DJs Are Leaving Fargo Marathon After Lack of Pay Increase

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Since May of 2005, the Fargo Marathon has brought together various DJs and bands to different locations along its 26.2-mile path. This year, Dude Walker says he’s decided not to participate.

“This year when we got our initial email saying that they weren’t going to change the payment does that mean I have to go back to $300? Or does that mean that they are going to bringing people up to $350? You know there was just pushback at that point. He wants to pay that $300 per location,” said Dude Walker, Owner of Music on Wheels.

Over the years Walker has provided equipment for the Fargo Marathon. And in 2011, he had time to be a part of the entertainment. But according to Walker since 2011, each DJ has been paid only $300. He addressed the issue with former Race Director Mark Knutson, and it was raised to $350, but only for him.

“I just found it just strange that with the changes, in fact again going back to 2022 I thought everybody was getting an increase back then. And I felt that was at least acceptable. The $300 in 2011 isn’t the same buying power today,” said Walker.

Discussions among bands and DJs have been taking place regarding whether or not they are going to proceed with the marathon. Larry O’Brien, a DJ who has been providing entertainment since the start of the marathon, says it’s no longer worth his time.

“It would be a real bad thing to see it go away because with that goes all those sales and all those tax dollars. It’s good for the economy of Fargo and if the current people that are running the marathon can’t do it justice, maybe Fargo needs to find a way to take it back over,” said Walker.

Ventures Endurance, owners of the marathon, said they look forward to making it “another wonderful experience for participants with our confirmed musical talent.”