Experience the beautiful scenery of Scottsbluff and Gering Nebraska at the Monument Marathon & Half Marathon. Towering natural landmarks, pine-covered hills, rugged badlands, and a rural landscape provide a stunning and tranquil experience. You’ll run along part of the Oregon Trail as the course traverses through Mitchell Pass and around …
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Experience the beautiful scenery of Scottsbluff and Gering Nebraska at the Monument Marathon & Half Marathon. Towering natural landmarks, pine-covered hills, rugged badlands, and a rural landscape provide a stunning and tranquil experience.
You’ll run along part of the Oregon Trail as the course traverses through Mitchell Pass and around Scotts Bluff National Monument, which rises 800 feet above the North Platte River valley.
The marathon begins in the beautiful Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and descends into Gering Valley. You’ll skirt along the edge of town before joining the historic Oregon Trail as your route circles the Scotts Bluff National Monument along trails accessible to the public on only this one day each year!
The half marathon begins at Robidoux RV park just a short walk from the finish line at Five Rocks Amphitheater. As you exit Robidoux, you’ll join the full marathon route and gain some elevation through Mitchell Pass along the Oregon Trail. You’ll continue your 360 degree circle of the Monument past water, badlands, cornfields, and neighborhoods.
5K runners get a spectacular view of the Scotts Bluff National Monument and its sister bluff standing sentinel over Mitchell Pass. Turning south before the pass, runners are greeted by Dome Rock, fields, and hills before making their way to the finish on this route that is half pavement and half gravel and dirt.
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A great race for a great cause
The Monument Marathon is one of those races that truly takes your breath away, both with its beautiful scenery and the sense of community it fosters. . As you run, … MORE
The Monument Marathon is one of those races that truly takes your breath away, both with its beautiful scenery and the sense of community it fosters. . As you run, it’s hard not to be awestruck by the natural beauty that surrounds you. The course is challenging with a mix of hills, pavement and some trail. Every mile is rewarding.
The volunteers are another highlight of this race. They’re incredibly enthusiastic and friendly, and they really make the event feel special. At every water station and throughout the course, they cheer you on like you’re the only runner out there. The race is a true community effort, and the volunteers make sure it’s a positive experience for everyone.
What really sets the Monument Marathon apart, though, is that it’s about more than just running. All the funds raised through the event go toward supporting students at Western Nebraska Community College. So, not only do you get to experience an incredible race, but you’re also contributing to the education of local students, which adds a meaningful layer to the event.
Overall, the Monument Marathon is an amazing race that offers stunning views, fantastic volunteer support, and a great cause. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a unique race experience, this event is definitely worth checking out.
Best of Both Worlds
As someone whom loves trail but appreciates a good road course, this race is the best of both worlds. I was not prepared for as much trail as we saw … MORE
As someone whom loves trail but appreciates a good road course, this race is the best of both worlds. I was not prepared for as much trail as we saw so I did not have the appropriate gear for me. However, the scenery was so wonderful that I couldn’t complain one bit. I’ll be back again, this time with a shoe that will rock those loosely packed trails and the road! Oh and the volunteers were all top notch, very well supported!
Awesome Race with Stunning Scenery!!!
Absolutely 10/10 recommend this race! Fun expo with good variety of booths & vendors, great volunteers, beautiful race course with the most amazing scenery, cute shirt & medal, very enjoyable … MORE
Absolutely 10/10 recommend this race! Fun expo with good variety of booths & vendors, great volunteers, beautiful race course with the most amazing scenery, cute shirt & medal, very enjoyable post-race party at a local brewery, and the most easy race morning logistics. Loved everything about it & can’t wait to return!
There is an extended portion with some loose sugar sand (as we call it in FL), so you may want to consider wearing trail shoes. (I wore regular road shoes, New Balance 1080s, and was fine.) It was fun to run through Scotts Bluff National Park!
Great scenery
I was the 3:00 hour pacer. I enjoyed the initial climb up to Mitchell Pass and around Scotts Bluff National Monument. It was so much fun helping others reach their … MORE
I was the 3:00 hour pacer. I enjoyed the initial climb up to Mitchell Pass and around Scotts Bluff National Monument. It was so much fun helping others reach their goal for the day.
Best Scenery
The scenery was my favorite part- it was beautiful. I participated as the 2:15 pacer and it was a fun time. I enjoyed helping others to their goals and the … MORE
The scenery was my favorite part- it was beautiful. I participated as the 2:15 pacer and it was a fun time. I enjoyed helping others to their goals and the change up in road/trail was fun.
Brutal…but beautiful
It’s not that the course itself is grueling; it’s the heat that killed me. Temps climbed above 90 degrees by the end of the race. Not a hint of shade … MORE
It’s not that the course itself is grueling; it’s the heat that killed me. Temps climbed above 90 degrees by the end of the race. Not a hint of shade anywhere. Dry air. I was clearly not ready for the climate.
Due to hurricane-disrupted travel, I missed the expo if there was one. Got my bib at the shuttle location. Ride to the race start was pleasant.
Despite the heat, the race was in a beautiful location. You start at the top of hill with a scenic overlook and cruise down a state road for the first several miles. There’s a stretch around mile 9-10 where you’re running on a dusty, rocky unpaved road. Around mile 12-13 (I think) you start working your way uphill toward the monument. It’s not a steep slope, but it seems to go on for a mile or more. Then you’re gently downhill for a mile or so. The last 7-8 miles (I think) you’re winding around the Sandhills on dusty trails. Make sure you have water in reserve here…by this point you’re patched, hot, and in peak sun with no relief. I legit walked the last 13-14 miles.
Aid stations are sparse. I was fortunate to get ice from one of the stations near the end. Probably saved my life I was overheating so badly.
Swag was a non-event: Some marketing junk mail from local sponsors and a bag of pinto beans. Mmmmkay. The medal was nice enough.
Post-race…well, I was so dang slow there wasn’t much to speak of. If there were crowds before I arrived, they’d mostly dispersed. The handful of volunteers and spectators were kind and supportive as I trudged up the last little hill to the finish. Post-race food…think I grabbed a slice of pizza and some chocolate milk. I was just glad to not be dead. Headed downtown to a local brewery/restaurant where I chowed and drank with a few runners, which was nice.
If my recap sounds brutal, it’s no fault of the race organizers: It’s a well run event and a lovely course. And I loved driving through this part of Nebraska. Simply gorgeous and a sadly overlooked part of our country. Glad I stopped by!
Smaller race but fun
Over all I liked this race. The route is on blank top and partially trail running. I went to Nebraska to run this race and see the scenery. Sadly the … MORE
Over all I liked this race. The route is on blank top and partially trail running. I went to Nebraska to run this race and see the scenery. Sadly the day of race was complete fogged in. I did like the race and would recommend it. The staff running the race were great
Nice scenery, great community support
I just love a race that has great community support and when the money raised goes to something good! This race had both! The expo was small. The people there … MORE
I just love a race that has great community support and when the money raised goes to something good! This race had both!
The expo was small. The people there were so friendly. I even got a cupcake because my bday was five days earlier….thoughtful! (Appreciated because I had been traveling solo for over a week!)
Small race, so not a lot of people around after the first half. Be prepared for gravel road running. It was particularly sunny and not a bit of breeze on my race. Made for a struggle those last five miles or so!
There were still several people (support) at the end even tho I finished right under six hours. Pizza, chocolate milk and beer still available. Very nice, friendly people!
Great Small Town Race
The race production couldn't be better-everything was easy, from packet pick up, to parking at the start, and the shuttles. The marathon field is pretty small, but the half seems … MORE
The race production couldn’t be better-everything was easy, from packet pick up, to parking at the start, and the shuttles. The marathon field is pretty small, but the half seems more popular. Fortunately the weather was great this year. This is an arid climate, which means the mornings are cold and get HOT once the sun rises, but it isn’t humid, so it’s very comfortable. Bring chapstick! Plenty of aid and water stops. It’s a small town so there’s no crowds, but the volunteers and community are really welcoming. They do a really nice job treating the runners well, and you’ll get a free beer at the local brewery! The race director was even there checking in with runners to see how they liked the race. They REALLY care about runner satisfaction.
Despite Scottsbluff/Gering being a very tiny place physically, they managed to not make this a constant out and back course. There’s a few yards you repeat to cross a street and that’s it. The scenery is decent-lots of sweeping vistas, bluffs, and corn fields. Not terribly exciting, but this is Nebraska. I don’t imagine it gets a lot more exciting. The course is very flat, with some downhill at the start, and one long, slow incline through Mitchell pass. This can be a very fast course if you’re trained for it.
Overall this was a really nice race. The community spirit and attitude really makes this one. I would recommend it for 50 staters looking to cross off Nebraska, or anyone looking for a fast course in the Nebraska panhandle.
Beautiful Scenery
I ran this race to kick off my 50 states quest (have only run halves in my home state up until this one) and I loved the scenery of running … MORE
I ran this race to kick off my 50 states quest (have only run halves in my home state up until this one) and I loved the scenery of running up Mitchell pass and around the Scottsbluff national monument. Course support was excellent with many aid stations and toilets, and very organized waves and social-distancing for COVID, with the Western State Basketball team leading each corral and cheering us on! I loved the neck gaiter they handed out, which I have now used while running and in other races too. Much better than trying to handle a mask. This was my first race back since the start of the pandemic and I was super grateful to be racing! The swag bag included a bag of white beans for chili, a cotton t-shirt (I would always prefer tech so that I can run and play tennis in it) and the finisher medal was a nice cut-out of the state. I plan on making a display for them all. Being from Colorado, I love changes in elevation and scenery, so I highly recommend this Nebraska race for that reason. I loved that it was also some trail and some road. Toward the end you run through a stunning tree-lined and American flag-lined road! The only thing I would change about this race is that there were no professional photographers on course, and I always love to buy or download race photos.
Majestic views, challenge topography
The race director put on a great race, thoughtful planning, and consideration for COVID 19 precautions. They had the biggest turnout for their event yet. The Upper Platte basin is … MORE
The race director put on a great race, thoughtful planning, and consideration for COVID 19 precautions. They had the biggest turnout for their event yet. The Upper Platte basin is gorgeous! You’ll run right through Monument National Park… up a steep graded hill for a few miles, I might add! The course is split 7 ish miles on paved road, the rest is on coarse dirt and crushed stone trails. You’ll be better off to run trail rather than road shoes if you’re looking to run fast.
Do this race!
I loved how organized everything was from start to finish. It was well executed, the scenery was breathtaking, and the volunteers were encouraging. This community really showed up to support … MORE
I loved how organized everything was from start to finish. It was well executed, the scenery was breathtaking, and the volunteers were encouraging. This community really showed up to support the runners. I loved this race!
Most scenic marathon in Nebraska
The start of this race was on a very fast downhill from the Wildcat Hills Recreation Area down to the valley floor on paved highway. We then turned east for … MORE
The start of this race was on a very fast downhill from the Wildcat Hills Recreation Area down to the valley floor on paved highway. We then turned east for 2 miles, then north for another 2 miles, and then back west again. Around mile 13, we started descending up to the Scottsbluff National Monument along the route of the Oregon Trail. This year, the wind funneled down through the gap in the bluffs and blasted us with 30 to 45 mph gusts. At one point, a tumbleweed even blew down the road right towards me before veering off at the last moment. It was tough going even after we were west of the bluffs on the downhill with the wind in our faces. We then looped around to the east again and turned onto a dusty dirt road which we followed around the north side of the bluffs back into town. The wind picked up the dust at times, making it tough to enjoy the views of the badlands-like terrain. I’m sure that in better weather, this would be a delightful stretch of dirt road. After we returned to town, we then headed south on a paved bike trail most of the way back to the finish. The wind made it difficult to appreciate the views, but they were breathtaking none-the-less. This is definitely the most scenic marathon in Nebraska, or perhaps even the midwest, and is a must-do race for any history buffs as it is steeped in the history of the Oregon Trail and the old West.
Beauty in western Nebraska
Monument Marathon is a small race that packs a punch! The course was really quite enjoyable, starting out with a big 2 mile downhill run from the Wildcat Hills State … MORE
Monument Marathon is a small race that packs a punch! The course was really quite enjoyable, starting out with a big 2 mile downhill run from the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area (some nice views here!). After that big downhill, you get flat country roads with some rolling hills and scenic view of buttes and bluffs. Lots of people think of flat cornfields when they think of Nebraska (sure was some of that), but there is a quiet beauty in this part of the country, particularly running close to and within Scotts Bluff National Monument. The park is like the badlands of western Nebraska and was a prominent landmark on the Oregon Trail. I personally found the course itself to be easy, although the race was hard this year because of things outside of the organizers control (wind!!!! and lower air quality due to wildfires in Colorado and Wyoming).
One thing that really stuck out for me was the enthusiastic support for the race by the local community. Of course there there aren’t a lot of spectators in a small race like this, but the volunteers and spectators who were out there were extremely friendly and enthusiastic! I was thanked for being out there running by more than a few people – it was I who should be thanking them! I really appreciated their enthusiasm and appreciation!
Not a ton of swag from this race, but I frankly don’t need any of that after racing more than a few races. These days, the only thing I really want from a race that I haven’t done is the medal – and it was a nice hefty one shaped like Nebraska with a graphic of runners and the bluffs. Overall, Monument Marathon was a great race and I definitely recommend it for a Nebraska race for those who like some nice scenery and great supporters!
Great race - watch the weather
Well organized, aid station about every 3 miles for the first half, then more frequently later on. Course is fairly scenic with 2 sets of bluffs. Mostly on road with … MORE
Well organized, aid station about every 3 miles for the first half, then more frequently later on. Course is fairly scenic with 2 sets of bluffs. Mostly on road with some easy dirt trail in the high teens and 20s. Seems like it gets windy a lot and we certainly had at least 30 mph out of the west, so in your face on the one decent hill around 13-16. Great support, nice little town feel, a very good marathon overall. Beer and pizza at the finish. Busses to start were well run.
The weather made it hard
Start at 75 end at 83 fully under the sun. No shade Rolling hills starting at mile 7 30+ mph wind started at mile 10 to the end. All dirt … MORE
Start at 75 end at 83 fully under the sun. No shade
Rolling hills starting at mile 7
30+ mph wind started at mile 10 to the end. All dirt flew in straight to body , in the mouth, nose, eyes, hard to breath through dirt
Gravel road at the end that is mean to the tired legs
Volunteers were super nice. Number of volunteers was double number of runners.
I like the medal & cotton T-shirt instead of tech shirt
Great, scenic race!
This race had the whole package! They had a nice, small expo with lots of freebies and gave free rides up to Scotts Bluff monument during packet pick-up. There were … MORE
This race had the whole package! They had a nice, small expo with lots of freebies and gave free rides up to Scotts Bluff monument during packet pick-up. There were buses to the start. You could hang out in a nice heated building before the start with bathrooms along with free food and drinks. The course was very pretty, running around Scotts Bluff monument and on the Oregon Trail. The finish had an assortment of post race food, free massages & free beer. They had prize money and nice age group awards. It’s a very small race so there’s a better chance you could win an award and/or prize money. This race exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it for Nebraska!
Beautiful run in western Nebraska.
Difficult course but nice views. Very organized. Smaller race, but feels larger due to being well organized. Lots of aid stations. Make sure you get your hotel reservations early. MORE
Difficult course but nice views. Very organized. Smaller race, but feels larger due to being well organized. Lots of aid stations. Make sure you get your hotel reservations early.
Nebraskians Are Awesome
Chose this race as a part of 50 states (30+ to date) and on the birthday of my main running partner. Read reviews and knew it was a bit hilly … MORE
Chose this race as a part of 50 states (30+ to date) and on the birthday of my main running partner. Read reviews and knew it was a bit hilly and some parts off road.
Wow! was this race fun. The whole town gets behind the race – everyone is super friendly. There were four of us who came from Florida to run it. The two birthday gals got cupcakes at the packet pick-up. Shirt sizes were easily exchanged. Everyone was eager to offer any suggestions of places to eat and such.
Expo was pretty small and not a lot of running vendors but I have been to way worse (or not existant in NJ). Again, people super nice!
Race day was great – weather, staging area, mile markers (could use some clocks), sceanery, massage, awards, food, beer! The water stops were good but maybe could use one or two more in the hills/rocks area. Course was beautiful and challenging. The altituded and hills were a challenge for this flatlander but I would really recommend this race to anyone looking to run a race in Nebraska!
Small field allowed me to take first place in my age division, my birthday buddy took second and our friend Cindy took first place in her division as well! We made the front cover of the paper on Sunday morning! Such a fun time!
Run on the Oregon Trail Road
My wife and I traveled to Nebraska from Cincinnati to run the race, visit Oregon Trail sites, and climb the highest point in Nebraska. We had a blast. When the … MORE
My wife and I traveled to Nebraska from Cincinnati to run the race, visit Oregon Trail sites, and climb the highest point in Nebraska. We had a blast.
When the buses to take the full marathoners to the start were MIA, the race director calmly called in the community to ferry us in vans and SUVs. It worked fine and was a demonstration of the community support for the race. We sat at the pasta dinner with a couple from the community who do not run or volunteer for the race, but just wanted to come and enjoy food and support the charities.
The course is challenging, but interesting. I particularly liked the section on dirt roads behind the monument at miles 18-22. Age group awards go three deep and in a small race the odds of snagging one are much higher than average.
The race has left me with a wonderful impression of the entire state of Nebraska.