You Won’t Run From Bears Here — You’ll Run Through Them. Why run the Paw? Runners will enjoy the thrill of running through the beautiful Bear Paw Mountains! The Bear Paws (as the locals call them) were named for the unique formation of the island mountains, which resemble a bear’s …
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You Won’t Run From Bears Here — You’ll Run Through Them.
Why run the Paw? Runners will enjoy the thrill of running through the beautiful Bear Paw Mountains! The Bear Paws (as the locals call them) were named for the unique formation of the island mountains, which resemble a bear’s outstretched paw. In the foothills of the mountains are the pristine lakes and rolling hills of Beaver Creek park, the largest county park in the nation. This unique race is a must for all marathoners!
There are no bears in the Bear Paw Mountains — but you’ll run like there are.
There are 13 aid stations for the full marathon and 8 aid stations for the half marathon. They are approximately every 2 miles. Some aid stations may be unmanned and only have water.
The half and full marathon courses officially close at 2:00 p.m., an 8-hour limit. Aid stations will close and streets will reopen based on the 8-hour limit.
Set your goal now and start training for the Bear Paw Marathon!
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Fondest of memories
This was perhaps the most beautiful race I've started! Small-town production that can't be beat. Don't let the 600ft of elevation fool you - there are tons of hills in … MORE
This was perhaps the most beautiful race I’ve started! Small-town production that can’t be beat. Don’t let the 600ft of elevation fool you – there are tons of hills in addition to gravel, high headwinds, and lots of alone time. I felt like a celebrity crossing the finish line, though! Havre is too small not to run into someone after the race, so even though I was a solo traveler (and probably from the farthest away), I ran into a bunch of people after the race at a brewery. Race director, Jessica, is a queen! Well-organized race and interesting town. Highly recommend!
I had to Havre
If she, the race director, had not told me that it was her first ever race, I wouldn't have known it. This is a small town race with a big … MORE
If she, the race director, had not told me that it was her first ever race, I wouldn’t have known it. This is a small town race with a big town production. You’ll feel as though the event was put on for you and your close running crew.
The only thing missing from this race was you. Seriously, if you weren’t among the few hundreds of participants and a handful of volunteers, you were MIA and missed out BIG TIME. From the course to the live country band at the country catered cookout with its own coffee vendor — yeah, I went to a race without a Starbucks even close — your running crew and you missed out big time.
Escape the big city and run the Bear Paw if you’re looking to do what you love and relax at the same time with this quick course. And hopefully like me, you’ll get your own pacer to bring you across the finish line (see photo below of a dog who belongs to a local rancher named Richard). Put this race on your Runcation list if you want some Monumental Montana Moments.