Runner Information & Event Details
Pre-Race Information
Race Packets: Lake View Room #5: Race packets will be available at the Sanford Event Center, 1111 Event Center Drive, Bemidji MN, 56601 - during the following days/times:
Gear Check: Lake View Room #6: Bags and Labels will be provided. Please place the label on the bottom right hand corner of the bag. Please do not leave valuables in your bag and make sure it is closed and tied. Race officials are not responsible for any lost items. Half Marathoners - You will also be able to drop your Gear Bag at the starting line. Additional bags and labels will also be available there if needed. Bags will be in Lake View Room #6 when you finish. Course Information
Course Descriptions: The Blue Ox Full Marathon and 26K courses will all start at the Sanford Center and head around the east side of Lake Bemidji along the Paul Bunyan Trail. While the Half Marathon will start approximately 3 miles up the trail. Half Marathoners will take buses from the Sanford Center to the starting line. The buses will leave the Sanford Center at 8am. Buses will remain near the starting line so runners can stay warm if they choose. The Half course will continue along with the 26K course.
The Full Marathon will turn off the trail and head up towards Bass Lake. At Bass Lake, the route will turn around and head back to the trail. Once back on the trail, all the races will continue the same way, running along the east side of Lake Bemidji, through Lake Bemidji State Park, and continuing on around the west side of the Lake. The routes will continue past Cameron Park, through Diamond Point Park, past Bemidji State University, and of course past Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. ALL races will finish at the Sanford Center. The course is USATF certified. Important: Absolutely no early starters are allowed on the racecourse. Individuals in violation of this rule will be disqualified and asked to leave the course. No automobiles, bicycles, baby joggers, roller skis, inline skates, handcycles, hand-cranked wheelchairs, pets or unofficial participants are allowed on the racecourse. Starting Line:
Half Marathon - Buses will leave the Sanford Center at 8:15 sharp. Please be on the buses and ready to go prior to that time. You will be able to stay on the buses until 10 minutes prior to the start in case of bad weather. Runners should line up according to their projected finishing times at the starting line. Walkers and slower runners must start in the back rows. Timing: Pickle Events will be the official timing company used by the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon Events. Aid Stations: Aid stations will be located along the course, as well as the Main Medical Tent at the Sanford Center.
Safety First!: The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon has traditionally been cool, but there is always a chance the weather could be reversed. If it is warm or humid on race day, please take special precautions to avoid over-extending your limitations. We are not responsible for race-related injuries, and runners will be responsible for any medical expense they may incur. The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon follows the American College of Sports Medicine color-coded flag system to let you know the risk level for cold or heat stress. Please familiarize yourself with these flag colors.
Race Course Courtesy: Please be considerate of your surroundings during The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon. At the starting line and along the course be respectful of residents' property. Use the portable toilets provided at the start and along the course at the aid stations, rather than private yards or gardens. Remember: emergency vehicles have the right-of-way at all times during the race. The police and traffic control volunteers have YOUR safety in mind, and deserve to be treated respectfully by runners and spectators alike. Runners who have finished the race need to avoid interference with runners approaching the finish line. Headphone Use: At its annual meeting in December 2008, USA Track & Field (USATF) amended rule 144.3(f) effectively lifting its previously imposed ban on headphones and other similar devices on USATF-certified courses. Because of this change, participants will be able to use headphones and similar devices during the race, but they do so at their own risk. Runner safety has always been, and will continue to be, a priority for all of our events. Please be mindful of the other participants and race personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone. Race Photography: Race photography will be provided by Golden-Eye Studios. Not all runners are guaranteed to be photographed. However, photographers will be strategically placed on the course to do their best to capture all runners and the event in progress. A link will be posted to the website and Facebook following the race for those interested in purchasing photos. If you do not wish to have your photograph published, please send an e-mail to info@bemidjiblueoxmarathon.com prior to the event. Post Race
Finisher Area: The 'Harmony Co-op Finisher Area' is located inside Gate #2 of the Sanford Center, just up the sidewalk from the finish line.
Medals: Medals will be handed out after crossing the finish line. Medal are locally made by Meyers Sign Source. Information Center / Lost & Found: The Information Center is located inside the Sanford Center. All recovered lost and found articles will be brought here. (Lake VIew Room #6) Awards Ceremony: Overall Winners will be presented with awards at the following times in Lake View Room #7:
Age Group Awards: Age group awards will be posted through out the day near Lake View Room #7. The awards will be available for pick up also in Lake View Room #7. Race Results: Race results will be posted on our web site on race day. You can view the 2013 race results at the Mtec Results website. Showers: Showers will be available at the Department of Campus Recreation located at 220 19th St. NE at Bemidji State University. Runners must bring their race number for access. |
Rules and FAQsRegister Online
Course Maps
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