Overall Rating
Overall Rating (308 Reviews)
4.8
(308 Ratings) 🏆 (308 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
2.5
SCENERY
4.6
PRODUCTION
4.8
SWAG
4.3
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 29):
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H (°F)  88  78  101  55  80
L (°F)  53  55  62  49  44
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Recent reviews

    tsfinn23 FIRST-TIMER '23

    Excellent organization and a beautiful course. Majority of the course is flat, with the exception of one pretty significant hill (big flat road - clever name). Early miles are the … MORE

    Excellent organization and a beautiful course. Majority of the course is flat, with the exception of one pretty significant hill (big flat road – clever name). Early miles are the most scenic and then you make your way into town. Volunteers were great.

    The town of Missoula is a gem. I took the free bus from the airport to downtown and walked everywhere from there. Excellent restaurants made for a really nice race weekend.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

    2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

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    wcleiss FIRST-TIMER '23

    This was a great race! I was originally supposed to run Duluth's Grandma's Marathon for a BQ attempt, but last minute unforeseen circumstances had me cancel that and not wanting … MORE

    This was a great race! I was originally supposed to run Duluth’s Grandma’s Marathon for a BQ attempt, but last minute unforeseen circumstances had me cancel that and not wanting to waste my training, sign up for Missoula about 10 days out.

    The race was outstanding from an organization perspective, everything was so well put together. The crowd support was strong and the course was interesting enough and not bland like many big city marathons are(looking at you, BMW Dallas)

    While I did not succeed in qualifying for Boston, I am still glad I made the 25 hour drive from Fort Worth to run this race. No regrets!

    The main caveat I have is that I disagree with the race marketing that the course is BQ friendly. It may not have a lot of overall elevation gain, but the course does have a net uphill gain throughout, and not a lot of downhill stretches at all. You’re pretty much running uphill the entire way outside of the descent from the main hill at around Mile 14. And the overall uphill grade after the big hill is steeper than the grade before the big hill. Also, while the altitude may not be a mile high like Denver, its still over 3,000 feet, which for people like me who reside and train in altitudes under 1,000 feet, still has an effect. I ran by a guy from Austin around Mile 7 who said he was really struggling with the altitude.

    I am not sure I would have succeeded in my BQ attempt had I run Grandma’s instead like originally planned – I only had about 8 weeks to train after racing Ironman Texas. But, Grandma’s is what I would call an actual BQ friendly course – as it is net downhill and not at 3,000 feet altitude.

    With all that being said, I won’t hold my under performance against this race – it was still a first class event! Nothing but smiles from me as I crossed the finish line. Highly recommended, just make sure you know what you are getting into if you decide to go for a BQ!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    crzygrl2382 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    The volunteers and local spectators are the best supporters ever! Definitely recommend this race to anyone looking! This was my second year running and I beat my time, personal best. … MORE

    The volunteers and local spectators are the best supporters ever! Definitely recommend this race to anyone looking! This was my second year running and I beat my time, personal best. I am signing up again for 2024!

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    Donnie FIRST-TIMER '23

    Nice Five K event Great communication via email and social media. Small expo for packet pickup Pretty flat course through part of town, some residential areas, University of Montana then … MORE

    Nice Five K event
    Great communication via email and social media.
    Small expo for packet pickup
    Pretty flat course through part of town, some residential areas, University of Montana then the last mile is beside the Clark Fork river with the finish in a park.
    Great volunteer support.
    One aid station on course.
    Finish line post race there is only water and a couple food trucks selling items.
    Finisher medal is one of the nicer ones for a 5K that I have received.
    The shirt ran a tad small but it is a nice shirt.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    jackson.c.ball FIRST-TIMER '23

    Missoula is beautiful, the neighborhoods and residents were great at cheering us on. I had a blast the whole race and will do it again. The course is quite flat, … MORE

    Missoula is beautiful, the neighborhoods and residents were great at cheering us on. I had a blast the whole race and will do it again. The course is quite flat, the start winds along a river, the middle has great views of the mountains, the end you wind through university neighborhoods ending with the final kick over the Clark Fork river and Higgins bridge. It was very organized and well run.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    5Fish FIRST-TIMER '23

    Great course with incredible scenery. The races run near and along the river with three bridge crossings. Great volunteers on and off the course. One of the best after-parties I … MORE

    Great course with incredible scenery. The races run near and along the river with three bridge crossings. Great volunteers on and off the course. One of the best after-parties I have been to in a long time. I also enjoyed how the whole community comes out to support all of the events especially the half and full marathon.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    2

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    kate_riggles FIRST-TIMER '23

    There's nothing for breakfast in the morning wait, so be sure to bring something. Plenty of support along the way, but have your energy supply of food/gel! Many were cold … MORE

    There’s nothing for breakfast in the morning wait, so be sure to bring something. Plenty of support along the way, but have your energy supply of food/gel! Many were cold before and after the race, during was great, but be prepared for bad weather, you can put your jackets in your bag they provide and leave it behind and they WILL have it at the end of the race for you.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    MichiMT FIRST-TIMER '23

    Great organization. Plenty of aid stations. The water is ICECOLD at the finish line. Most races it is kinda warm. Loved having Pacers .Awesome spectators. There is a little expo. … MORE

    Great organization. Plenty of aid stations. The water is ICECOLD at the finish line. Most races it is kinda warm. Loved having Pacers .Awesome spectators. There is a little expo. Runners get a beer and lunch afterwards.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    maggiebreedlove REPEAT RUNNER '23

    The course is TOUGH, but great if you love running uphill for 26.5 miles. It is a bit long ;) BEAUTIFUL scenery that you can not beat. GREAT course support. … MORE

    The course is TOUGH, but great if you love running uphill for 26.5 miles. It is a bit long 😉

    BEAUTIFUL scenery that you can not beat. GREAT course support. Love the spectators, and everyone who runs it is SO nice.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    mitcbrw5050 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Really like the section along the river, my only thing I was not crazy about was the aid staions could be closer together. Great event overall, we did the friday … MORE

    Really like the section along the river, my only thing I was not crazy about was the aid staions could be closer together. Great event overall, we did the friday night beer run, Saturday 5k, and Sunday Marathon, what a blast!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    kgladfelter FIRST-TIMER '23

    Scenery was fantastic, course was nice with a great start time for a summer race. Perfect weather helped the experience. Would be back but many other sights to see in … MORE

    Scenery was fantastic, course was nice with a great start time for a summer race. Perfect weather helped the experience. Would be back but many other sights to see in Montanna next visit

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    Everything to do with this race is so well organized. It made everything easy from packet picked to crossing the finish line. Being my first half marathon I was very … MORE

    Everything to do with this race is so well organized. It made everything easy from packet picked to crossing the finish line. Being my first half marathon I was very impressed with all the aid stations and how well the course is marked. I will definitely be running this race again next year!!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    ctennant FIRST-TIMER '23

    The entire town of Missoula supports this race and makes it a unique enjoyable experience. I am a 62 year old runner, and adding another marathon to my list was … MORE

    The entire town of Missoula supports this race and makes it a unique enjoyable experience. I am a 62 year old runner, and adding another marathon to my list was the goal. This was a good point to point course…

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    jboke FIRST-TIMER '23

    This race is a point to point ending in the downtown/heart of the city. The half and full start at the same time, end at the same place, but start … MORE

    This race is a point to point ending in the downtown/heart of the city. The half and full start at the same time, end at the same place, but start in different places. The last 10 miles of the half and fill take the same course. It was absolutely stunning seeing the sunrise at the drop off point for the half. Fireworks to mark the start with the beautiful sky. Tempted to come back to do the full at a later point in time. Well run/organized race and the medals are huge!

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

    1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

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    50StateQuest FIRST-TIMER '23

    Ran the Glacier Half Marathon the day prior (my first back-to-back half marathons) and still felt fairly confident running this race. Net ascension less than 200 feet. Well managed race; … MORE

    Ran the Glacier Half Marathon the day prior (my first back-to-back half marathons) and still felt fairly confident running this race. Net ascension less than 200 feet. Well managed race; lots of aid stations that had water, gatorade and Clif energy gels. The post-race food was fantastic- they had a large, tented seating area and were serving pasta salad (both with meat and vegan options) as well as watermelon, oreo cookies, banana, soda, water, beer, chips. Finisher medals were gorgeous. Liked the tech shirt too!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4
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    sarahsgarden521 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Running in beautiful Missoula morning. Sun peeking up over the hills, words can't quite capture the view! The town people out along the way to cheer you on. Great experience. MORE

    Running in beautiful Missoula morning. Sun peeking up over the hills, words can’t quite capture the view! The town people out along the way to cheer you on. Great experience.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    swift2211 FIRST-TIMER '23

    Logistically this was an easy race to navigate. Packet pickup up was quick, runner drop-off and bus loading was well organized, and post race meal/goodies were easy to find. Course … MORE

    Logistically this was an easy race to navigate. Packet pickup up was quick, runner drop-off and bus loading was well organized, and post race meal/goodies were easy to find.

    Course was nice and flowy. Not completely flat, a few downhills and slight uphills. It was only crowded in a few sections, otherwise you had plenty of room to navigate around others but never feel alone. It has all the potential to be a PR race. This was my daughter’s first half marathon and she said it was the perfect 1st half marathon.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    cball1 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    This was my 9th time completing the Missoula Half Marathon and the second time completing the Big 3 Challenge (3 mile beer run, 5K, and half marathon over three days). … MORE

    This was my 9th time completing the Missoula Half Marathon and the second time completing the Big 3 Challenge (3 mile beer run, 5K, and half marathon over three days). This was my first ever half marathon and one that I will schedule summer plans around. It is an ideal course for beginners to advanced runners. Tons of crowd support, great swag, top-of-the-line organization, and great competition.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    mckbrumet FIRST-TIMER '23

    This was my first marathon and I loved every minute. The events were well organized and everyone was so friendly. There were many volunteers on the course and I always … MORE

    This was my first marathon and I loved every minute. The events were well organized and everyone was so friendly. There were many volunteers on the course and I always felt very supported. Looking forward to doing it again!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    rayshadowens FIRST-TIMER '23

    Back in 2020 I made a New Years resolution, and was well on my way to finishing my first Marathon in Missoula. We all know the rest. Not in near … MORE

    Back in 2020 I made a New Years resolution, and was well on my way to finishing my first Marathon in Missoula. We all know the rest.

    Not in near as good of shape, and a few stones heavier. I vowed I would finally get this done in 2023. And I’m so glad I did. Missoula lives up to the hype.

    What a welcoming weekend, from arriving in town, packet pickup on Friday with the community beer run. To of course the main event on Sunday.

    Easy shuttle system to the start from UM campus, with plenty of busses! No waiting around. Once arrived at the start line, plenty of portable restrooms, drop bag system, and even had coffee!

    The course is great, starting out in the country, with open fields and great sunrise over the mountains.

    *for a newbie, the hill section in the middle got me* the course was flat 95% of the race, but the hill is legit!*

    The finish is through the local neighborhoods, shaded, with great community atmosphere and vibe. Before finishing over the bridge and through the finishing arch.

    Can’t thank Missoula enough for a great first marathon.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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