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Missoula Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Missoula, MT, USA
- Race Date: 06/27/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Missoula Marathon Description
The Missoula Marathon is a flat, fast, Boston qualifying race through the scenic Montana valley. The point-to-point course starts in Frenchtown and finishes in downtown Missoula, with a mostly flat layout punctuated by one significant climb near the midway point. Legendary crowd support lines the course from start to finish, with local residents cheering, offering treats, and even hosting impromptu aid stations along the route. Combined with mountain views and Missoula’s baseline altitude above 3,000 feet, this race is a beloved bucket-list destination for BQ hopefuls.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Missoula Marathon Additional Details:
Missoula’s marathon is famous less for its course than for the town that shows up to run it. Locals set up impromptu, unofficial aid stations all along the route, handing out everything from orange slices to breakfast treats, and the crowd support only builds as runners approach downtown. Official aid stations appear every couple of miles, staffed by cheerful volunteers who bring what regulars call “the Missoula spirit” to the final few miles. Near the top of the course’s signature climb, a bagpiper plays over a shaded overlook above the river, a moment many finishers remember more than the mileage itself. At the finish, runners collect a well-regarded medal, technical shirt, and trucker hat, capping off one of the most personality-filled marathons on the calendar.
Course Information
Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 7.5 hr (full), 1:30 PM (half)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 2,400+
Marathon: 1,153
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 492 ft (150 m)
Elevation Loss: 315 ft (96 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 52°F
- High: 83°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Missoula, MT, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Arts & Culture
Missoula Art Museum
Discover rotating exhibitions and Indigenous art from artists across Montana at the Missoula Art Museum, spread across eight exhibition spaces — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day.
Landmark
Downtown Missoula
Wander Downtown Missoula, where mountain trails begin minutes away and culture, cuisine, and creativity come together — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Greenough Park
Wander the wooded, creekside trails of Greenough Park, one of Missoula’s most tranquil green spaces — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day after racing.
Food & Drink
Downtown Missoula Restaurants
Sample everything from Montana-raised beef to international flavors at Downtown Missoula’s local restaurants — a relaxed way to refuel after race day.
Shopping
Dana Gallery
Browse locally owned shops and galleries like Dana Gallery and Radius Gallery in Downtown Missoula — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Outdoors & Trails
Riverfront Trail
Take a sunset stroll along the Riverfront Trail, with newly installed ADA-accessible river access near Brennan’s Wave — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Missoula Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Missoula Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
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A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes