Next race
Saturday, 22 May 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Scenic road
Elevation
Hilly · 250 m gain
250 m climbing
Race profile
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.
Whitefish Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 257 finishers
Course & terrain
The Whitefish Marathon covers varied scenic road terrain. Starts and finishes in downtown Whitefish near the base of Big Mountain. The course loops through Whitefish neighborhoods, forest roads, and Flathead Valley scenery. Hilly with notable climbs.
The Whitefish Marathon course is hilly over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 250 metres of climbing and 200 metres of descent, with a net climb of 50 metres from start to finish.
Hilly · 250 m gain — approx. 923 m above sea level
↑ 250 m · ↓ 200 m · net +50 m
Registration
Whitefish Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens through https://whitefishmarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Getting there
Kalispell (FCA)
Glacier Park International Airport
13 km / 8 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 Whitefish.
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.
Next race: Sunday, 27 June 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 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 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 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
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
