Next race
Sunday, 27 June 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Point-to-point valley road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
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. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Missoula Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 2,200 finishers
Course & terrain
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.
The Missoula Marathon course is rolling 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.
Rolling · 100 m gain — approx. 978 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
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.
Getting there
Missoula Montana Airport (MSO)
9 km / 5 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Missoula.
The Whitefish Marathon draws approximately 257 finishers each May on a scenic road in Whitefish, United States. Montana's second-largest marathon field fills Whitefish each May with a hilly certified course in the Flathead Valley. The course loops through Whitefish neighborhoods, forest roads, and Flathead Valley scenery. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.
Next race: Saturday, 22 May 2027
The Wicked Fast (MT) Marathon draws approximately 154 finishers each August on a point-to-point road in Livingston, United States. Montana's fastest net-downhill marathon drops 1,200 feet through Paradise Valley on a USATF-certified Boston qualifier. The net-downhill course glides through Paradise Valley roads with Yellowstone Country river views. The route is net downhill overall.
Next race: Sunday, 1 August 2027
The Bear Paw Marathon draws approximately 31 finishers each June on a scenic road in Havre, United States. Northern Montana's Bear Paw Marathon serves the Hi-Line running community on a rolling prairie course. The course tours Hi-Line prairie roads and Bear Paw Mountain foothill scenery. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
The Famous Idaho Potato Marathon draws approximately 1,600 finishers each May on an urban and greenbelt road in Boise, United States. The event's branding is playful, but the course is a serious spring marathon with a loyal regional following. The course passes the Boise River Greenbelt, city parklands, and tree-lined streets with foothill views. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Saturday, 15 May 2027
The Montana Marathon draws approximately 221 finishers each September on a point-to-point road in Billings, United States. Billings' fast point-to-point marathon is a popular Boston qualifier with a sustained descent into the Magic City. The net-downhill course drops more than 1,000 feet from Molt into Billings with Big Sky Country vistas. The route is net downhill overall.
Next race: Sunday, 5 September 2027
The Jackson Hole Marathon draws approximately 248 finishers each September on a scenic road in Jackson Hole, United States. Wyoming's largest marathon by participation finishes at the base of the Tetons on a certified Boston-qualifier course. The course tours Jackson Hole valley roads, community pathways, Wilson, and Grand Teton views. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 5 September 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Which US marathons produce Boston qualifiers in practice — course data, typical BQ rates, and how to match a race to your qualifying window.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
