Bismarck Marathon

Bismarck Marathon 2026 Course Analysis

Bismarck Marathon is a full marathon held in Bismarck, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 19 September 2026. The course is run on trail surface with 145m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 547m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Bismarck Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

With 145m of elevation gain, this is a moderately undulating course. The route ranges from 496m to 547m above sea level (51m total range). While not completely flat, the elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't significantly impact pacing strategy.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for September, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Moderate temperatures between 10°C and 23°C are expected. While comfortable for most runners, those targeting fast times should pay attention to hydration, as these temperatures can impact performance over the full distance. There is a low chance of rain (0%), so dry conditions are likely.

Surface Type: Trail

Bismarck Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.

How Difficult Is Bismarck Marathon?

Our difficulty rating for Bismarck Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Bismarck Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.