If you’ve never taken the opportunity to visit the Gem State, now is your chance. Take in all the sites and sounds of Idaho while participating in one of its most popular half marathons.
Famous Idaho Potato Half Marathon – Boise
Organized by the Treasure Valley Family YMCA, over 1,000 runners compete in this half marathon every year. You’ll run through various parks and trails right alongside the Boise River. Weather can be fickle in Boise, so come prepared for both hot and cold temperatures.
The Course
This point to point race is a great one to start on if you’re a first time half marathoner as it’s downhill the entire way. The course is mostly comprised paved bike trails with water stations placed at 2 mile intervals. Since a good portion of the race is on bike trails, traffic won’t be a big worry. Learn more about the course here.
Credit: YMCA Idaho
Reviews
“The course was set up as a point to point downhill route along the Boise River with the finish 13.1 miles from the start. Most of the route was on bike trails, so traffic control wasn’t a problem. It is a pretty fast course.” – Bioprofsd, Raceraves.com Review
“Water stations were plentiful and well-stocked with drinks and Power-Aide products. The volunteers manning these were outstanding! There’s a plentiful variety of post-race appropriate snacks and drinks at the finish and the medal and dry-fit shirts are both nice. Fix the bathroom situation, and they’ll have a near-perfect event. I plan to be back for as long as my legs and body hold up.” – M.W., Marathonguide.com Review
Mountain to Meadow Half Marathon – Lolo Pass
This scenic race takes you past gorgeous views of stunning meadows and the Bitterroot mountains. It’s just barely inside of the Idaho border – seriously, the state border is 300 yards from the start line.The proceeds go to the support of the Lolo Pass Visitor center to help preserve the beauty of public land. Register for this race here.
The Course
This race primarily takes place on well kept gravel roads with aid/water stations placed about every 2.5 miles through the loop. The course features two decent climbs at the 2 and 7.5 mile marks. Both are 2-3 mile ascents of 400 – 500 feet. The good news is that you’ll be running downhill for the final stretch to the checkered tape.
Credit: HalfMarathons.net
Reviews
“Completed this half marathon this weekend, my 4th in 1.5 years of running. Worst time ever….but what I deserved considering my very poor training. Also the toughest course I’ve ever done and the hottest too. Was very pretty and I’d recommend it and do it again….this time with some better training.” – Mama Bear, Facebook.com Review
“I ran my first half marathon. I chose the Mountain to Meadow race because it wasn’t on asphalt and the course looked lovely—starting and finishing at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center but winding through forests of spruce and pine, with views of the Bitterroot Mountains” – Danielle Lattuga, Missoula News
Coeur d’Alene Half Marathon
Featuring scenic views of Coeur d’Alene Lake, this is a race you won’t want to miss. This event is in its 16th year and had over 700 participants last year. Come find out why this is one of the most popular half marathons in Idaho. Click here for dates and registration info.
The Course
This paved course is an out and back race that is mostly flat with the exception of a couple of hills at miles 4 and 7. The course is dotted with aid stations every 2-3 miles which will be stocked with water and Gu products. No headphones are allowed in this race, sorry music lovers.
Credit: HalfMarathons.net
Reviews
“This was my first half marathon. It was a great experience! The weather was great, and the course was really good too. The scenery is beautiful! It was nice that they announce your name and city when you cross the finish line. The water/Gatorade stations were good. At the end of the race, there were cut-up oranges and bananas, and for fluids, water and Gatorade. I also liked that the course was pretty flat.” – R.G., Marathonguide.com Review
“This was my first half marathon, and it was wonderful! I thought the weather was great even though it rained for most of the half but hey I prefer cooler weather runs. Package pickup was super fast. There were also lots of porta-potty’s at the start line and ample throughout the course. There were also lots of water/aid stations, with bananas/oranges at the halfway turnaround point (which was chip timed). The hill on the half course was pretty easy with the turnaround point at the top.” – T.G., Marathonguide.com Review
Tommy Vaughn’s Half Marathon – Blackfoot
Started by a local restaurant owner, it’s initial purpose was to be a small race to support the local community. They were shocked when the inaugural event drew over 500 runners. Today, it is one of Idaho’s favorite half marathons. Proceeds from the race go to the community dinner table to help alleviate hunger in the surrounding areas. Find out more on their website.
The Course
The course is a USTAF certified point to point course that runs along paved surfaces. It is a great course for all experience levels since it is relatively flat. The community is very friendly, but small, so don’t expect throngs of cheering fans. However, the race is very well supported, with water stations almost every mile and Gu Products every 2-3 miles.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“This was a great race very well organized and planned. The staff was very helpful and friendly and I had a great time. Plenty of aide stations and happy staff. Thank you for all your hard work to make this possible!” – Kody Howell, Facebook.com Review
“A very well organized event. The course was fun and fairly easy. The community volunteers and support was unbelievable. This will be an annual event for me.” – Vernal Easly, Facebook.com Review
Run 4 Luv Half Marathon – Boise
Love is in the air for this Valentines Day half marathon. The event goes to support local charities, youth teams, and school clubs. According to their website, “Families, couples, singles are all welcome at the Run 4 Luv. Cupids and other Valentine’s Day-inspired costumes are encouraged.” Click here for more details.
The Course
This point to point course features a very gentle decline for first half and a gradual uphill slope for the second half (less than 200 feet of elevation change). It’s run entirely on pavement with aide stations about every 2.5 miles. This is very much a family oriented run that includes both 5k and 10k distances. Walkers are also welcomed, so serious runners should be prepared to run around a lot of people.
Credit: Run4Luv.com
Reviews
“Ran my first half marathon and I had the best experience! The aid stations were well stocked, beautiful flat course, plenty of restrooms along the way, and an amazing atmosphere overall. To top it off the weather was perfect!!!!” – Stephanie Bingham, Facebook.com Review
“The weather could not have been better!!! Always a fun run!” – Liz Hubbert, Facebook.com Review