Race Info/FAQ

If you don't see the answer to your question on this list, please email Race Director Anders Brooker.  

Missoula 5k (Saturday July 13, 2013)
Kids Marathon (July 13, 2013)
Course
Registration (cost, dates, how-to)
Aid Stations
Toilets
Safety
Course Time Limit
Pace Groups
Gear Bags
Bus Shuttle
Timing/Results
Race Photos
Places to stay in Missoula
Schedule for special guest Jeff Galloway
Is there a shuttle to take me back to my hotel after the race?
Virtual Race Bags
What time does the Marathon and Half Marathon start?
Is the Missoula Marathon Walker friendly?
What are the age divisions for the Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon?
Will I be affected by Missoula's altitude of 3,200 feet, especially if I am flying from a place at or near sea level?
Where can I find a sizing chart for the Missoula Marathon t-shirts?
Does the Missoula Marathon get International Participants?
What is the closest airport?
What can I expect for temperatures?
Is there a Pre-Race Pasta Dinner?
Do I have to get my race packet at the Expo on Saturday?
Can I have a friend pick up my race packet for me?
May someone under age 14 participate in the Full or Half Marathon?
What do I get for running the Missoula Marathon or Half Marathon?
I am injured and cannot participate. Can I have my money refunded?
Is there a wheelchair division? What about handcycles?
Where are the chip timing mats located?
Can I run with an iPod or other device?
May I run with my babyjogger?
What's the date for next year?

Missoula 5k (Saturday July 13, 2013)
There are some great changes this year to the Missoula 5k! We are adding a technical race shirt, medal and an earlier starting time. The 5k is a fun way to participate in Marathon weekend. Whether you are a family member of a marathoner, just want to shake out your legs for the marathon, or want to race a great 5k this is going to be a great race!

Quick Missoula 5k facts:


  • Date: Saturday July 13, 2013
  • Time: race starts at 8:00am
  • Location: starts on Higgins Avenue just north of the Higgins Street Bridge and finishes just below the bridge at the Missoula Marathon Expo
  • Award ceremony: 9:30am at Missoula Marathon Expo in Caras Park
  • Runners get a technical shirt and a finisher medal
  • Race is chip timed
  • Age group prizes!
  • Registration limit: 1000 runners
  • Course map coming soon
  • Registration opens October 1, 2012
  • Last chance registration: Friday July 12, 5pm-7pm at the Iron Horse Brew Pub, 501 N. Higgins Ave.
  • Registration prices: 10/1/2012 - 1/31/2013: $22 , 2/1/2013 - 6/30/2012: $25 , 7/1/2013 - 7/12/2013: $30
  • Packet pickup: Friday July 12, 5pm-7pm at the Iron Horse Brew Pub, 501 N. Higgins Ave. and race day 6:30am-7:30am near the starting line.
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Kids Marathon (July 13, 2013)
Kids can do their own marathon! Stop when you have completed 25 miles and then come run the last 1.2 miles on Missoula Marathon weekend. After you cross the finish line, you'll have completed 26.2 miles - Now you're a marathoner! Click here for all the details on the Kids Marathon. to top »


Course
The Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon courses are flat, fast, USATF certified, and the full marathon is a Boston Qualifier! The marathon course does have a significant hill at the halfway point. Both races are point-to-point, beginning with a scenic route through the countryside and finishing in historic downtown Missoula. The marathon and half marathon courses are well marked with both cones and arrows on the road. You will notice every mile is marked on the road and with 8ft tall mile markers.
Full and Half Marathon course map (Link)
Full Marathon course video tour (Link)
Half Marathon course video tour (Link)
Kids Marathon course map (Link)
Missoula 5K course map (Link)
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Registration (cost, dates, how-to)


Click here to register now!

Registration will be capped at the following number of registrants:
Marathon: 1500 registrants
Half Marathon: 3500 registrants
Missoula 5k: 1000 registrants

Early Bird registration (October 1, 2012 - January 1, 2013)
Marathon - $75
Half Marathon - $60
Missoula 5k - $22
Kids Marathon - $10

Open registration (February 1, 2013 - June 30, 2013)
Marathon - $90
Half Marathon - $80
Missoula 5k - $25
Kids Marathon - $10

Late registration (July 1, 2013 - July 13, 2013)
Marathon - $120
Half Marathon - $110
Missoula 5k - $30
Kids Marathon - $10

NOTE: There is no registration for the Full Marathon or Half Marathon on Thursday, July 11 or Friday, July 12. To register on Saturday, July 13 you can do so only in person at the Marathon Expo at Caras Park. There is no race day registration.

Click here to register now!

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Aid Stations
Clif Shot Energy Gels
There are 19 aid stations for the Full Marathon and 10 aid stations for the Half Marathon. They are approximately every 2 miles then every mile the last 10K. Each aid station will have water at the first table and Gatorade Endurance Lemon Lime drink at the 2nd table. Clif Shot Gel will be handed out at 3 aid stations this year. Please check the map to see which aid stations will have Gel. There will be two flavors of Clif Shot Gel: Strawberry and Vanilla. The vanilla Clif Shot Energy Gels in the blue packets are non-caffeinated and the strawberry Clif Shot Energy Gels in the red packets are caffeinated.

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Toilets
There are port-a-potties at each Start, the Finish, and at every aid station on the course. Every year we add more port-a-potties, but we suggest you take care of your business early; there is always a line 5 minutes before the start! to top »


Safety
The course is coned and marked very well, but it is open to traffic. There will be volunteers and police officers at most intersections. Please run or walk on the right side of the road unless otherwise directed. Because the course is open to traffic, we discourage music devices. Baby joggers are allowed, but we ask that you start toward the back.

If you experience medical issues while on the course, please look for a volunteer, bike monitor, or Police Officer. There is a fully staffed medical tent at the finish. to top »


Course Time Limit
There will be no official time for anyone taking longer than seven and a half hours. Aid stations, traffic control, volunteers, etc. will relinquish their posts based upon the 7 1/2 hour completion time. to top »


Pace Groups
Our pace groups are coordinated by Team Stampede, the local triathlon group. The goal is to have pacers for the following times:

3:00 (6:51 mi pace)
3:10 (7:14 mi pace)
3:20 (7:37 mi pace)
3:30 (8:00 mi pace)
3:40 (8:23 mi pace)
3:50 (8:46 mi pace)
4:00 (9:09 mi pace)
4:15 (9:43 mi pace)
4:30 (10:17 mi pace)
4:45 (10:52 mi pace)
5:00 (11:26 mi pace)
5:30 (12:35 mi pace)

Please remember our pacers are volunteers, with their own potential injuries, and they aren't professional pacers. If someone pulls a hamstring the day before, he/she won't be there. We will do our best to live up to these pace times. Each year every one of our pacers made it to race day and finished on time! to top »


Gear Bags
You will be given your gear bag at packet pickup. Please make sure your gear bag has your correct race number on it. Both start lines will have a drop off area and your bag will be transported to the finish area. Please do not leave any valuables in your gear bag. Only the gear bag issued to you at packet pickup will be accepted for transport. No other bags, backpacks, etc will be accepted unless they are fully inside the official gear bag.


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Bus Shuttle
There is NO parking or dropoff at either the Full or Half Marathon start; you must take one of our busses. The bus pickup is at the Parking Garage on Main St between Higgins Ave and Ryman St. There is free parking at the Parking Garage and it is one block from the finish line. Bus pickup will start at 4:20AM with the last bus leaving at 5:30AM. We suggest taking one of the earlier busses to the start. NOTE: Will will be announcing a second bus pickup location. to top »


Timing/Results
The Missoula Full, Half, and 5k will be chip timed with results posted the night of the race. There will be an awards ceremony for top 3 in each age group and top 3 overall in the Full and Half Marathon.


Please watch this helpful video which will show you the proper way to attach your timing chip to your shoe in order to ensure that you get an official time:
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Race Photos
Free race photos will be available for download following the event. to top »


Places to stay in Missoula
Summer is a busy time in Western Montana. Book your hotel and make travels plans early to avoid missing your opportunity!


Hotels close to the Expo and Finish Line include:


Check out our hotel map to see where things are!
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Schedule for special guest Jeff Galloway
Former Olympian Jeff Galloway will be on-hand for this year's Missoula Marathon and associated activities. He will be hosting or participating in many events which you are invited to. All but one of these are free and open to the public. See below for more information.

Thursday July 11, 2013
4:30pm-5:00pm Brief talk on wellness & nutrition at Kamut International, 201 W Main St, Suite 101

Friday July 12, 2013
9:00am-11:00am Hiking the M trail at the University of Montana
6:00pm-7:30pm Run/Walk/Running the Missoula Marathon Beer Run at the Iron Horse, 501 N Higgins Ave

Saturday July 13, 2013
7:45am-8:00am Speaking at the start of the Missoula 5k
8:00am-1:00pm Available at Missoula Marathon Expo Booth
1:00pm-1:30pm Speaking about race day strategies on the Expo Stage at the Missoula Marathon Expo
2:00pm-5:00pm Running School at the Doubletree Hotel - Not free - Registration required - Click here for details
5:30pm-6:00pm Meeting with Galloway program trainees and Running School participants

Sunday July 14, 2013
6:00am-??? Jeff & Barbara Galloway run/walk/run the Missoula Marathon



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Is there a shuttle to take me back to my hotel after the race?
We do not provide such a service, but some hotels do. Please check with your hotel to see if they will be able to pick you up. to top »


Virtual Race Bags
We have partnered with Virtual Race Bags to produce a 'Virtual Goodie Bag'. As a participant of this year's event you will receive a 'Welcome' email invitation to the Virtual Goody Bag prior to the event giving you access to the bag. In the bag you will find an array of valuable information including exclusive offers, coupons, giveaways and messages from our sponsors.

But wait, there's more! After the event, participants will receive a 'Thank You' email invitation to visit their bag and have a final opportunity to take advantage of the offers before the bag closes - as the bag is only available for a limited time.

Click here for your Virtual Race Bag

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What time does the Marathon and Half Marathon start?
The Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon both start at 6:00am. to top »


Is the Missoula Marathon Walker friendly?
Yes! We encourage walkers on both the Half and Full Marathon courses. You have ample time to finish either event, with the course staying open for 7 1/2 hours. to top »


What are the age divisions for the Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon?
0-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ to top »


Will I be affected by Missoula's altitude of 3,200 feet, especially if I am flying from a place at or near sea level?
We went to our own University of Montana Health and Human Performance Dept. to get a real answer. The short one is "no," you won't be affected. The slightly longer answer is that any minimal affect from the altitude is offset by the perfect running conditions, cool and dry. The long answer is in our blog at www.missoulamarathon.org. to top »


Where can I find a sizing chart for the Missoula Marathon t-shirts?
You can find a size chart for the Missoula Marathon t-shirts right here. to top »


Does the Missoula Marathon get International Participants?
Yes, the Missoula Marathon does get international participants. Most come from our neighbors to the north in Canada, but we have also had participants from Japan, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia and many others. We do have an international airport, so getting here from there is no problem. We look forward to our running friends from other countries coming to enjoy our event as well as Montana. to top »


What is the closest airport?
The closest airport is the Missoula International Airport, located 15 minutes from downtown Missoula.

There are also airports in Spokane (WA), Bozeman (MT) and Kalispell (MT), all of which are an approximate 3 hour drive from Missoula. to top »


What can I expect for temperatures?
Hot and dry. Expect to start off in the low 50's and end in the high 70's if you finish around noon. to top »


Is there a Pre-Race Pasta Dinner?
No, we do not yet have an official Missoula Marathon pasta dinner. With all the great restaurants in Missoula, we want to give you a chance to experience our city. Visit Destination Missoula or Missoula Downtown Association for restaurant ideas. to top »


Do I have to get my race packet at the Expo on Saturday?
Yes. You must pick up your full or half-marathon race packet and chip on Saturday at the Expo between 8 am and 4 pm. There will be NO packet pick-up on race day. For late flights into Missoula, we have made arrangements for a Registration Table to be at the baggage pick-up at Missoula International Airport. You will receive only your race number and chip at that table. (Packet pickup for the Missoula 5k is addressed in the Missoula 5k section of the FAQ.) to top »


Can I have a friend pick up my race packet for me?
Yes, you may. to top »


May someone under age 14 participate in the Full or Half Marathon?
The Missoula Kids Marathon is specifically designed for youth to participate in a marathon without overusing their young joints and muscles, and we urge you to consider that choice.

However, yes, children under the age of 14 may participate with the signature of their parent or guardian in the Half Marathon. There is no age category for anyone under 14, and therefore no awards or comparative placement, in order to discourage competing in an endurance event at a young age.

For their protection, children under the age of 14 may not participate in the Full Marathon. to top »


What do I get for running the Missoula Marathon or Half Marathon?
All finishers of the Missoula Marathon, Marathon Walker and Half Marathon receive a technical short-sleeve shirt, a medal, excellent post-race food provided by the Good Food Store, and more. There are awards for overall male and female finishers for both Open and Masters categories, plus age group awards. to top »


I am injured and cannot participate. Can I have my money refunded?
You have the option of transferring your registration to another year for a $20 administration fee. There are no refunds. There are no transfers from one person to another. to top »


Is there a wheelchair division? What about handcycles?
Wheelchairs are allowed on the course for the half marathon only. Wheelchairs are not allowed on the full marathon course due to safety concerns. Handcycles are not allowed on either course due to safety concerns. to top »


Where are the chip timing mats located?
There are timing mats located at the start of both the Full and Half Marathon, 10k into the Full, the mid-way point of the Full, 20 miles into the Full (6.9 miles into the Half), and at the finish of the Full and Half Marathon. to top »


Can I run with an iPod or other device?
The course is open to traffic. We strongly discourage compromising your ability to hear vehicles coming. to top »


May I run with my babyjogger?
Sure. Please position yourself at the back. to top »


What's the date for next year?
Sunday, July 13th, 2014. We always run on the second Sunday in July. to top »


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