Glacier Half Marathon
Browning, MT
- Half Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Save $10 w/code VRRAVES26 *** Glacier country reveals itself slowly — wide-open prairie, endless sky, and that clean, wild air before the mountains suddenly rise into view. What starts subtle becomes breathtaking as sharp silhouettes turn into towering walls of stone. Each mile draws you closer, peaks growing bigger and more defined, … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jun 27):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 73 | 63 | 78 | 83 | 83 |
| L (°F) | 56 | 53 | 47 | 44 | 55 |
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Great Experience
This race was so challenging which made it so rewarding. It starts with an incline for the first 4-5 miles. It was tough and of course my pace was slower. … MORE
This race was so challenging which made it so rewarding. It starts with an incline for the first 4-5 miles. It was tough and of course my pace was slower. My body is also not used to the elevation so it was harder to breathe. However, once you start the decline for the next 4-5 miles downhill it is so rewarding. I was flying down the mountain/hill. I even got a 5k PB from it! Be sure to save energy because there is another hill in the last few miles. I had to walk some at that point. I still had a great chip time relative to other half marathons I have done. I was very happy with myself. The views of course were amazing! The logistics ran smoothly. Being near the park also made for a fun racecation as there is so much to see and do. This race is one of my fondest memories. I would highly recommend this race!
Beautiful
Loved the views!!! Running up the mountain was a fun challenge - definitely took a walk break at the top. I was barely recovered from abdominal surgery so was just … MORE
Loved the views!!! Running up the mountain was a fun challenge – definitely took a walk break at the top. I was barely recovered from abdominal surgery so was just aiming to complete and had a great time!! Loved this race and always recommend. One of the prettiest races I have experienced yet. Well put together.
Best. Scenery. Ever.
Stellar production values. Even better views. Yes, it's up hill for five miles, then down hill, and no, there aren't many crowds, but oh, that scenery. I normally sneer a … MORE
Stellar production values. Even better views. Yes, it’s up hill for five miles, then down hill, and no, there aren’t many crowds, but oh, that scenery. I normally sneer a little at people who stop in the middle of a race to take selfies, but I certainly took advantage of the views to snap some pics on this race.
Breathtaking...Literally & Figuratively!
Highly recommend this race! Vacation Races put a lot of effort into ensuring this was a great event and it showed. Expo: VR merchandise available for purchase. There were also … MORE
Highly recommend this race! Vacation Races put a lot of effort into ensuring this was a great event and it showed.
Expo: VR merchandise available for purchase. There were also a few food trucks. Quick and simple in/out for race bib, shirt and cup, if ordered. Loved that members of the BlackFeet Nation Tribe were there and they shared a bit of their history, danced, invited us to join in and also prayed for the runners. A few signage were available to use as photo backdrops. There was also a smores station set up along with some hammocks.
Race day: Free parking was at the Glacier Peaks Hotel & Casino. Shuttles took runners from there to the start line. Spectators were able to board the bus starting at 7a and they were dropped off at the finish line. Some parking was also available at the finish.
The course was an uphill start for the first five miles. I had to adjust my expectations of doing run/walk intervals as I struggled to get my breathing under control once I started. Between the elevation, altitude and the highly disrespectful winds, it was a bit of a struggle. Lots of power walking in the first five miles but then it was downhill after mile five. Incredible and breathtaking views along the entire course.
Hydration stations with water and Gnarly were available along the course roughly every other mile. Assorted Honey Stinger gels were also available at every hydration station. There were portable toilets at each water station as well. The course was well marked except for maybe one area between miles 10 and 11 where I distinctly remember thinking/hoping I was going the right way.
The medical team rode dune buggies along the course back and forth checking on runners and there was at least one medical tent which I spotted on the course.
The last turn going into the last mile of the course took runners through a golf course and behind a neighborhood which ended into the finisher’s chute. Beautiful finisher’s medal.
Post race: lots of photo ops/spots available. Finishers were also provided with a snack box which had a granola bar, a fruit bar and a few other treats. Chocolate milk and water were also available.
I would return to the area and do this race again. It was a great weekend for me!
Cherry on top was seeing three grizzly bears in Glacier NOT! on the course 🙂
Gorgeous
Where do I start? Wow, gorgeous. I hiked a few days prior to race day to experience the park. The expo was great. Love Vacation Race Swag! It was on … MORE
Where do I start? Wow, gorgeous. I hiked a few days prior to race day to experience the park. The expo was great. Love Vacation Race Swag! It was on native american land and I appreciated the way that Vacation Races honored that. Day of was great. We stayed near the shuttle at the Casino. This is the best place to stay in my opinion. The start line is nothing special, but they keep all of the great things at the finish line. I really enjoyed the finish party.
The course itself was not easy but so rewarding. The first mile was pretty flat, but then you climb for 5 miles… until you reach the top then you descend by switchbacks and uneven roads. The views are gorgeous as the sun is coming up.
Watch Out for that first hill!
Y'all. That was the HARDEST race I've ever done. The first 5 miles were up hill and it hurt! But the views were amazing and there was an excellent downhill … MORE
Y’all. That was the HARDEST race I’ve ever done. The first 5 miles were up hill and it hurt! But the views were amazing and there was an excellent downhill after those first miles. The race was very well run and the medal is totally awesome. I loved that the race company kept the entire finish line up until the last racer came through. Race volunteers and staff were super friendly and helpful.
I high recommend this race for the views and the chance to visit Glacier National Park. But definitely incorporate some hill repeats in your training!
Amazing All Around
The views were spectacular! The first 5 miles were uphill, but it was all worth climbing to the magnificent views of the Glacier mountains. Vacation Race (VR) put on a … MORE
The views were spectacular! The first 5 miles were uphill, but it was all worth climbing to the magnificent views of the Glacier mountains. Vacation Race (VR) put on a top-notch race. Great communications! Great after-party. I love the huge medal. I am hooked on participating in VR races. 🙂
Tough course but the views worth it
As most others have said, the first 5 miles are up...up...up. There's another climb late in the race. The views at the top of the course are worth the effort. … MORE
As most others have said, the first 5 miles are up…up…up. There’s another climb late in the race. The views at the top of the course are worth the effort.
This race was cupless and I would like to see more races do this, though I imagine it would be more difficult at larger races.
We stayed in nearby Browning, MT for the race but moved to a campground and hiked in Glacier National park for several days after the race. We stayed on the east side for 3 days then the west side for 3 days. If I were to do it over, I’d stay longer on the east side as there seemed to be better and more hiking options there.
An Epic Race
Vacation Races hands down has the BEST finisher medals in the business. They are so high quality and so beautiful that I will be traveling all over the country running … MORE
Vacation Races hands down has the BEST finisher medals in the business. They are so high quality and so beautiful that I will be traveling all over the country running races with them to collect those medals! The entire race was picturesque and memorable. No complaints.
FANTASTIC scenery
This was a beautiful and challenging course! The atmosphere was encouraging and motivational. My only complaint was the logistics of the drop-off, traffic was quite bad and many races had … MORE
This was a beautiful and challenging course! The atmosphere was encouraging and motivational. My only complaint was the logistics of the drop-off, traffic was quite bad and many races had to run from their cars to the shuttles to make the 5 AM cutoff. The race itself though was well-organized and beautiful.
Very challenging, but totally worth it!
The medals are always awesome and they put on a good race. Most challenging race I’ve ever done especially being almost 40lbs overweight. I walked the first 5 miles and … MORE
The medals are always awesome and they put on a good race.
Most challenging race I’ve ever done especially being almost 40lbs overweight. I walked the first 5 miles and considered it a warm up, then ran/walked the rest. Mile 10.5 starts a nice 1 mile ish tough incline that is rough after all that had already been done, and the small hill at the end was pure torture.
Most scenic race I’ve ever done! The first 5 miles went by pretty fast with the awesome views.
I have definitely experienced much better after parties, this was not that great but I was so beat after the race I didn’t want to stay and hang out.
Insanely beautiful course
The overall setup and facilities are a little lacking, but the course is breathtaking the entire way. Definitely a harder course with the first FULL 5 miles being true uphill. … MORE
The overall setup and facilities are a little lacking, but the course is breathtaking the entire way. Definitely a harder course with the first FULL 5 miles being true uphill. One con is all runners start around 6am, which makes for a VERY early morning if you are staying on the other side of the park. All worth it in the end as the run is beautiful and nothing like running through Glacier National Park
Hard but worth it.
Everyone talks about the first 5 miles, which is not easy, but the view somehow takes over and it flys by. Don’t underestimate the climb at mile 11, about did … MORE
Everyone talks about the first 5 miles, which is not easy, but the view somehow takes over and it flys by. Don’t underestimate the climb at mile 11, about did me in.
The event is well run from start to finish. Would recommend to anyone desiring a challenge.
Gorgeous scenery, challenging but fun
Beautiful scenery and challenging course. First five miles were uphill so the calves started to strain by Mile 4, but the rest of the course is downhill besides one bump … MORE
Beautiful scenery and challenging course. First five miles were uphill so the calves started to strain by Mile 4, but the rest of the course is downhill besides one bump at Mile 10.
Great respect and appreciation shown for indigenous Blackfeet Tribe hosting race on their land. Vacation Races’ organization was seamless, aside from the starting line getting crowded. Start time could’ve been a bit later as the parking location for the shuttle to the starting line required additional travel.
Incredible course, that leads itself to PRs if you can handle the uphill climb.
Incline but with views
This race is one of the more difficult races I have done, with the first 5 miles being an incline. But the views make it worth it! Sunrise and mountains … MORE
This race is one of the more difficult races I have done, with the first 5 miles being an incline. But the views make it worth it! Sunrise and mountains as the backdrop to the struggle of the incline. Then you are treated with the majority of the rest of the race going on a decline. The only way to get to the start line is via a shuttle, so you have to plan accordingly, but it was easy and all the volunteers and drivers were so kind and helpful. It was definitely a tough race, but absolutely worth it.
Difficult course, Incredible Views
The course overall felt very difficult. The first 5 or so miles is straight uphill while also being at an angle, around mile 10/11 there is another uphill battle. I … MORE
The course overall felt very difficult. The first 5 or so miles is straight uphill while also being at an angle, around mile 10/11 there is another uphill battle. I struggled a LOT. I generally run a 9:45-10:30 mile but averaged at 13:00 (I live in Chicago, super flat. So I didn’t train for any hills!)
That being said, the views were unbeatable. The course has breath taking views that make it all worth it. The metal you receive is so cool and one of my favorite metals I’ve won. The shirt I received was also so cool and my favorite souvenir from my glacier trip. The finish line and the race itself was well supported with great volunteers and pit stops. You’ve GOT to try this race whether you walk, run or sprint!
Beautiful course
Another great event by vacation races. Great communication up to the event. There were plenty of shuttles that ran on time. Smooth start to the race. Steady uphill climb for … MORE
Another great event by vacation races. Great communication up to the event. There were plenty of shuttles that ran on time. Smooth start to the race. Steady uphill climb for the first 5 miles as advertised then steady decline with a few smaller/shorter hills. Views were amazing and definitely photo worthy. The aid stations were perfectly placed and well stocked including honey stinger gels at each one. Shuttles back to the parking/drop off location was also flawless.
Overall this was a great race and would definitely recommend. Definitely allow time to spend in the Park which was also amazing. Plan ahead for food as depending on where you stay for the run there are not a ton of options.
Stellar experience
As a first time half-marathon runner, I had no clue what to expect going into the race let alone a race in a different state. VR did such an amazing … MORE
As a first time half-marathon runner, I had no clue what to expect going into the race let alone a race in a different state. VR did such an amazing job organizing the race, the pre-race expo, and such a special experience with the Blackfeet Tribe. Everything about the race was so well-organized. The route was well-planned and perfectly stationed with porta pots, hydration, energy, and snacks. Post-race was also filled with wonderful vendors and locals. Incredible experience overall. Highly recommend glacier half and even more highly recommend VR!!
Challenging but WELL WORTH IT!
This race looks intimidating, but it's very doable and totally worth the effort! I have run over 100 half marathons and this one always scared me--that long uphill portion seemed … MORE
This race looks intimidating, but it’s very doable and totally worth the effort! I have run over 100 half marathons and this one always scared me–that long uphill portion seemed scary, but I was so excited to run near Glacier NP, I decided to give it a try. My husband was rehabbing and Achilles injury, so we took it slow (by our standards) and just enjoyed the breathtaking beauty around every turn. Vacation Races can always be counted on for top notch organization, and this race was no exception. Their pre-race communication is second to none, and they even provide suggestions for enjoying the area before and after the race. Start and finish line energy is phenomenal, and the whole race vibe supports love of nature and scenic beauty. In my 100+ half marathons, this one was the most beautiful and one of the most enjoyable, despite the challenging course. When I crossed the finish line, I texted my friend who has been considering running the Glacier Half, saying, “don’t fear the Glacier Half! You can totally do it, and you absolutely must!”
Beautiful
A hard run but soo worth it for the views. VR does a great job with rest stops, a great finish line, and clear instructions. Can’t wait to do another … MORE
A hard run but soo worth it for the views. VR does a great job with rest stops, a great finish line, and clear instructions. Can’t wait to do another race put on by VR.