The Governor’s Cup is looking forward to welcoming runners to Helena this June. Make plans now to come to Montana’s capital city, enjoy one of the state’s longest-running events, and do a little exploring while you’re here. Established in 1974, the the Governor’s Cup caters to families, recreational runners and …
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The Governor’s Cup is looking forward to welcoming runners to Helena this June. Make plans now to come to Montana’s capital city, enjoy one of the state’s longest-running events, and do a little exploring while you’re here.
Established in 1974, the the Governor’s Cup caters to families, recreational runners and elite athletes looking for a great way to exercise their competitive spirit and celebrate the benefits of a health lifestyle in Helena, Montana. Staged in the picturesque backdrop of the Treasure State’s capital city and its surrounding countryside, the Governor’s Cup will feature a half marathon, 10K, 5K and Fun Run. The marathon will not be offered this year due to a change in the surface of the first three miles of the marathon course along with logistical challenges.
Sometimes all it takes to start a fire is a little spark. That’s the thought behind the Governor’s Cup road races, which are held annually on the second Saturday in June. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana presents the annual event in Helena to provide people with a fun and festive opportunity to celebrate the benefits of exercise and healthy lifestyle choices with their friends and neighbors. The Governor’s Cup serves as the main fundraising event for The Caring Foundation of Montanasm, with all race registration fees going to the foundation.
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Such a fun community event!
This race is such a fun community event. It's so well organized with the transportation, plenty of aid stations, they added a hose and sprinklers at aid stations towards the … MORE
This race is such a fun community event. It’s so well organized with the transportation, plenty of aid stations, they added a hose and sprinklers at aid stations towards the end as the weather was getting warmer. At the end you’re greeted with a fun finish area with spectators a band, food trucks and an award ceremony. Definitely a race I hope to do years to come.
Great Race!
This is such a fun race, we plan on doing it yearly! Good swag and fun vibes :) We only ran in town because we did the 5K, but I've … MORE
This is such a fun race, we plan on doing it yearly! Good swag and fun vibes 🙂 We only ran in town because we did the 5K, but I’ve heard that the out of town scenery is beautiful for the longer races!
A Fantastic Community Event!
This is a wonderful community event! The races are well organized and it’s clear how much work is put into making this event such a success! This event is welcoming … MORE
This is a wonderful community event! The races are well organized and it’s clear how much work is put into making this event such a success! This event is welcoming to runners of all levels! The amount of community participation from both local businesses and those cheering you on along the way makes this event even more special! This event is so much fun and it’s one to do every year!
As a Race Director - FANTASTIC!
As a half marathon race director myself, this race was fantastic. The course was mapped out well, plenty of aid stations, and happy and helpful volunteers! The hills were challenging, … MORE
As a half marathon race director myself, this race was fantastic. The course was mapped out well, plenty of aid stations, and happy and helpful volunteers! The hills were challenging, but that only makes us stronger. I highly recommend this race. I even know several people that set a PR on this tough course. It’s possible!
Well ran, great community race.
This race is designed for your competitive runner to a family that just wants to get out and do something active together. It is always ran very well, beautiful scenery … MORE
This race is designed for your competitive runner to a family that just wants to get out and do something active together. It is always ran very well, beautiful scenery and great community support.
Phenomenal on all accounts.
Everything about the race is well orchestrated. The scenery is pristine, the aide stations are abundant, and the energy is top tier. If you are looking for a race to … MORE
Everything about the race is well orchestrated. The scenery is pristine, the aide stations are abundant, and the energy is top tier. If you are looking for a race to kick-off the summer, the Gov. Cup is the one to do.
Could've Been More Spectacular
I thought that the 50th anniversary of this race would be huge and spectacular, but I was kinda let down. Despite Helena being the state capital of MT, I was … MORE
I thought that the 50th anniversary of this race would be huge and spectacular, but I was kinda let down. Despite Helena being the state capital of MT, I was surprised that there weren’t many runners.
We started at 6:00 am in Jefferson City (middle of nowhere), and that’s main the downhill portion of the race. At mile 3, we ran out-and-back until mile 7. There is elevation gain going out (about 2 miles). Around mile 15.5, the rolling hills really kick in. So we would go uphill for a bit, then back downhill. This continued until around mile 20.
We ran into the city, where we finally had a decent number of spectators. We ran into the runners doing the 5K/10K course, so we clashed a bit. The last portion of the race was through the walking mall then we finished at the library. I wished we had real food that was free (not snacks). There were food trucks, but you had to pay to eat. At least there was a free concert in the park for us!
I thought the course was beautiful since we ran by the woods along the highway. I did see a black bear around mile 10, so that was unique! At least the weather was perfect! Not humid and not freezing! I just wish the production of the race was better.
Hills, Heat and Humidity
Montana really surprised with the beauty of the state and city of Helena. The food was great, the people were welcoming and the race production was good. This is a … MORE
Montana really surprised with the beauty of the state and city of Helena. The food was great, the people were welcoming and the race production was good. This is a one and done race for me, but I would recommend it to runners that really enjoy running hills. This race will not disappoint you :).
Cons: The award ceremony started too late, 1100. Most people were trying to shower, eat breakfast, pack their luggage, check out the hotel and get to the airport.
Bare-bones and harder course
Very bare bones race all around. Bib pick up was just that. Grab your bib and leave. School buses to the start. Lots of porta potties for the number of … MORE
Very bare bones race all around.
Bib pick up was just that. Grab your bib and leave.
School buses to the start. Lots of porta potties for the number of runner which was nice for a change.
Water, electrolytes and occasional gels along the course. Speaking for the course, it’s along an access road to no real scenery to speak of. Unless you enjoy highway traffic. The elevation map doesn’t do it justice. The rollers in the middle are no joke. Cardiac hill wasn’t as bad as expected but legs were already done well before then.
Nice to get a free message after the race and finish area looked like a party with music stage. Wish I could have stayed around. Overall average race, not the worst not the best. But wouldn’t do it again.
Lots of rollers that second half….
Packet pickup at host hotel was simple with no vendors Bus pick up at library close to host hotel. I stayed at Best Western and easily walked that morning The … MORE
Packet pickup at host hotel was simple with no vendors
Bus pick up at library close to host hotel. I stayed at Best Western and easily walked that morning
The course was very well marked and supported with THE most nice volunteers. All cross road had nice traffic control as well
The course was mostly along roads parallel to interstate…. So ok. The second half is rolling hills and lots of them. The finish in downtown along their walking mall was a nice finish. For someone who is a bit faster… be prepared for it to be busy with lots of 5 & 10K as you finish. I was mostly solo on the run until the very end and I too, bumped into walkers
Your bib gets you free drink and food at local spots which was so nice!
Awesome homeTown race
This is a great race in an amazing small town! Highly recommend to all. Lots of great hills and smooth pavement winding around beautiful buildings and mountains MORE
This is a great race in an amazing small town! Highly recommend to all. Lots of great hills and smooth pavement winding around beautiful buildings and mountains
Scenic small town 10K
Start time race temperature 55 degrees and cloudy, light rain was predicted but held off. First 1/2 mile was a big hill but after that it was manageable ups and … MORE
Start time race temperature 55 degrees and cloudy, light rain was predicted but held off. First 1/2 mile was a big hill but after that it was manageable ups and downs. Well-run, a water stop every mile. Friendly crowd and Helena is just a great town to visit in the summer. The lilac was in bloom and the food was fresh and healthy. Nothing like Big Sky country- the Governors Cup is worth the trip.
Beautiful scenery
-This local race gives you the chance to traverse some of the most beautiful, mountainous scenery that a road race can offer. Mostly appealing to local runners, Governor's Cup offers … MORE
-This local race gives you the chance to traverse some of the most beautiful, mountainous scenery that a road race can offer. Mostly appealing to local runners, Governor’s Cup offers a full and half marathon experience.
-The race format is a Point A to B, which is a fun format for making sure you get to see a lot of unique scenery.
-Most of the half marathon, leading up to Helena, is run on a highway service road–while this isn’t necessarily “scenic,” everything surrounding you is! So enjoy the clear sky and wooded mountain terrain.
-Since it’s a relatively small race, don’t count on purchasing last-minute items (like fueling options) at the expo/packet pickup.
Hills for days
My favorite half marathon, poised in my home town. Gorgeous view, and those hills!!! Rolling hills keep you focused forward the whole way, and Cardiac hill is no joke🙂 MORE
My favorite half marathon, poised in my home town. Gorgeous view, and those hills!!! Rolling hills keep you focused forward the whole way, and Cardiac hill is no joke🙂
Great scenery!
Overall, it's a great race! Prepare for hills, but the scenery is worth it! Could use a little more swag or expo opportunities, and an extra potty at the aid … MORE
Overall, it’s a great race! Prepare for hills, but the scenery is worth it! Could use a little more swag or expo opportunities, and an extra potty at the aid stations, but great management, friendly volunteers, and good weather!
Awesome race!
Awesome point to point race with beautiful scenery with a good amount of challenging hills. I was happy running through my state capital. I definitely plan to run it again … MORE
Awesome point to point race with beautiful scenery with a good amount of challenging hills. I was happy running through my state capital. I definitely plan to run it again although for the marathon next time!
Rolling hills 10k
Thoroughly enjoyed this race. It was a well organized production. My favorite part was finishing with racers from the other races. Planning on returning this year to run the half … MORE
Thoroughly enjoyed this race. It was a well organized production. My favorite part was finishing with racers from the other races. Planning on returning this year to run the half marathon.
Great for 1st timers
Running through downtown has great views! This paired with the other runners makes this run for first timers awesome. There are so many people enjoying their runs making for the … MORE
Running through downtown has great views! This paired with the other runners makes this run for first timers awesome. There are so many people enjoying their runs making for the best competition and company ever.
Should have done the Full
I was quite disappointed with the Half Marathon medal. It is my least favourite medal and I should have done the Full Marathon instead. The course itself was ok, bussing … MORE
I was quite disappointed with the Half Marathon medal. It is my least favourite medal and I should have done the Full Marathon instead. The course itself was ok, bussing takes you out to the start point of the Half. Running on the Interstate but the drivers had some courtesy. The best scenery was seeing the Old Man in the Mountain, probably would have had a better time if I didn’t stop for pictures and they are right about the “never-ending hill”
Hilly, beautiful course!
Nice course through downtown Helena, wrapping around the Capitol building. 1.4 mi uphill followed by 1.7 mi downhill. Nice race T-shirts, lots of participants, great 5k run! MORE
Nice course through downtown Helena, wrapping around the Capitol building. 1.4 mi uphill followed by 1.7 mi downhill.
Nice race T-shirts, lots of participants, great 5k run!