Circle the Lake Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K

Circle the Lake is part of the Bemidji Blue Ox race weekend in Bemidji, Minnesota. The weekend includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K, kids races, a marathon, and a 26K option connected to Lake Bemidji. It takes place in October, when the surrounding woods display fall colors, attracting close to 1,000 participants. The events are run on paved roads and trails, starting at the Sanford Center, which also houses the Be Active Expo. The longer races utilize Lake Bemidji as their focus. Participants run along the lake shore, use the Paul Bunyan State Trail, cross the Mississippi River, go through Lake Bemidji State Park, and loop back through downtown, passing the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues. The course is largely flat with some inclines. The marathon route is USATF-certified and qualifies for the Boston Marathon. The event originated from local efforts led by Dennis Bartz, a Bemidji runner and coach. Prizes have featured engraved double-bit felling axes, fitting the Blue Ox theme.