I'm thinking about running the Fargo Marathon in May. I have'nt run a Marathon in awhile... I Just want to get in a good experience and a feel for the distance again. I'll shoot for a faster one in the fall... Has anyone run Fargo ????... I've heard it's really well organized with good reviews.....
About the only reason I've ever heard of anyone doing the Fargo Marathon was because they needed to run a North Dakota Marathon for one of those dumb States' Clubs. It was one of those penguin types that was going to do it.
Last year it was rainy with wind. Temps were in the 30s at the start of the race. Very miserable.
Its Flat and Fast. Only thing that can hold you up is a really bad wind day, and it is North Dakota in May, could be 20 could be 70. Last years champ has run 2;26 and will be back. My training partner is going there to run 2:28 and another runner from Black Hills State will be red shirting outdoors and he plans on being in the 2:28 range as well
I heard it was a snow/rain mix at the start of last year's race. If you say you just want to have a "good experience", I would say find another race. Weather is way too unpredictable in Fargo in May. If you want to run one in May, look further south.
More about the course I guess...There isnt a hill insight of Fargo, only thing that blocks the view all the way to Iowa is buildings. Starts on the border bridge on the Red River. Very Nice City and what youve heard is right, i also heard from many people who ran it that it was very well put together. It had a great turnout and when weather cooperates it is most likely the fastest course in Midwest
good race wrote:
More about the course I guess...There isnt a hill insight of Fargo, only thing that blocks the view all the way to Iowa is buildings.
That's a change, when I lived in Moorhead there weren't enough buildings to block the view (or the wind). It WAS windy. According to the locals it was because North Dakota sucked so bad.
vex wrote:
I'm thinking about running the Fargo Marathon in May.
My advice is to stay far away from any wood chippers while you are in Fargo. Also if you see a patrol car stopped on the side of the road with another car, don't slow down to take a look.
I ran Fargo last May and really enjoyed it inspite of the weather. The race is later in May this year so there is a much better chance for good weather. This is a flat fast course that you can run on a budget. If you are a faster sort you can walk right to the front row to start, it took me no time time to cross the start line last year. This year the finish is inside the Fargo Dome. They have tweaked the course a little this year to make it even faster with less turns. The early registration fee was $50 and now is $60 which is still a real bargin. You can get a marathon rate hotel from $50 to less than $90 a night.
great friendly city, runner friendly marathon
I highly reccomend it and have booked my hoetl and registered for the race already
best of luck
Who is the course director?
Joel or Ethan Coen?
Thanks for all the input... I'm leaning towards doing Fargo.. The price is very reasonable for hotels etc... My biggest concern would be wind, however, with any Marathon there's always a weather factor...
Vex, I was 3rd up there last year in the marathon, like someone said, the weather was deplorable! Worst I had EVER raced it. Alot of the course is in residential areas, spectator support was surprisingly good. Good volunteer support too. The weather will be the key. I have heard they will begin this year's race at the Fargo Dome though. If you have any wind you'll feel it. If it's a NW wind you will fly the last 10k.
The 2006 Fargo Marathon is more than just a reason to get in a North Dakota marathon. There are currently 2,500 people pre-registered for this event, and it is over 2 months away.
True, Fargo can be windy, but the course was designed so that much of your route will be secluded by houses, trees, parks, etc. The other key is that it is set up as one large loop, meaning that you are never at risk of running into a headwind for the entire race (as in a point to point course).
The race starts and finishes at the Fargodome this year...the home of the Health Expo, which will feature national and regional companies. The Pasta/Lefse Feed will be highlighted by speeches from Helen Klein, G.P. Pearlburg and Patti Catalano Dillon. Stick around for a great post-race party with live bands and all kinds of food.
Take a chance on Fargo this year....you will not be sorry! It may become a May tradition for you!