A warm Red River Valley welcome to the thousands of runners who will compete Saturday in the second Fargo Marathon. Some 5,800 runners are signed up to participate in the full marathon and other runs, a total that is double participation in last year's first successful event.
Last year the weather was cold and wet. Saturday's forecast looks to be ideal for runners: morning temperatures in the mid-40s, rising to the mid 60s by afternoon with clouds and some sun, light breeze.
Organizers of the marathon win high praise for achieving such success after only two years. The first effort went very well. The regional and national network of runners carried the message that Fargo runs a good show. Support from the community, both materially and along the course, was outstanding last year and promises to be even more enthusiastic Saturday. When a city supports a marathon like Fargo has, the word spreads.
The popularity of competitive running cannot be minimized. In addition to the major big-city marathons, dozens of runs are conducted in smaller cities. Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, Minn., for example, has become one of the most popular runs in the nation. Other cities that conduct successful marathons and other running events include Green Bay, Wis., St. Cloud, Minn., St. Louis and Madison, Wis. Several of the serious runners who will run in Fargo Saturday have competed in those events, including last year's Fargo men's and women's winners.
With the second marathon, Fargo joins the ranks of cities on the running circuit. The local event got an excellent start last year. Doubling participation for Saturday's run confirms that organizers and underwriters of the Fargo Marathon got it right last year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Come on out Saturday morning for the event. Find a spot along the course and cheer the runners on.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper's Editorial Board.
