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Dick Beardsley Marathon - Detroit Lakes Minnesota Local Guide

Dick Beardsley Marathon in Detroit Lakes

Sep 8 - Sep 9

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2023 Dick Beardsley Marathon in Detroit Lakes

Name: Dick Beardsley Marathon in Detroit Lakes
Start: 2023-09-08T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2023-09-09T23:59:59+00:00
Location: Detroit Lakes Pavillion

Make your plans to participate or watch the 2023 Dick Beardsley Marathon on September 9, 2023 which begins at the Detroit Lakes Pavillion on Washington Avenue in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Slip on your running shoes for the Dick Beardsley Half Marathon, 25k, 10k, 5k, and Youth 1 mile runs. Most races treat you to scenic views of Detroit Lake with cheering fans to keep you moving along. Plus, the LEGENDARY Dick Beardsley comes home every September to welcome runners from around the country to run in this fall classic! When you pick up your race packet Friday evening be sure to join the fun at the Pasta Dinner (see below) and Dick Beardsley’s presentation.

While the focus of the event is the Dick Beardsley Half Marathon, there will be shorter races that the entire family can enjoy. These include the Youth 1 Mile Run, 5K Walk/Run, 10K, Half Marathon and the 25K run.

Check for updates at the Official Website.

Courses

25K Course
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Half Marathon Course
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10K Course
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5K Course
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Simply put, this is one of the finest courses in the region. When we say “Take the Lake”, that’s exactly what you’re going to do! All of the races will feature picturesque scenes along Big Detroit Lake, complete with plenty of flat stretches, a few rolling hills, and cheering fans to encourage runners throughout the course. All races will start and finish at the Detroit Lakes Pavillion.
Saturday’s races will let you “Take the Lake” in one way or another. Washington Avenue…Summit Avenue…West Lake Drive…South Shore…all DL!
Half marathoners and 25k runners will be taking one clockwise loop around the lake!
Aid stations complete with water and Powerade will be located approximately every 2 miles. We will also have 2 medical dropout points for the half marathoners.
The 10K is 6.2 miles of fun and sun as you run along the lakeshore of DL. The 5K is also a great race for all ages and speeds.
And we can’t forget about the Youth Run for all kids 12 and under and includes a t-shirt and finisher’s medal!

Dick Beardsley Marathon Schedule

Friday, September 8, 2023 Events

PACKET PICKUP IS ONLY ON FRIDAY.
5:00PM-8:00PM Packet Pickup & Registration @ Detroit Lakes Pavillion (if event hasn’t sold out)
6:00PM A fan favorite tradition of the Dick Beardsley race weekend. On Friday night before your race, join legendary runner Dick Beardsley himself for an awesome pasta dinner brought to you by Brygge Taps & Tastes & The Hub 41. Dick will be there to speak and more than likely sing a few great songs! Detroit Lakes Pavilion at 1361 Washington Avenue.

Saturday, September 9, 2023 Events

NOTE: This schedule is tentative & based on prior year. Check back later for update or visit official website.
No Packet Pickup on race day. See Friday details.
7:30AM-7:50AM Pre-race Announcements (Detroit Lakes Pavillion)
7:50AM National Anthem (Detroit Lakes Pavillion)
8:00AM Half Marathon and 25K (Start & finish at Detroit Lakes Pavillion)
8:10AM 10K (Start & finish at Detroit Lakes Pavillion)
8:20AM 5K (Start & finish at Detroit Lakes Pavillion)
11:00AM Youth 1-Mile Run (Start & finish at Detroit Lakes Pavillion)

After Party at Zorbaz

Post-race refreshments will be waiting for you at the finish line! Keep the fun going post-race by checking out local places for the best food and drink this side of Minnesota. Zorbaz, Lakeside Tavern, Hub 41 and Long Bridge are all favorites among the locals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register?

You can register online at our secure site. Click on the Register Now tab and follow the directions. Remember: there are no refunds, cancellations, or deferrals to future years. Online registration will close on September 8th at 11:59PM. Registration for the half marathon, 25k and 10K will close when each of these events reach capacity (see below). On race weekend, you may still register for the Youth Run and 5K at the Kent Freeman Arena Packet Pickup/Expo.

2023 Online Registration.

How do I check my registration status?

Check your 2023 registration status online at this link.

What are the AWD (athletes with disabilities) guidelines and event rules?

Ventures Endurance happily welcomes all athletes to participate in our events. Athletes with Disabilities (AWD) include, but are not limited to the flowing athletes, Blade Runners, Visually Impaired Runners, Adaptive / Guided Runners, Pushed Athletes, Push Rim, Racing Chair and Hand Cycles.

To participate as an AWD athlete you must notify the Race Director of your participation a minimum of 20 days in advance. This allows our staff to ensure the safety and security of each athlete on the course prepare the ES (early starters) corral for athletes. To ensure your spot and be approved as an AWD participant please contact awd@venturesendurance.com. Should there be a duo team, a coupon code may be provided for the pusher/coach by emailing awd@venturesendurance.com.

Ventures Endurance Athletes with Disabilities Event Rules.

What events do you offer?

We offer a half marathon, 25k, 10K, 5K, and the Pro Systems Youth Run. The Packet Pickup/Expo is open Friday, September 8th 5PM-8PM. Early morning packet pickup is available on race morning at 6:00AM-10:30AM. However, you must have your packet picked up by Friday (see packet pickup).

Are there pacers for the half marathon?

Yes, we have pacers! Pacers are available for the following goal times:
Half: 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:45

Is the course hilly?

The half marathon course is described as 70% flat and 30% rolling hills.

What is the temperature in Detroit Lakes that time of year?

According to weather.com, the average high is 73°F and the average low is 49°F.

Where can I park on race day?

For packet pickup and race day, free parking will be offered at the city park to the north of the pavilion (1310 Rossman Ave in Detroit Lakes)

How far apart are the water stations?

Water stations are located approximately every 2 miles on the course.

How long will the course be open?

The half marathon/25k course will be open for 4 hours (equivalent to an 18 minute/mile pace). There will be a support vehicle traveling behind the slowest finishers.

Do I receive a medal?

Yes, all half marathon, 25k, 10K, 5K and Youth Run finishers receive a medal. The medal will be different for each event.

Where do I get my race packet?

Packet pickup will take place on Friday, September 8, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m at Detroit Lakes Pavilion (1361 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN). Please note that there will be no packet pickup on race day, so make sure you attend!

Are there bathrooms on the course?

Yes, there will be bathrooms available (typically porta-potties) at every water station along the course, or approximately every 2 miles.

What do I get as a runner?

In addition to scenic lakefront views, free race photos, and finisher medals, all runners will be looking fresh after the race with resort town inspired race swag. Half marathon, 25K, and 10K runners will receive a commemorative long-sleeve tee and medal. Runners who complete the Andy Beardsley Memorial 5K and youth race runners will take home a commemorative short-sleeve tee and medal.

What is the cancellation policy?

Sorry, there are no refunds for cancellations

History of the Dick Beardsley Marathon

The Dick Beardsley Half Marathon was developed to honor former Detroit Lakes resident and marathon legend, Dick Beardsley, and as a tune-up for the Twin Cities Marathon. Dick Beardsley is a compelling motivational and inspirational keynote speaker at Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, conferences, conventions, corporate events, fundraisers, galas, sporting events, prisons, schools, and drug treatment centers.

Dick is referred to as a running legend in the United States and is best known for his incredible race in the 1982 Boston Marathon. On a very hot day, that race was dubbed the “Duel in the Sun” as he battled world recorder holder Alberto Salazar down to the finish line. Both broke the American record: Salazar won a record time of 2:08:51; Beardsley’s time was 2:08:53, finishing 1.6 seconds later, placing second. He was at the height of his professional running career.

In November 1989, tragedy struck Dick’s life. While using an auger to lift corn into a bin on his Minnesota farm, Dick became entangled in the machine as it literally began to tear him apart. Not expected to live or walk–much less ever run again–he managed to survive.

But that was just the first of a series of events that would forever change his life. During the next few years, Dick was involved in a severe car accident. Later he was hit by a truck while running and later still, rolled his vehicle in a snowstorm. Finally, while hiking one day, the ground gave out beneath him and he fell off a cliff. Each time he ended up in the hospital and had multiple surgeries to try and put him back together.

Due to the large amount of pain medication he was taking, he became addicted–and that’s when his life really started to spiral out of control. It has been a long an difficult road back, but Dick has been celebrating every day of his sobriety since February 12, 1997.

Dick Beardsley Marathon Gallery
Photo Credit Dick Beardsley Races.

Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Dick Beardsley Marathon in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in September!

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