Overview
The Missoula Marathon draws approximately 2,200 finishers each June on a point-to-point valley road in Missoula, United States. Its small-city atmosphere and fast terrain give it an outsized reputation among experienced marathoners. The route passes ranch land, the Clark Fork valley, and a fast final approach into Missoula's core. Ranch land, the Clark Fork valley, and a fast final approach into Missoula's core give June's point-to-point race an outsized reputation on quick valley roads.
Missoula Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Missoula Marathon 2027 race day
The next Missoula Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 June 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Missoula Marathon course route
Starts outside Missoula and finishes downtown at the riverfront. The route passes ranch land, the Clark Fork valley, and a fast final approach into Missoula's core. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Missoula Marathon elevation profile
The Missoula Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Missoula Marathon uses open online registration at missoulamarathon.org with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the June race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, and charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Missoula Marathon elevation profile?
- The Missoula Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Missoula Marathon?
- The Missoula Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Point-to-point valley road starts outside Missoula and finishes downtown at the riverfront.
- What time does the Missoula Marathon start?
- The 2027 Missoula Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 June 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.missoulamarathon.org/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Missoula Marathon start and finish?
- Starts outside Missoula and finishes downtown at the riverfront. Updated course maps are published at https://www.missoulamarathon.org/ each year.
- When is the Missoula Marathon and how do I register?
- Missoula Marathon is typically held in June. Registration opens through https://www.missoulamarathon.org/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Missoula Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Missoula Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Missoula Marathon pass?
- The route passes ranch land, the Clark Fork valley, and a fast final approach into Missoula's core.
- What weather should runners expect at Missoula Marathon?
- Usually cool and dry at dawn with warming mountain-valley sunshine through the morning.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
