Youth racers brave the mud pits at the Medieval Rush in early August 2025. Photo provided by Tanner Schweitzer.
Tanner Schweitzer (front) leads youth participants along the route of the Medieval Rush in early August 2025 on a route near Bismarck State College. Photo provided by Tanner Schweitzer.
Runners depart from the starting gate at the Bismarck Marathon in September 2024. Photo provided by Patrick Johnson.
From marathons to mud runs, races have something for everyone
Each year, streets in communities big and small across North Dakota fill with the shuffle of feet as runners pound the pavement, volunteers pass out water, and families cheer on their runners from the side of the road.
For the marathons, it is more than just reaching the 26.2 mile mark - it’s an annual ritual.
Some runners chase personal b…