Fun Fact
Humans are the best long-distance runners on the planet, able to beat horses (and everything else) in marathon distance races.
Before the Big Day
Our marathon course was USATF certified (#ND16004MN) effective July 13, 2016.
Deferments are available online until registration closes. To defer your entry, log in to your Race Roster account to request and pay the deferral fee.
Reserve a room with one of our Lodging Sponsors conveniently located near the shuttle pick-up and drop-off point, or ask any area hotels if they offer a Grand Forks Marathon discount.
Sorry we are not able to offer refunds as our profits are donated to local charities, but you may defer or transfer your entry which can be done through your Race Roster account.
Transfers are available until the online registration closes. Log in to your Race Roster account to find instructions. You will be charged a transfer fee and any difference in the entry fee.
If transferring to another runner, please note any new participants will need to sign the waiver on their Race Roster account in order to complete.
There are several ways to participate in the Grand Forks Marathon as a volunteer. Check out our volunteer options to learn more.
Fun Fact
In 1977, an 8-year-old ran the NYC Marathon. He finished it in just over 3 hours.
Grand Forks Marathon Weekend
Easily find all aid stations on our course map.
Most aid stations will be on the right side of the road.
Water is at the first table and Powerade (Mountain Blast flavor) is at the second table.
The SCHEELS Expo and Packet and Swag Pick-Up will be held at the following times and locations:
SCHEELS Health & Fitness Expo:
Friday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Choice Health & Fitness 4401 S 11th St
Packet and Swag Pick-Up:
Friday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Choice Health & Fitness 4401 S 11th St
Saturday LIMITED Packet Pickup – 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM at Base Camp 4401 S Washington St
The Family Fun Run gives kids aged 12 years and younger a chance to be a part of Grand Forks Marathon Weekend! There are different distances to make this a safe and fun event for everyone. All participants 12 years of age or younger will receive great swag! Parents are encouraged to get out and run with their children.
GU will be available at approximately miles 15 & 21 on the Full Marathon course and at mile 7 of the half marathon course (corresponds to mile 15 of marathon course).
The flavors provided are: Strawberry-Banana, Tri-berry, and Vanilla Bean.
Pacers are provided by the local Red River Runners club for a variety of time goals for the Full and Half Marathons. Follow us on Facebook to find the most up-to-date pacer finishing times.
Side Note: Pacers will be wearing white singlets holding signs and can be found in the starting chute approximately 20 minutes prior to race time.
Expo & Packet Pick-Up Parking:
Expo-goers are kindly asked to park near either the ICON Arena or the southeast side of the Choice Fitness building, near the water slides.
Please do not park in the northwest Altru patient parking spots or the parking areas closest to the southwestern door for Choice Fitness members.
Parking for Friday night events:
Plan to park in the ICON Arena parking lots on both the north and south side of the building.
Please respect employees and clients of the Crary Retail Plaza and Choice Health & Fitness by not parking in those lots.
Inside Tip: 44th Ave. will be closed beyond Base Camp, so plan to use either 46th or 47th Ave. S.
Parking for Saturday events:
Option 1 – Use shuttles leaving from the SCHEELS parking lot at the Columbia Mall.
Option 2 – Park in the ICON Arena parking lots on both the north and south side of the building. (Volunteers are also allowed to park here).
Option 3 – Safety First: Overflow parking may be available in Altru’s Professional Center on the west side of South Washington Street, but use extreme caution and the crosswalk at 47th Ave. S. to cross South Washington Street – it is a very busy highway!
Please respect employees and clients of the Crary Retail Plaza and Choice Health & Fitness by not parking in those lots.
Pick up your Grand Forks Marathon race bib and swag bag during the Marathon Expo at Choice Health & Fitness located at 4401 S 11th St. or Saturday morning from 6-7:30 AM at Base Camp at 4401 S Washington St.
What you’ll need to pick up:
You will need a photo ID to get your big and swag.
To pick up for another person, you will need either written permission or to sign up a form stating who you are and who you picked up for.
Relay bibs and swag for the entire team will be given to one team member.
Find all race start times on the Detailed Schedule.
Shuttles to and from the race are available and we strongly encourage taking advantage of them to minimize race day anxiety. Learn more.
Find spectator zones where you can go to cheer for runners on the course map.
The course closes at 1:15 PM for all races.
Complete the Simonson’s Go Grand Challenge by completing the 5K on Friday night and then complete the Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10K on Saturday.
To sign up, select the “Simonson’s Go Grand Challenge” option when registering, and enjoy an additional unique gift in your swag bag!
Fun Fact
A 150-pound person burns about 2,600 calories during a marathon.
After the Finish Line
The Grand Forks Marathon supports local chairties! Our mission is to support active, healthy lifestyles to enhance the quality of life in the Grand Cities. Learn more.
After your race, stop by Base Camp with your race bib to enjoy your free drink and enjoy plenty of refreshments and family-friendly fun at 4401 S Washington St.
Don’t see the answer you’re looking for?
Email us at director@gfmarathon.com and we’ll get back to you in a dash.