If you have never visited the Treasure State, you are missing out. Take in the gorgeous vista of Big Sky Country while running in one of its best marathons.
Two Bear Marathon – Whitefish
The Two Bear marathon is a charity event whose proceeds support The Wave scholarship fund. Nestled by Glacier Park, it is renowned as one of the most scenic courses in the nation. This one usually happens in the Fall, so you may want to bring a jacket. Click here to read more about the Two Bear Marathon.
The Course
The race starts out as a trail run for the first 15 miles, so expect rocks, roots, and uneven terrain. From there on, the course turns to pavement, taking you around Whitefish Lake and into the heart of town. Once you finish up, you can even stick around and get a post race massage.
Image Source: Two Bear Marathon
Reviews
“The course is difficult but scenic. Up to mile 15 or so you’re on trails in the woods. From then on it’s paved roads (just a few cars) with some views of the lake. There’s plenty of up and down; my corrected Garmin data said it was about 2300 feet. There’s a net loss of about 200 feet.” – K.O., Marathonguide.com Review
“I loved this race. It was much more difficult than I would have guessed from the website, but it was even more beautiful than the pictures of the course. There was a 1 and 1/2-mile decline in the woods that was truly inspiring.” – L.W., Marathonguide.com Review
Montana Governor’s Cup Marathon – Helena
The Governor’s Cup has been going on for 40 years and was Montana’s very first marathon. This summer time marathon is a Boston qualifier and one that you won’t want to miss. Click here for dates and registration info.
The Course
The race starts in the tiny town of Marysville. It’s a relatively fast course that is mostly downhill, but includes some rolling hills. You’ll run on a mixture of country back roads and paved highway, finishing in downtown Helena. There is plenty of support along the way, but don’t expect throngs of cheering fans.
Image Source: Governors Cup Marathon
Reviews
“I thought this was a really great, fast, 80% downhill course. It starts in the mountains at a ghost town, rips downhill for six miles, levels out for a couple, then more downhill, some rolling hills, then more downhill, level couple miles, more downhill, then 4 miles of uphill at the end. All I heard was complaining about the uphill 4 at the end! It’s a fast course. Scenic, relaxed, good aid stations every 3 miles.” – T.H., Marathonguide.com Review
“Recommend this race with a little reservation that if too many runners find out about this little surprise it will ruin the small-race appeal.” -T.S., Marathonguide.com Review
Missoula Marathon
This Boston qualifying race takes place in the city of Missoula. It’s all about encouraging people to get off the couch, get active, and appreciating the beauty of the area. In 2010, it even won the Best Marathon in United States award by Runner’s World Magazine. Click here to learn more.
The Course
The course is a mostly flat route with the exception of one hill. Other than that, there’s only about 350 feet of elevation change throughout the race. This is a great course for first time marathoners or if your looking to set a PR.
Image Source: Missoula Marathon
Reviews
“Fireworks at the start. Sun rising over the distant mountains. The only hill worth mentioning was so gentle and brought you up along a ridge line overlooking the river on one side and endless supply of shady trees on the other. Two spectators sitting atop their horses to encourage runners up said climb, which was also the image on the well-designed race shirt. The number of spectators is about what you would expect from a relatively rural marathon, but their enthusiasm and offering of support (food and mist stations) was enormously helpful – one guy played his piano on his yard. A truly enjoyable event!” – SK, Missoulamarathon.org Review
“My experience here at the Missoula marathon was good and positive. The finish line gala was always an amazing experience. Weather is always a factor, so be prepared to be cold at the start, but gradually warm up as the day progresses. It’s still July, after all, but being in the upper latitudes here in Montana gives a small reprieve. If you are in need of a marathon in Montana, Missoula’s your best bet. Friendly community and voted Runners World magazine’s favorite races.” – Ed L., Yelp Review
Madison Marathon – Ennis
Are you up for a high altitude challenge? If you said yes, then you have to check out the Madison Marathon. You’ll have to secure your spot quick, this one sells out almost every year.
The Course
This race is the highest road marathon on the planet. The average course altitude sits right around 9,000 feet and runs along a gravel road through Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest. With respect to race support, one review said, “The aid stations were well-stocked, and even though the website mentioned that aid stations were infrequent, I thought that the distance between aid stations was fine.”
Image Source: Madison Marathon
Reviews
“The RD pretty much promises runners they will have a PW in this race. In my case, he was correct. The back half took me over an hour longer than the front. There isn’t 200 yards of flat in the entire race. All of this was as advertised. The course is beautiful, but very hilly. For example, I ran the front half in 2:37, but had a 16 minute mile in there somewhere. Lots of 50 staters and Maniacs. The altitude is a MAJOR factor. Highly recommended as long as you don’t care about running a bad time.” – Craig Smith, Themadisonmarathon.com Review
“Breath-taking and butt-kicking. Practice taking downhills in you’re training, cuz you can hurt yourself trying to make up time for all the uphill climbs. I’d estimate about 3-4 miles of ‘relatively’ flat.” – T.B., Themadisonmarathon.com Review
Montana Marathon – Billings
The Montana Marathon takes place in September, so bring a jacket in case cooler temperatures prevail. Proceeds from this event go towards the support of local high school sports programs.
The Course
The race takes place on paved road the entire way. Reviews from previous competitors stated that the first 10 miles of the course are a fairly steady uphill climb. The rest is a mixture of flat and down hill stretches. You can expect plenty of support with water stations every 1-3 miles. Check out the marathon’s home page to learn more.
Image Source: Montana Marathon
Reviews
“This run into Billings from the countryside was spectacular. Although there were some uphills, this would be a great course to score a personal best. It could also lull you into pushing too hard in the first 1/2 only to fade out in the second. Very friendly race.” – Stephen Brown, Marathonguide.com Review
“This is a great marathon. The point-to-point course is extremely scenic, especially in the beginning of the race. You run past fields of horses and other breathtaking views. You’re on a slight incline for the first ten miles or so, and then it’s all downhill with some flat areas until the finish. It’s a great race for a PR.” – J.V., Marathonguide.com Review
Bozeman Marathon
If you’re looking for some killer views, this Boston qualifier is the one for you. I have been to Bozeman on several occasions, and can tell you it is one of the prettiest places in the whole state. There is even an after party in downtown Bozeman after the race! Check out their website.
The Course
The race starts out flat for the first 5 or 6 miles with a great view of the Bridger Mountain Range. You’ll then proceed into a steady climb, gaining about 500 feet of elevation by the end of the 12th mile. From there on, it’s downhill all the way to the finish line.
Image Source: Bozeman Marathon
Reviews
“Though it is high in altitude for this flat lander, can be hot in the later parts of the race and has a few hills, I loved everything about this race. The course is scenic, the organization is very well done, and the spectators made up in enthusiasm for what they may have lacked in numbers. In addition, Bozeman is a fun place to visit.” – P.N., Marathonguide.com Review
“Beautiful run through Bozeman! Has a few hills along the way but nothing too steep!” – Alex Peck, Facebook Review