The Missoula Marathon

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, July 13, 2008. All of us on the Missoula Marathon Committee are enthusiastic about the second year. You can expect great summer weather, low humidity, superior food, a course that starts in the country and ends in downtown Missoula, enthusiastic and caring volunteers, the Super Aid Station at Southgate Mall, completely unique mile markers (that you can purchase!), a supportive community and a fabulous time. We’ve altered the course towards the end, which will allow for more aid stations, shade and spectators during those last miles with an exciting new finish line on the Higgins Ave. Bridge.

The Heart of Downtown is the New Finish Line for Missoula Marathon!
The Missoula Marathon is thrilled to announce that the finish line for the Second Annual Missoula Marathon will be in the heart of downtown Missoula, crossing the Higgins Ave. Bridge over the Clark Fork River at Front Street. Runners will leave the Southgate Mall Super Aid Station and shortly after find themselves running along tree-lined, shaded residential streets. This will allow for more shade, more spectators, more sprinklers, and more aid stations between the Southgate Mall Super Aid Station and the finish.

The City of Missoula has completely supported the Missoula Marathon by approving total closure of the Higgins St. Bridge, plus the three adjoining blocks surrounding the finish area. This includes Higgins Ave. from 3rd St. to Main St., Front St. east to Pattee St., and Front St. west to Ryman. Runners will be directed to the Caras Park Pavilion along the Clark Fork River, located immediately adjacent the finish line.
The new finish allows a better opportunity for spectators and family members to see runners cross underneath the balloon arch and complete their full marathon, half marathon, kids marathon or relay. Runners will also be closer to the Post Race Party in Caras Pavilion.

2008 Timing and Results

We are proud that in our second year we have already gone to chip timing. Timing and results will be provided by Accu-Split Timing Company. www.accu-split.com

click to Register Online Now and we look forward to seeing you on the starting line!

The Missoula Marathon is the brainchild of a group of local, dedicated runners who want to share the area's beauty and Missoula's unique feel with runners from all over.  In addition to the traditional 26.2-mile marathon, we offer a half-marathon and a kid's marathon.  The courses are all relatively flat and fast with the marathon, half marathon and kids marathon finishing in downtown Missoula.

You won't be disappointed in the course or the surroundings. We live and run in a city of about 64,000 nestled in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana.  At 3,200 feet above sea level, our summers are generally warm and sunny and our evenings are cool.  Missoula, known as the Garden City, is at the confluence of five valleys and is surrounded by the Rattlesnake Wilderness and the Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests. The Clark Fork River flows through downtown and lively trout wait to test the next angler's line in the nearby Bitterroot and Blackfoot rivers.  Rock Creek, an internationally known trout stream, is only minutes away from downtown. The University of Montana lends the town its progressive vibe and its 13,600 students give Missoula a youthful pulse year-round. The city is home to more than 100 restaurants; here you can find something to satisfy every palate. Historic downtown provides a unique shopping experience and wealth of watering holes to quench your thirst after crossing the finish line.  Missoula is also a launching point to some of the country's most breathtaking wild lands, including Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Flathead Lake and more.

Please email racedirector@missoulamarathon.org with any questions.