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.
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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.
Incredible experience. Highly recommend.
The scenery was absolutely beautiful. This run is one of the best things I’ve done in my whole life. It was so well organized and I had a fantastic time. … MORE
The scenery was absolutely beautiful. This run is one of the best things I’ve done in my whole life. It was so well organized and I had a fantastic time. It started very early, but other than this everything was perfect. This was my first half-marathon or VR race and I can’t wait to run another. The medal was GORGEOUS.
Incredible
For my first vacation race i was very impressed! Things were set up and run very smoothly. The course will definitely test you, particularly the hill around mile 10-11 but … MORE
For my first vacation race i was very impressed! Things were set up and run very smoothly. The course will definitely test you, particularly the hill around mile 10-11 but the views are worth every step! I would recommend this race to anyone for the views and experience regardless of your running background.
Spectacularly beautiful
The hills weren’t even that bad considering the stunning mountains you had to look at during them. We picked Glacier because we’re tired of the heat, and it certainly didn’t … MORE
The hills weren’t even that bad considering the stunning mountains you had to look at during them. We picked Glacier because we’re tired of the heat, and it certainly didn’t disappoint!
Brutal Yet Beautiful
When reading the race’s course (first 5 miles ascend 1,000 feet), I was strongly second-guessing my participation. The course was actually quite attainable, with a perfect blend of pain and … MORE
When reading the race’s course (first 5 miles ascend 1,000 feet), I was strongly second-guessing my participation. The course was actually quite attainable, with a perfect blend of pain and pleasure. The mesmerizing sunrise and views had me forgetting every ache and pain.
Beautiful scenery, hard course
If you are looking for a challenging course in beautiful country this is your race. With a constant backdrop of the mountains in Glacier National Park, you are treated to … MORE
If you are looking for a challenging course in beautiful country this is your race. With a constant backdrop of the mountains in Glacier National Park, you are treated to 5 miles uphill followed by 5 miles downhill. You end at Glacier Park Lodge which is a perfect place to stay.
Fell in love at first sight
Love hiking, not much of a runner, first time half marathoner and I ABSOLUTELY loved it! I walked the first 5 miles uphill and the 1 1/2 miles uphill at … MORE
Love hiking, not much of a runner, first time half marathoner and I ABSOLUTELY loved it! I walked the first 5 miles uphill and the 1 1/2 miles uphill at mile 10 1/2-12. I came from Delaware NO ELEVATION but I ended my training in extreme heat! I was nervous about the elevation but I had no issues. I live in a hilly area and practice the hills on repeat for training. I didn’t have any problems with breathing or the hills (grant it I walked them). I will definitely attend another one. They had great aid stations and plenty of potty’s on the course! The scenery was amazing and visiting GNP was amazing! Would do it again definitely and will be signing up for another VR in the future! I just wish there were more on the East Coast!
I’m torn
I loved running this race. Coming off an injury for this difficult course, I didn’t do anywhere near as well as I wanted to. However, the stunning views were what … MORE
I loved running this race.
Coming off an injury for this difficult course, I didn’t do anywhere near as well as I wanted to. However, the stunning views were what kept me going.
If you want a race that you have a spectacular view, this is definitely it.
This race was huge. Way bigger than I expected.
Packet pickup was a breeze. (Definitely how where you’re going ahead of time bc reception is spotty at best.) (ATT and Verizon did not work once you were in the mountains.)
Race morning, however, was where I struggled.
They wanted us there early. They were very open about the last shuttle leaving at 5 am. So we got on the shuttle at 4:30 and they dropped us off 15 minutes later on the side of the road. Literally. There were NO accommodations. They had lots set up in a very small section. About 20 ports potties for what felt like thousands. They did have hot coffee. But that was it. The grass want mowed so you’re standing in knee high grass on the side of the road that was not shut down. There was no where to sit. It was 35 degrees. And it was a miserable hour and a half. By the time we did start I was so cold I couldn’t feel my toes for the first 2 1/2 miles. Made even more miserable by the face that it was all uphill. 🤣
Most of the race was paved. The last 3/4 of the race however was not. It was in wet, spongy grass/loose gravel. I’m sure this isn’t an issue with many people but it was awful for me because I have eye issues. Not to mention my calves were already toast from the run.
The medal was fantastic. No water at the finish line (this was a trash free race so bring your cup if you don’t get one at race pick up. Don’t be the jerk that yelled at the water ladies at mile marker 7 because you didn’t read that it was trash free.)