Each year, tens of thousands of long-distance runners compete in over five hundred marathons around the world. The word “marathon” can be traced to Ancient Greece and the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger who is credited with running nonstop between the cities of Marathon and Athens to spread the word that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon, a 25 mile distance. The marathon was one of the original Olympic events in 1896. The event didn’t get national attention, however, until American Frank Shorter won a gold medal in the marathon at the 1972 Olympics. Since then, more and more amateur runners are participating in the 26.2 mile race, giving marathons all over the world a broader wide-spread appeal. Last year, the New York City Marathon, considered the largest in the world, drew over 50,000 participants. Successful marathons are not just the products of the world’s largest cities, however. One race garnering more acclaim each year occurs right here in the Red River Valley. Although only ten years old, the Fargo Marathon is rapidly becoming one of the premier events in the Midwest.
The Fargo Marathon:
The Fargo Marathon grew out of the Scheels All Sports Run for the Children, a half-marathon that originated in 2002. “It started out as a fun fundraiser,” explained Mark Knutson of Fargo Marathon, Inc. “We had three hundred participants.” The success of that event prompted organizers to expand their vision and jump into the marathon ring. The inaugural race in 2005 included 2,000 runners; the event now boasts over 24,000.
Knutson has been managing the Fargo Marathon since its inception and his witnessed the event’s transformation from a mere race to a community phenomenon. “I credit the growth to the awesome support from the communities we are in,” he explained. “From the cities, police departments, volunteers, sponsors, and fans…that is truly what makes the Fargo Marathon happen.” The success of the race has also garnered national attention, drawing competitors from all over the world. “There have been a lot of neat people who have joined us along the way,” Knutson said. Those people include Dave McGillivray, the Director of the Boston Marathon, who spoke at the 2008 event and ran the half-marathon; runner Dean Karnazes, who used the marathon as one of his 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days event; and running icon Dick Beardsley, who was the first keynote speaker in 2005 and will be back this year.
Running & Rocking
From the Bridge to Broadway:
Participants in this year’s marathon will run a different route than years past, beginning on the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge and ending at the iconic Fargo Theatre. Past races began and ended at the Fargodome. “A lot of people think we got into a disagreement with the Fargodome or that we were unhappy up there,” Knutson said. “That’s not the case at all.” The inaugural marathon started on the bridge and ended at the Fargo Civic Center. According to Knutson, the tenth anniversary of the race prompted organizers to make the change. “I thought it would be great starting on the bridge as a throwback to year number one,” he said, adding that finishing at the Fargodome was an idea that came to him while driving in downtown Fargo. “I turned the corner at 4th Avenue North and Broadway and I liked the way the street looked as I drove south,” he explained. “The Fargo Theatre has been an icon for our event and being able to finish there just seemed natural.”
Community Involvement:
Although running is often considered a solitary sport, the Fargo Marathon has turned into a three-day community event. Runners now enjoy cheering neighbors and live music all along the course; last year’s route included over fifty live bands. The number and types of race events has increased as well. In addition to the marathon itself, the 2014 event will also include the Otter Tail Corp and Essential Health ½ mile and 1 mile youth run on Thursday; the Blue Cross/Blue Shield 5k Run/Walk followed by the Party in the Park at Island Park featuring the Johnny Holm Band on Friday; and the Big 98.7 10k Run/Walk, the Forum Communication/WDAY TV ½ marathon, and the Scheels Fargo Marathon on Saturday. The weekend wraps up with the post-race street party on Broadway featuring the live music of Pop Rocks and Hairball.
As noted, the Fargo Marathon has its roots in a charity event. Over the past ten years, that spirit of giving has continued. Over $300,000 has been donated to charities focused on youth related causes, including the YMCA Partners of Youth Program, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, and the FM Children’s Museum. Additionally, volunteer coordinators Tom Donaldson, Stacy Duncan, and many local charities developed and implemented a Charity Team program in 2010 for individual runners to raise funds on behalf of a charity. In four years, 1,862 runners have raised $565,550 and increased awareness for forty-three charity teams.
The Future of the Fargo Marathon:
As the popularity of marathons continues to soar, the future of the Fargo Marathon looks strong. Knutson, however, resists the urge to look past May of this year. “I am always cautious to look beyond the present year,” Knutson said. “Our goal is to make 2014 our best year ever. I believe that you’re only as good as your last race.” Knutson would like to encourage interested participants to sign up for events as soon as possible. “Registrations are racing way ahead of last year’s pace,” he said. “I think everyone wants to be part of that starting line event on the bridge.”
The three-day event requires over 2,500 volunteers. Those willing and able to assist can email volunteers@fargomarathon.com for more information or call 888-RUNFARGO. Additional information about events, including a complete three-day schedule, can be found at www.fargomarathon.com.
