Events

WHY RUN MISSOULA…

This was my fourth time in Missoula to race. I did the half several years ago and chose this for my first marathon in 2015. I returned again in 2017 then just couldn’t stay away this summer. Not only do I love this town, but this marathon is still my favorite. Beautiful course with temps at perfect running conditions (especially with moving the race from July to June). We cross three bridges in the full with a doable hill halfway. The neighborhoods are a great way to finish – everyone is cheering with their own special goodies and sprinklers to cool you down. The best volunteers, from those directing traffic to running the aid stations. You can feel their energy push you through and their genuine encouragement motivate you! The Pacers are fun and truly there to help you have a super memorable experience. My goal was a sub 4 and I accomplished this one due to all the amazing course support. It is always so organized and easy, from packet pick -up to gear bag (they had mine ready before I even walked up all the way) to the food and photos. All I wanted was the watermelons and frozen fruit bars – yum!! A cold water and coke tasted amazing! The whole town and businesses welcome you entirely instead of making you feel like you inconvenienced their streets and way of life (I have done 3 other big city races that left this impression). Love this town, race, and people!!!!

Leslie D. from Mccall, ID

This was a very well organized race, with easy race logistics and a very good course. The race started early (6am) with fireworks to send us on our way. The first half of the race was very scenic, with a number of downhill portions. Along the way we were serenaded by a number of unique musicians, including a piano player, wearing a tux and playing piano in his front yard, very cool! The 2nd half of the race went through the surrounding neighborhoods until we headed downtown for a very noisy finish. Plenty of volunteer support throughout the race and good spectator support over the 2nd half and, in particular, the last 0.1 mile to the finish. The weather was absolutely perfect for running. Plenty to do in the area before and after the race, including Glacier National Park about 2 1/2 hrs away but well worth the trip. This is one I plan on repeating!!

Rcturk262

It was my first marathon and I am glad I ran this as my first. starting from the beautiful town and its fantastic people. Two runs the beer run and the 5K came perfectly with my plan for marathon training taper. The management of this race is amazing. The aid sections were fully staffed, cheering people, gatorade and water option which worked so well, strategic locations so I was never stressed about hydration, the porta potties at the beginning were plenty, shuttle services are amazing. I mean I can go on and on . The people of Missoula were so welcoming and cheering. They out their sprinklers on, had gummy bears , water stands, ” fireball bottle” and cheers all the way. Post race photos were free and were being taken with family. Pre race you could get free taping and for a minimum amount you could get post race massage from alpine physical therapy. Shout out to them for making my run so enjoyable for taping me. I loved the town. If I don’t run again I will definitely come to cheer to enjoy the experience and food and breweries of this town.

Naveen R. rom Richland, WA

I’ve done a handful of half marathons, but this was my first full, which I found on bibrave for its #1 rating. The race totally exceeded my expectations. The course was flat and fast—the first 2 hours flew by—the community of support was incredible, and the other runners are respectful, friendly, and fun. The views were breath-taking (or maybe that was just the one big hill?) and everything went smoothly. It’s wasn’t crowded, but you were never isolated. The team of pacers was encouraging, timely, and wonderful. Aid stations were spaced well and volunteers were on top of it. Truly the best first full marathon I could have chosen!

Emily B. from Louisville, KY

Missoula Marathon was voted #1 by BibRave & you simply just have to experience it for yourself to see why! 3 Races. Gifts. Swag. Heavy Medals – this race has it all! What I like most about this race isn’t the race itself, but everything surrounding the race. Missoula is absolutely beautiful & everyone in town is proud of this race – and it shows! The folks are friendly, the scenery is stunning & there are so many activities like hiking & rafting that you can do after the race! Be sure to take Friday & Monday off so you can spend 4 wonderful days in Big Sky Country!

Rory Leigh C. from Los Angeles, CA

Bottom line is that it’s a very well done race. It’s well organized and marked, and the half is its own race basically; they start farther down the course and you don’t really merge with them unless you’re running really fast; the course is not congested but they also mark lanes for half and full after the merge point. There’s lots of support from police, volunteers, and the community. The event organizers took precautions when it looked like the weather might affect the welfare of the runners but they didn’t panic and cancel it like some races might have done. It ended up being a great day to run and well worth the trip! I highly recommend the race, especially if you’re a fifty stater looking for a summer race / Montana marathon. Well done, Run Wild Missoula!!

Meg S from Virginia

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About Run Wild Missoula and its signature event, the Missoula Marathon