Roots Run

Friday, August 21 from 3:00 – 5:45 PM at RWM HQ; 125 E Main St. 

Race Day Saturday, August 22 2026 from 7:15 – 8:20 AM at the Race Start – 125 East Main St

• Race Start: 8:30am 

Bib pickup will end promptly at 8:20 AM. We will not be able to provide you a bib number after 8:20 AM.

Race Start: 8:30am 

Start Location: Run Wild Missoula World Headquarters! 125 E. Main St; Between N. Higgins & N. Pattee

Finish Location: Brennan’s Wave at Caras Park

Parking: Parking is available at Caras Park, street parking, or a free lot. Parking is limited near the start line. 

→Missoula in Motion will have a bike valet station (think a coat check, but for your bike!) at the corner of Higgins Ave and W Main St that will be available from 7:30am to 11:00am. All bikes must be picked up by 11:00am!

Downtown parking map located here. 

Per Run Wild Missoula event policies, dogs are not allowed to participate in the event with the exception of ADA Service Animals. All ADA Service Animals must be on a non-retractable leash. 

Course Map:

2026 River City Roots Course Map (pdf) 

All open registration participants will receive:

• River City Roots Festival Cup
• Wristband
• Drink Ticket

All participants receive:

• Custom Roots Run Tee to the first 500 registrants! 
• Chip Timing
• Custom Bib

All Roots Run participants will receive a custom Roots Run tee at bib pickup! Shirts will be distributed based on the size selected at registration. Want to switch shirt sizes? We will have a shirt exchange available after the race at the RWM Office!

Top Three Overall Male, Female & Non-Binary

• First: $150 Gift Card to Runner’s Edge
• Second: $75 Gift Card to Runner’s Edge
• Third: $50 Gift Card to Runner’s Edge

Top Age Group Winner: 

• Age Groups: 9 and Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90+

Volunteer opportunities will open in July! Stay tuned! 

All Volunteers 21+ will receive a festival cup and free festival beverage! 

The Missoula Downtown Foundation was created as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2010 to help generate funds for downtown and Caras Park Improvements. The mission of the Foundation is to support and promote Missoula through enhancement of Downtown through vibrancy of arts and culture, livability, economy and safety: Commerce, Heritage, Culture, & Living.

Missoula Downtown Foundation is currently securing funds for the Caras Park Canopy Project. Installed in 1997, and exceeding its 15-year lifespan at 28 years old, the Caras Park Canopy shows significant wear and needs to be replaced; a 2024 canopy inspection revealed signs of significant deterioration. Budgeted at $500,000, this project includes removal of the old canopy, replacement and installation of a new canopy, and a full structural repaint of the pavilion with graffiti-resistant coatings. As a landmark of Downtown Missoula, the Caras Park Canopy and Pavilion have been central to Missoula’s outdoor gatherings for close to 30 years, hosting 500,000+ annual visitors for nearly 100 pavilion events annually. Our town square city park is clearly a vital economic driver for the Missoula community and this project preserves a space for memories and community bonds for generations. 

The Missoula Downtown Foundation is a 501(c)3. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

River City Roots Festival draws more than 15,000 individuals to the heart of Downtown Missoula for a variety of fun activities and exceptional music. This two-day festival  features first-class art and entertainment for both residents and visitors.

With live performances on a big stage on West Main Street, a fine art show, entertainment for children and families, and a 4-Mile Roots Run through the heart of Missoula, Roots Fest brings a weekend of family fun to the heart of the community.

Check out past results below! 

→RESULTS