Sanford Fargo Marathon Given Official Green Light

June 18, 2020

(FARGO, N.D.) June 18, 2020 —The Sanford Fargo Marathon announced today that it will be moving forward with its 2020 event scheduled to take place August 24 through 29 —  likely making it the first in-person marathon to occur in the U.S. since March.

Many normal activities were allowed to resume in North Dakota after Governor Doug Burgum downgraded the state’s COVID-19 risk level to “low risk” on May 29. With this update, along with guidance from Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney and Cass County public health officials, the Sanford Fargo Marathon group began outlining a COVID-19 focused plan that would allow the 2020 marathon to take place as scheduled.

Regardless of this lowered risk assessment, race director Mark Knutson said the decision to move forward with the marathon was not made lightly.

“The health and safety of our runners is our top priority, so we are continuing to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Knutson. “Our title sponsor, Sanford Health, will also be working with us every step of the way to ensure a safe environment for our runners come August.

Knutson said his team is finalizing their detailed COVID-19 plan that will be shared with participants prior to the event. In the meantime, runners can visit fargomarathon.com to learn more and to register.

About Sanford Fargo Marathon

The Sanford Fargo Marathon, established in 2005, is an annual, week-long event offering a wide range of race distances for everyone to enjoy. For more information, visit fargomarathon.com.