Missoula Marathon
Missoula, MT
- Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, Half Marathon, Wheelchair Half Marathon, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Missoula Marathon is the brainchild of a group of local, dedicated members of Run Wild Missoula who want to share the area’s beauty and Missoula’s unique feel with runners from all over. Run Wild Missoula is a non-profit, 501(c)3 running club with the mission to support and promote running … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jun 26):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 65 | 82 | 87 | 82 | 86 |
| L (°F) | 53 | 62 | 53 | 50 | 45 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Beautiful Race!
They get an A plus for bathrooms at the start line and along the course!! Water stops were also excellent & often. It was a cool rainy day but despite … MORE
They get an A plus for bathrooms at the start line and along the course!! Water stops were also excellent & often. It was a cool rainy day but despite the weather there were so many people out cheering on the course. There is a significant hill around mile 12 that is at least a mile and a half long…but the view was worth the climb! Also it’s a flat course with a slight incline the whole way…you will feel this afterward 😂
Very well run race, great communication, bus ride to the start was easy to get to & it was pretty quick.
Toward the end of the race there’s a lot of turns and weaving through the half marathoners…I didn’t love this part but was also in the zone to just finish my race.
Missoula is beautiful…we drove to Glacier National Park on Saturday and enjoyed the beautiful scenery there too!! Definitely one to add to your list!
Nice Montana Race
I would definitely recommend this race to those looking for a well run marathon in Montana. Missoula was a fun place to visit. Just about everything regarding the race ran … MORE
I would definitely recommend this race to those looking for a well run marathon in Montana. Missoula was a fun place to visit. Just about everything regarding the race ran smoothly. I am a back of the pack racer and carry a water bottle and gatorade with me. The aid station around mile 15 ran out of water though they still had electrolytes. When I asked a bike course marshall if the next aid station had water, he took my bottle, rode off and came back a few minutes later with a full bottle. With the off and on rain and cool weather I was by no means desperate for water but I really appreciated the effort on my behalf. One drawback to being so slow is that the finish line area is often being torn down when I finally get to the end. This was the case in Missoula. I knew there were only a handful of people behind me but it is somewhat disappointing to find no food and that the vendors have all left. However I have come to expect that and would still recommend this race. If you stay downtown (hotels fill early!) you don’t need a rental car. There is a significant hill around mile 13-14 though the rest of the course seemed pretty flat. We had cool, wet weather, which was actually great. On a clear warm day this could be difficult since much of the course is not shaded.
A good day to run in Montana
I was initially fearing the weather a few days out - predicting rain and high in upper 40s. Weather turned out to be almost ideal - upper 40s, lower 50s … MORE
I was initially fearing the weather a few days out – predicting rain and high in upper 40s. Weather turned out to be almost ideal – upper 40s, lower 50s and a slight sprinkle/light rain during my last four miles.
I enjoyed the point-to-point course. Nice, but not stunning scenery for first 19-20 miles. Last five miles provided more spectator support as one runs into town. Very slight uphill (approximately steady, net 300′ gain over 26 miles) with one hill around mile 14 that wasn’t bad.
Swag was average: nice medal, technical short-sleeved shirt and a gear-check bag with the logo.
Missoula is a nice town. Very walkable to find things to eat and shops to browse. I stayed at the host hotel and could walk to the bus pickup.
Missoula is a “must do” race
Great communication before, after and during the race. The weather this year was exceptional for runners in the 40s and sprinkling. -The course is scenic and varies starting out in … MORE
Great communication before, after and during the race. The weather this year was exceptional for runners in the 40s and sprinkling.
-The course is scenic and varies starting out in Frenchtown and running into Missoula. You go from the country into the suburbs and end downtown in Caras Park. There is one steep hill at about mile 13 but other than that it is fairly flat. There were hardly any spectators during the first half of the race but there were plenty in the second half, especially after joining the half marathoners and in the downtown. The spectators were happily cheering on the runners even in the cool wet weather.
-The Expo was medium size with everything you might need
-There were plenty of porta potties at the start and there was not a long wait until the race started after bus drop off. I appreciated the early 6a start.
-There was water provided at the start and a bag check to the finish.
-The after race party was enjoyable and busy despite the rain. Food and beer was provided.
-Plenty of aid stations on course equipped with electrolyte drink and water. Gu was being given away at several stops as well.
-Lots of pacing options. I ran with the 4:30 pacers who were right on target and supportive.
-The online tracking app worked very well and provided immediate race results.
-The Edgewater hotel was walkable to the buses to the start and to the finish line and expo at Caras Park.
-Swag bag contained bath salts – a nice touch I used post marathon
-Lot’s to see in the area including the CSKT Bison Range and Glacier National Park. Missoula is an active outdoor town with lots of paths and many restaurants and take out dining. The ice cream at Big Dipper was excellent.
I highly recommend this race. One of my favorite marathons ever.
24 miles of flat + 1 hill = fast times
I had a near PR at this race, so I'm trying to rate the event on its own merits, not based on my performance. So here goes... The best part: … MORE
I had a near PR at this race, so I’m trying to rate the event on its own merits, not based on my performance. So here goes…
The best part: The race is really well executed. Check-in went smoothly, shuttles to start line were efficient, aid stations were reliably spaced. Silly detail, but I loved that they had signs announcing when an aid station was coming up…it gave a boost to know when a little break was near.
The course was super easy — flat and straight for 24 of the 26.2 miles. There”s one long hill in the middle. That flat course, along with the unusual cold snap, helped me stay fast and steady all day long.
What was just okay: I’m quibbling here, but there’s no real “Wow” factor. Scenery: Pleasant, but not memorable. Swag: Nice, but not unique or abundant. Crowd support: Light, but committed. Post-race events: Fine, but not standout. If you care most about a smooth event and a good run, this race is great. If you like the “extras” as much as you like the run, this one’s just so-so.
One “Wish this was better”: The post-race food. They only offered one option — Thai noodle bowl. Super healthy and probably loaded with recovery nutrients. It’s just…not everyone likes Asian noodle salad. I saw most of it ending up in the food waste disposal table (which was a nice touch at least).
Missoula is a cute town and I wish I had more time to explore it. Lots of intriguing restaurants and shops within walking distance of expo and finish line.
Friendly town, beautiful course!
This was my first full marathon and my expectations were blown away. The race was extremely well organized, everyone was friendly, the energy was high, and the views were SPECTACULAR! … MORE
This was my first full marathon and my expectations were blown away. The race was extremely well organized, everyone was friendly, the energy was high, and the views were SPECTACULAR! If you want a race with incredible volunteers and a breathtaking view – this is your race! Overall, 5/5 rating on this race. I can’t wait to return next year!
Beautiful race and supportive community
The community continues to be one of the best parts of this race— from the piano man, pickle squad, local businesses, and countless locals cheering people on, it was amazing! … MORE
The community continues to be one of the best parts of this race— from the piano man, pickle squad, local businesses, and countless locals cheering people on, it was amazing! It’s well organized from beginning (picking up your packet/swag, transportation to the start, communication to racers) to end .
Rainy but Amazing!
Montana in general and Missoula specifically is about the friendliest place I’ve ever been and this race really showed it. Weather was actually pretty decent for runners (chilly, rainy, no … MORE
Montana in general and Missoula specifically is about the friendliest place I’ve ever been and this race really showed it. Weather was actually pretty decent for runners (chilly, rainy, no chance of overheating) but must have been miserable for volunteers. No matter, they were amazing, encouraging, and enthusiastic even into the 5th hour of the marathon! Course is beautiful (would have been more so with less fog and cloud cover) and the hill in the middle (miles 13-15) was no joke, but this one deserves its reputation and is 100 percent worth the time and travel!
Must do race
I really enjoyed this race. It's doable with or without a car. I stayed downtown and walked everywhere. I did the Big 3 Challenge which was the beer run Friday, … MORE
I really enjoyed this race. It’s doable with or without a car. I stayed downtown and walked everywhere.
I did the Big 3 Challenge which was the beer run Friday, 5K Saturday, and Half on Sunday. The treat for that was a nice medal hanger saying Missoula Marathon. People were great, friendly. They definitely had enough volunteers that any issue was promptly taken care of. Plenty of water stops. This was a pretty flat race which was good for me cause my knee was acting up.
Most amazing race I’ve ever participated
So manny amazing people participate and cheer you on you really feel special when running this race! Even if you run it alone you always have someone to run beside … MORE
So manny amazing people participate and cheer you on you really feel special when running this race! Even if you run it alone you always have someone to run beside and you make so many new friends!!! 100% recommend!!
Beautiful Course
Really enjoyed this race. The elevation is around 3,200 feet so if you're coming from sea level, recommend running a couple days there before the race. Weather was perfect, mid … MORE
Really enjoyed this race. The elevation is around 3,200 feet so if you’re coming from sea level, recommend running a couple days there before the race. Weather was perfect, mid 40s with a little drizzle.
Parking for the race was pretty easy. We found a spot on the street right outside of the university. Bus lines were organized, steady flow getting on.
Pre-race start was lively. While it didn’t seem like there were a lot of port-a-lets, the line went pretty fast.
Start had a bit of a stagger. It was a little crowded early on but then it thinned out (about 3,200 people for the half). First half of the course was so beautiful. Lots of downhill. 2nd half was nice, but more residential. Saw some horses and goats in the 2nd half. Lots of aid stations with great volunteers. It’s a pretty quiet course so if you need constant crowd support or entertainment, this isn’t the race for you.
Energetic finish line. Post race food was a cold veggie noodle bowl. They also had Core Protein drink, beer and a few other things.
Overall, I recommend this race. If you’re trained up and acclimated to the elevation, definitely a PR course!
Great Montana Race
Everything was well organized and put together. I'm from NY so the elevation was a bit of a struggle for me. Water stations were well manned and fully stocked. Crowds … MORE
Everything was well organized and put together. I’m from NY so the elevation was a bit of a struggle for me. Water stations were well manned and fully stocked. Crowds were fun, scenery was beautiful. A deer actually ran out in the course around mile 11.5. As a city girl, that was the highlight of the race. Details on the medal were nicely done! From start to finish I have no complaints except that gradual incline was very deceiving
A Race by Runners, For Runners
This race is well-organized, provides clear communication, pays attention to the small details that matter to runners, and is put on by an enthusiastic and friendly running community. TRAVEL: - … MORE
This race is well-organized, provides clear communication, pays attention to the small details that matter to runners, and is put on by an enthusiastic and friendly running community.
TRAVEL:
– Missoula Marathon offers travel discounts for flights and has a partner hotel with limited rooms — look at the FAQ’s on their website for travel discounts before booking
– The MSO Airport is small, clean, efficient, and I highly recommend using this airport.
– You can get downtown with free public transportation via https://mountainline.com/ or a quick 15-20min. Lyft/Uber
– **If you have an early departing flight after the race and are using Lyft/Uber to get to the airport, request/schedule the prior afternoon as real-time availability in the early morning is limited**
– I stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn Downtown which I highly recommend. It is within walking distance (1-2 blocks) of the expo and the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning; it is a 0.75 mile walk to the shuttle pick-up on U of MT campus on race morning (I recommend doing a trial run/walk the day prior to map out the walk in the morning); the hotel is walking distance to restaurants, shops, and 2 blocks from the local running store; the hotel rooms also have a kitchen if you want to prepare any meals.
EXPO:
– The expo is small and efficient — has running fuel and gear in case you need it. Everyone was very friendly and down-to-earth.
– The swag included a drop bag that is reusable knapsack, instead of a clear, plastic one, and the bib is in the shape of MT which I though was a nice touch
– The short-sleeved tech t-shirt was true to size
RACE:
– We took a one-way shuttle to the start and volunteers were there to ensure you were on the right shuttle
– Once at the start, it was over an hour of just huddling outside in the cold/rain/wind for that day since I was on the first shuttle; besides the weather (40s), it was plenty of time to stretch, each breakfast, drop bag, use port-a-potties, etc. They also provided water, coffee, and bagels which is a nice touch.
– The first 9-10 miles are pretty straight and flat. Farmlands and hills for scenery. Nice stretch to just settle into your pace but did get repetitive.
– There is a long, gentle hill/incline at miles 12-13, and then a short, steep climb at mile 14.5-15. This was not too difficult for me as I train on hills, but it did negatively affect many runners. Then it’s all downhill (literally).
– The course is otherwise flat before and after the hills in the middle section
– The course is at approx. 3k elevation. I train at sea level and did not feel like it affected me.
– The last 10 miles are in town, the residents come out to cheer you on, although we may have had a muted experience due to the rain.
– There are a lot of turns towards the end, so trust your watch and the mile markers, and know that you are closing in on the finish despite the multiple turns
– Local police kept traffic blocked for us
– Aid stations were frequent and fully stocked, no issues getting what I needed. Each station had plenty of volunteers and each station was prepared. They are every 2-2.5 miles for the first portion, and then more frequent in the latter miles — just what you need
– We merged with the half marathon at mile 15.6 and there were orange cones keeping marathoners to the left all the way to the finish
FINISH AREA:
– After finishing they provided the medal, water, and then post-race food by a local catering company (post-race area is in the same park as the expo). The food was underwhelming but healthy — a rice noodle bowl with cabbage and edamame. And ice bins with Coke products and Core Power milk. Very disappointing but also refreshing to not see just bananas and junk food.
– There are also food and coffee trucks in the finish area and restaurants within a few blocks downtown
Overall a great experience and I highly recommend to every runner!
Great race to complete the 50th States
I am a veteran of more that 100 distance events. I would put this race with the very best including the likes of Boston and Chicago. The organization was outstanding. … MORE
I am a veteran of more that 100 distance events. I would put this race with the very best including the likes of Boston and Chicago. The organization was outstanding. The volunteers were friendly and well prepared. They also stuck it out during a rainy day. (Ive seen volunteers bail when the weather is bad). The course is scenic with only one hill ironically on “Big Flat Road”. I didn’t but I think you could run this race fast on a good day. If you can swing it the Earl’s VIP package was worth it. Coach bus to the start. Lost of swag.
Fantastic and very well organized race!
This was an extremely fun but also tricky run with a steep hill about halfway through. Perfect for a beginner. I have absolutely no complaints. The volunteers were absolutely wonderful … MORE
This was an extremely fun but also tricky run with a steep hill about halfway through. Perfect for a beginner. I have absolutely no complaints. The volunteers were absolutely wonderful and everything was well thought out and organized. The most organized event I have ever encountered.
Great race
This was my first ever half marathon last year and I had to do it again. It's put on well for the most part. The course is pretty flat and … MORE
This was my first ever half marathon last year and I had to do it again. It’s put on well for the most part. The course is pretty flat and there’s often a lot of spectators. Overall I highly recommend.
Everything was perfect!
Beautiful course! Amazing volunteers and exceptional experience! From volunteering at the Expo, running in the Beer Run, participating in the Tony Banovich 5K and finally the Half Marathon… everything was … MORE
Beautiful course! Amazing volunteers and exceptional experience! From volunteering at the Expo, running in the Beer Run, participating in the Tony Banovich 5K and finally the Half Marathon… everything was PERFRCT! I can’t wait for next year!
Great weekend for the whole family
Great point to point race course. Amazing community support. Events for the whole family. The course is great rain or when it is sunny. Good communication from the race organizations. MORE
Great point to point race course. Amazing community support. Events for the whole family. The course is great rain or when it is sunny. Good communication from the race organizations.
Great Production. Beautiful course
“The last best race”. Expo: Smaller, but everything I need. It is right at Caras Park near downtown and where the finish line will be. If you go on Saturday … MORE
“The last best race”.
Expo: Smaller, but everything I need. It is right at Caras Park near downtown and where the finish line will be. If you go on Saturday morning they also had an amazing farmers market with lots of yummy sourdough options. The expo had a free hair braiding table which was a huge plus for me. It was easy to grab your bib and bag and check out some vendors.
Race Day: The race was at 6:00am. I stayed at Renaissance hotel downtown because I wanted to be close the finish line. Getting to the race start was a breeze. It was about 15 min walk to Adams Center at the University of Montana to jump on a school bus shuttle which takes you to the start in Frenchtown. You need to be on the shuttle by 5:00am. It was a cooler morning with very light rain. We really lucked out with the weather since it remained cooler with clouds and light rain picking up again around 8:30. They had many porta potties at the start and at the shuttle pickup. All marathoners start together with no corrals. It was a smooth race start. They also had small fireworks to kick us off.
Course: Mostly road with a small section on the sidewalk. This course seems flat when you run, but there is a slight incline and minor hill slightly after mile 13. This course is beautiful. You run along lush green mountains with a couple river water passings. You also run in tall trees and neighborhoods. I really enjoyed the scenery in the 1st 15 miles and then it becomes more residential. Toward the end of the course the road has a ton of roundabouts which I found annoying since I just wanted to run in a straight line. The half marathoners do not start with the full marathoners (Loved this). We come together in the latter half of mile 15. They do a great job of full marathoners on the left of the road and half marathoners on the right. It was pretty quiet course until we got closer to the end, even then there weren’t a ton a spectators likely due to the rain, but the ones who showed up in the rain brought their energy!
Fuel/Hydration: No issues. Every couple of miles there was water & Powerade. There were handful of stations with fuel (GU). They had plenty for everyone and honestly one of the better race productions I have seen.
Other: The volunteers and police were amazing, so nice! Plus all the runners also seemed so happy. It was a such a perfectly organized event. Good job to the race director. It is my ideal size with 1,700 full marathoners.
Overall, I highly recommend this race. It had easy logistics. A beautiful course and wonderful day.
One of my new favorites
A very well-organized and a perfect-sized race - small enough for easy logistics but large enough so you are with other runners throughout the course. The shuttle to the start … MORE
A very well-organized and a perfect-sized race – small enough for easy logistics but large enough so you are with other runners throughout the course. The shuttle to the start line was a breeze with multiple pickup locations. The marathon course takes you along beautiful farmlands for the first 20 miles before winding through Missoula’s neighborhoods and into downtown. It was a net uphill course but it didn’t feel like that at all except one pretty big hill in the middle. They also had aid stations every couple miles with a few more toward the end. All in all, I highly recommend Missoula Marathon for those who want to run Montana and those who like mid-sized races.