Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon

Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon
Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon logo
DateOctober 12, 2024
LocationBemidji, Minnesota
Distance26.2 miles
Primary sponsorSanford Orthopedics Sports Medicine
Established2013
Course recordsMen: 2:35:32 (2019)
Jesse Prince
Women: 2:57:06 (2023)
Amy Will
Official sitebemidjiblueoxmarathon.com
Participants168

The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon is a race in Bemidji, Minnesota, first run in 2013.[1] The race runs around a lake, along a state trail and through a state park. It takes place in October, when many of the forest surroundings are bright with color.[2]

The race has grown into a weekend of festivities that includes several races, nearly 1,000 runners, and the Be Active Expo at the Sanford Center.[3][4] The race director is Phil Knutson.[5] The medical director is Dr. Mark Carlson.[6]

Live coverage of the race has been provided by local radio station KKBJ-FM, Mix 103.7. [7]

The race is certified by the USATF, thus it is a Boston Marathon qualifier.[8]

  1. ^ Wagner, Steve (25 August 2012). "Planning begins for inaugural Bemidji marathon". Bemidji, Minnesota: Bemidji Pioneer. Archived from the original on 21 October 2020.
  2. ^ Draper, Monte (12 October 2014). "A Banner day for the Blue Ox". Bemidji, Minnesota: Bemidji Pioneer. Archived from the original on 21 October 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  3. ^ Gandsey, Jillian (12 October 2018). "Fun time at Fun Run: Blue Ox Marathon events underway". Bemidji, Minnesota: Bemidji Pioneer. Archived from the original on 21 October 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  4. ^ "Pioneer Editorial: Off and running once again". Bemidji, Minnesota: Bemidji Pioneer. 6 October 2014. Archived from the original on 21 October 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  5. ^ Liedke, Matthew J. (3 October 2015). "On your mark: 1,300 expected to participate in Blue Ox Marathon events". Bemidji, Minnesota: Bemidji Pioneer. Archived from the original on 21 October 2020. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
  6. ^ "Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon Weekend Kicks Off". Bemidji, Minnesota: Lakeland Public Television. KAWE. 11 October 2019. Archived from the original on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
  7. ^ Liedke, Matthew J. (10 October 2015). "Back-to-back Bemidji titles for Kemp". Bemidji, Minnesota: Bemidji Pioneer. Archived from the original on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
  8. ^ Miller, Pat (12 September 2013). "Bemidji Marathon course gains certification". Bemidji Pioneer.