PR Score

98.57

Course Score

99.33






Bismarck Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Bismarck Marathon was the 260th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 253rd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 8.3% of Bismarck Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 7% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Bismarck Marathon ranked 180th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 234th in 2024. In North Dakota, it ranked 2nd in 2025 and 2nd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Bismarck Marathon has a Course Score of 99.02, ranking it as the 215th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest marathon course in North Dakota.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Bismarck Marathon a PR Score of 99.02. The PR Score ranks the Bismarck Marathon as the 161st best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in North Dakota.

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

Bismarck Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed215th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd fastest marathon course in North Dakota
Top 47% Nationally#2 of 2 in North Dakota
PR Potential161st best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in North Dakota
Top 35% Nationally#2 of 2 in North Dakota
Boston Qualifier Rate180th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd highest BQ percentage in North Dakota
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 38% Nationally#2 of 3 in North Dakota
Race Size260th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd largest marathon in North Dakota
Based on 2025 results
Top 44% Nationally#2 of 3 in North Dakota

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 1793 feet (546m)
Min Elevation: 1628 feet (496m)

Elevation Gain: 477 feet (145m)
Elevation Loss: 477 feet (145m)


Bismarck

Course updated 12/16/2023




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Bismarck Marathon

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Compare the Bismarck Marathon to other Marathons

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

Do you want to see how the Bismarck Marathon stacks up against other marathons?

Compare the details of the Bismarck Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Bismarck Marathon in 3:24:00, 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


4.5
Based on 2 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Small race, great support- tough finish.

Full Review:

Small aid stations almost every mile. They were staffed with cheerful volunteers that really made my day. Nice swag, too- black hoodie and knit cap- I feel like a longshoreman.

Potential for perfect weather given the date- we got 40s to start and maybe high 60s at the end.

The course itself is pretty narrow, often on sidewalks or paved trails, especially until the half runners split off at mile 7 or so. Some very pretty running over the river and back- but alot kind of monotonous in residential neighborhoods.

There is lots of parking at the start, and access was very easy.

Race Tips:

The last three miles are uphill and were pretty tough, first up from a park on a steep grade to a highway- then along side the highway for a while into downtown. This was the least pleasant part of the race and was really hard after 23 miles. Save some energy for the finish.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Park at the capitol. Lots of parking. Flying in and out of Bismarck is a snap, but you really need a car once you're there. I'd planned to Uber but couldn't get one from the airport to the packet pickup. Luckily there were lots of affordable rental cars.
Reviewed by wer About 2024

Great course, support, and atmosphere, but a cheating winner spoils it all.

Full Review:

The marathon is well organized and supported by the community. The course is well marked. There was plenty of support and aid stations along the course. The out and back portions did not have a way to track if everyone did the out and back. In fact, this years women's winner should be in question for the following reasons - A couple of runners witnessed her jumping into a bush and later coming out in the first out and back section. One runner passed her while she was walking. Then later, the same runner passed her again. Several runners don't recall seeing her in the out and back sections of the course. But there wasn't any hard evidence to disqualify the winner who got away with a win and a course record with a bonus. The directors initially turned everyone away that complained. But, later they did some more investigation and stood by their recollection of the results, even though a number of runner were certain the winner had cheated.
Reviewed by Billy Goat About 2018