From endurance runs to marathons, Montana offers rugged fun for runners
Published: June 26, 2009
The Big Sky Country is full of challenging running events this summer, culminating the Montana Governor’s Cup Marathon on Sept. 20.
Headwaters Relay near Three Forks.
Here’s a sampling of rigorous runs and relays:
The Glacier Challenge: departing at 7:30 a.m. July 11 from Riverside Park in Whitefish; six-leg multi-sport relay includes 5k and 10k runs, with kayak, road bike, mountain bike and canoe legs. Proceeds support the Flathead Youth Homes programs for at-risk youth. Call 755-4622 for details.
Missoula Marathon: departing at 6 a.m. July 12 from Frenchtown to Missoula. Offerings also include a half marathon, marathon relay and kids’ marathon. Pre-race activities on Saturday include the Hellgate Village 5k and the marathon expo at Caras Park. Call 626-4055 or visit www.missoulamarathon.org for details.
One Helena Hundred: 7 a.m. July 18 at the City Park in Cascade; join the Helena Bicycle Club for 100-mile or 100k rides along the Missouri River. A bike jersey, rest stops and hardy lunch are provided. Call 465-1838 or visit www.helenabicycleclub.org for details.
Headwaters Relay – A Run to the Source: July 31-Aug. 2 at Headwaters State Park in Three Forks; three-day, 232-mile team relay revisits Lewis and Clark’s trek from Three Forks to Beaverhead Rock. The relay ends at Hellroaring Creek, the ultimate source of the Missouri River. Call 539-0368 or visit www.headwatersrelay.com.
Elkhorn Mountain Endurance Run: 5 a.m. Aug. 1 at Crystal Creek Campground in Helena; challenging 50-mile and 50k distance events traverse trails and dirt roads. The runs are fundraisers for Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Call 442-0924 for details.
Grizzly Marathon: departing at 6 a.m. Aug. 1 from the Visitors Center in Choteau; USATF-certified marathon and half-marathon courses are offered, along with 5K, 10K and a kids’ run. Call 466-3333 or visit www.grizzlymarathon.com for details.
Two Bear Marathon and Half Marathon: departing at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 13 from Whitefish Lake in Whitefish; marathon is a point-to-point course, with the first 15 miles on dirt roads and trails. The half marathon course departs at 9 a.m. Call 862-2444 or visit www.twobearmarathon.org for details.
Montana Governor’s Cup Marathon: departing at 7 a.m. Sept. 20 from Daylis Stadium in Billings; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana has partnered with the 11-year-old Montana Marathon to host the Governor’s Cup Marathon, Half-Marathon and Relay. The 26.2 mile USATF-certified marathon couse travels from Molt to Billings over rolling hills and flat terrain. A half-marathon, relay, 10K and kids’ races are also offered. Marathon registration cost is $60 through Sept. 16, then $75; no race-day registration. Buses will transport runners to start locations. Call 245-9735 or visit www.montanagovernorscupmarathon.org for details.
