The 5 miles uphill at the beginning are manageable if you have a plan in place and are prepared for it. I had a much harder time on the smaller … MORE
The 5 miles uphill at the beginning are manageable if you have a plan in place and are prepared for it. I had a much harder time on the smaller hill around mile 11. But the course is beautiful and worth the effort. I chose the camping option and was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t more information about what to expect. I went with my family and there was plenty of room for our 2 tents. It is primitive camping with water provided and porta potties. But there are no showers, which is not great after racing. I definitely recommend this race.
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Beautiful!
The 5 miles uphill at the beginning are manageable if you have a plan in place and are prepared for it. I had a much harder time on the smaller … MORE
The 5 miles uphill at the beginning are manageable if you have a plan in place and are prepared for it. I had a much harder time on the smaller hill around mile 11. But the course is beautiful and worth the effort. I chose the camping option and was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t more information about what to expect. I went with my family and there was plenty of room for our 2 tents. It is primitive camping with water provided and porta potties. But there are no showers, which is not great after racing. I definitely recommend this race.
Beautiful and difficult
Vacation Races' events are always well run. Everyone has already said it: the first 5 miles are grueling and the views are very nice. I did think the Mt. Rushmore … MORE
Vacation Races’ events are always well run. Everyone has already said it: the first 5 miles are grueling and the views are very nice. I did think the Mt. Rushmore run was prettier.
Hate to Love It
I've run this every year since the start, including virtual in 2020, and I ADORE this race. The course is tough and I curse myself the entire first 5 miles, … MORE
I’ve run this every year since the start, including virtual in 2020, and I ADORE this race. The course is tough and I curse myself the entire first 5 miles, but hitting the top of that hill, knowing what you’ve already accomplished, is so rewarding…plus that view isn’t half bad either! Love all the swag, per usual, and the volunteers and Blackfeet were wonderful! I’ll be back every year.
Rewarding Race
After getting through the first grueling 5 miles, you get a gorgeous view and smooth decline the rest of the race. Definitely a race everyone should do. MORE
After getting through the first grueling 5 miles, you get a gorgeous view and smooth decline the rest of the race. Definitely a race everyone should do.
Racing to a Different Drummer
The Glacier Half Marathon presents both a challenging course and spectacular scenery. Yes, the first five miles are uphill – and you are at over 5000 ft. in elevation – … MORE
The Glacier Half Marathon presents both a challenging course and spectacular scenery. Yes, the first five miles are uphill – and you are at over 5000 ft. in elevation – but the views tend to take your mind off the climb, and the downhill after the first five miles is a reward in itself.
The course runs on the edges of Glacier National Park, so you see the park as you run. The race takes place on land owned by the Blackfeet Nation, and their support of the race was amazing. The Race Expo is held at the North American Indian Days Campground – which is walking distance to the Glacier Peaks Hotel and Casino, a sponsor of the race. Those of us who stayed at Glacier Peaks were treated to bottled water and trail mix and a special pre-race breakfast made available the night before the race. And finally, in addition to the National Anthem, racers were inspired at the Start line by the Blackfeet Honor Song and the Blackfeet Victory Song. The drums set the pace for a fantastic race.
I just can’t say enough about Vacation Races’ commitment to our environment. You’ll see it when you attend the Race Expo. Bring your own bag – they won’t give you one. Make sure you sort your disposables into the provided containers: one for recyclables, one for compostables, and one for trash. And you’ll see it on the course. Water and electrolyte drinks are plentiful – but no paper cups. Bring your hydropouch. Hint: it’s included in your registration and you can pick yours up at the Race Expo.
Vacation Races uses a “Wave Start” program to ensure racers are spread out over the course. This has served them well during the pandemic. Not only does your Wave set your start time, it also sets your time to board the shuttle to the start line. There was very little crowding at the start line waiting for your wave to start – and much shorter lines at the porta-potties.
As with all Vacation Races, you can’t go and not visit the National Park. This year, because of the pandemic, a ticket was required to use the Going to the Sun Road. Getting one of those tickets turned out to be like winning the lottery – and I didn’t win. Thankfully, if you arrived in the park before 6:00 AM or after 5:00 PM you could use the road. We did both – on different days – and were rewarded with no crowds, a beautiful sunrise, and lots of wildlife. Not getting a ticket was the best mistake I’ve made in a long time.
And running the Glacier Half was one of my best decisions in a long time. I highly recommend it.
Views worth running for
This course is definitely a tough one but absolutely worth it! You're definitely rewarded with some amazing views at the top of the 5 mile climb and even before you … MORE
This course is definitely a tough one but absolutely worth it! You’re definitely rewarded with some amazing views at the top of the 5 mile climb and even before you reach the top. Kudos if anyone runs this race for time because you’ll just want to soak it all in. Very well ran and worth volunteering for if you get the chance. This race was my first half marathon and not only do I want to go back again next year, but I would love to sign up for more vacation races.
Definitely would recommend!
First time running a Vacation Races event. Top notch event. Beautiful course. Passionate and competent race management. Awesome volunteers! Already making plans to sign up for another race. MORE
First time running a Vacation Races event. Top notch event. Beautiful course. Passionate and competent race management. Awesome volunteers! Already making plans to sign up for another race.
The climb that never ends!!!
The venue with its spectacular views were second to none. The other racers were friendly, supportive, and encouraging. The competition was stiff. I liked how there was an option to … MORE
The venue with its spectacular views were second to none. The other racers were friendly, supportive, and encouraging. The competition was stiff. I liked how there was an option to reserve a place to stay near the race start. The post race celebration and goodie boxes were the icing on the cake.
Awesome n beautiful
This is a race that anyone who love to run in nature should do. Completely paved and the course is on us 49 the scenic looking glass highway which was … MORE
This is a race that anyone who love to run in nature should do. Completely paved and the course is on us 49 the scenic looking glass highway which was the best drive before going to the sun road existed. Vacation Races as always did and awesome job with a flawless planning, so many aid stations so you don’t need to really carry your water or energy supplies. Pre and post race aid stations are amazing with anything a rjnbef needs. I’m so addicted to vacation races and this was my 6th. Can’t wait for my next ones and adding all the vr medals to my collection. The national park explorer club gives you the entire list to cover the while park. Even with limited time I had covered a lot if hikes and scenic view points. A perfect race and fell in love with Glacier National park, will be doing this the race again and seeing of GNP!
So impressed!!
I have never done a Vacation Race before but I was VERY impressed. I wanted a pretty and cooler climate to run and this race did not disappoint. I also … MORE
I have never done a Vacation Race before but I was VERY impressed. I wanted a pretty and cooler climate to run and this race did not disappoint. I also was very impressed with the amount of emails, details, correspondence we rec’ d from vacation races to help us prepare. There was a lot of fueling stations, which were appreciated and the race itself was SOOOOO beautiful. I also read online that Vacation races has great deferral process if necessary. I am planning on doing the Smokey Mountains AND Rocky Mountain race in 2022, just can’t wait!
My legs said no but my heart said yes
This was my fourth half-marathon with Vacation Races and this race was unique indeed. Very beautiful course and although uphill for the first five miles, at the end it rewards … MORE
This was my fourth half-marathon with Vacation Races and this race was unique indeed. Very beautiful course and although uphill for the first five miles, at the end it rewards you with this stunning finish line at the lodge. I would highly recommend this race and would do it again!
Stunning course with amazing views!
The course is very doable even with the 5 mile uphill. The scenery certainly helps to keep going. Weather was amazing! I know a lot of people get hung up … MORE
The course is very doable even with the 5 mile uphill. The scenery certainly helps to keep going. Weather was amazing! I know a lot of people get hung up on knowing every detail of the course but I would suggest as is my approach to just show up and experience the course as you go along. I feel this approach is much more rewarding. It helps to not freak yourself out knowing the “difficult” parts of the course.
Most beautiful scenery!
Great organization! Wonderful run with great scenery! End of race swag and food was great! Hills were challenging but doable! And you must spend a few days at Glacier after! … MORE
Great organization! Wonderful run with great scenery! End of race swag and food was great! Hills were challenging but doable! And you must spend a few days at Glacier after! East side has wonderful hikes
VR is quality, professional, memorable!
VR was pure class. They're highly organized from communication and personnel. They made you feel welcomed! The race was challenging, picturesque, and a family atmosphere altogether. I will definitely do … MORE
VR was pure class. They’re highly organized from communication and personnel. They made you feel welcomed! The race was challenging, picturesque, and a family atmosphere altogether. I will definitely do more VR races.
B-E-A-UTIFUL!
You won' need a warm up as miles 1-5 are a straight grinding climb! I was warmed up in .10m! Big climbs on 3 and 5 that give you a … MORE
You won’ need a warm up as miles 1-5 are a straight grinding climb! I was warmed up in .10m! Big climbs on 3 and 5 that give you a world class sunrise view over Two Medicine and East Glacier. 5-10 are highly cambered, but super fun downhills, and 10-13 you are home! I stopped for a few pictures and took my time on the climbs as I’m from FL and not used to hills or elevation. I still managed a decent time but made sure to just enjoy the scenery. An absolute must for any runner, and the park offers glorious hikes and adventures for the whole family before and after the race. I would do it again! 10/10
Excellent race!!
Beautiful location!! Well run race!! Difficult course but amazing views!! This was my 5th vacation race… always done right!! Plan on many more! MORE
Beautiful location!! Well run race!! Difficult course but amazing views!! This was my 5th vacation race… always done right!! Plan on many more!
Tough start but easy finish
Do not try to PR this one or you’ll miss the amazing scenery! The uphill is definitely challenging but manageable. The finish is gravel and grass so be prepared for … MORE
Do not try to PR this one or you’ll miss the amazing scenery! The uphill is definitely challenging but manageable. The finish is gravel and grass so be prepared for the change.
Fantastic race and so much fun!
This is a great challenge and such a rewarding race! Really enjoyed my first ever and made an excellent choice with VR! Can’t wait to start planning my future races … MORE
This is a great challenge and such a rewarding race! Really enjoyed my first ever and made an excellent choice with VR! Can’t wait to start planning my future races and up my workout schedule to do a marathon!!
Beautiful views, amazing PR
The most beautiful views! Starts with a tough 4 miles uphill and the rest is all smooth sailing downhill! The views from the top are fantastic, when you think they … MORE
The most beautiful views! Starts with a tough 4 miles uphill and the rest is all smooth sailing downhill!
The views from the top are fantastic, when you think they can’t get any more phenomenal, lower two medicine lake comes into play!
The aid stations were perfectly spaced, the race photographers picked perfect backdrops & the medal is a beautiful addition to my collection.
It was ran so smooth, you’d think they’ve been doing it for years. AMAZING 10/10 would do it again.
Great job Vacation Races
Beautiful race, highly recommend!
Incredibly organized. Communicated with us regarding updates. Loved the rolling start. Beautiful course. It was my 4th VR; they’ve all been incredible but this is close, if not, my favorite. … MORE
Incredibly organized. Communicated with us regarding updates. Loved the rolling start. Beautiful course. It was my 4th VR; they’ve all been incredible but this is close, if not, my favorite. Wouldn’t change a singe thing abt the race!!