The BibRave 100 #1 Marathon 2017 – Missoula Marathon

We’re excited to feature our top races from The BibRave 100 – the top races in the U.S.! This week we highlight our #1 Marathon!

Race: The Missoula Marathon

Location: Missoula, MT

Race Date: July 13-15, 2018

Registration Information: Save $5 on registration when you use “BibRave19”: www.missoulamarathon.org

Our BibRave 100 mascot, Benjamin 🦁, asked each race a few questions about their event. Here’s Benjamin’s Fast Four!

1. Tell us a little about your race and the experience a runner can expect.

Enjoy the best of Big Sky Country at the 12th Annual Missoula Marathon the weekend of July 13-15, 2018. We have a full weekend of fun, including the Friday night Beer Run (free!), Saturday’s 5K, Kids Marathon & Fitness Expo, and Sunday’s Full & Half Marathons.

The Missoula Marathon is the signature event of the local running club, Run Wild Missoula. Combined, we’ll have around 6,500 participants registered from all 50 states (plus Washington, D.C.) as well as 9 foreign countries.

All of our courses are flat and fast. The Marathon is USATF Certified and a Boston Marathon qualifying race. The Marathon has one hill of about 400 meters in length right near the halfway mark. But, don’t worry – you’ll be too absorbed by the amazing scenery to even notice :-).

Both the Marathon and Half Marathon start in rural areas. After running past open fields and meadows, you’ll move into pine forests. From there you’ll work your way through quaint neighborhoods on your way to the finish on the Higgins Bridge over the Clark Fork River in downtown Missoula. Both races have incredible views of the Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers – you’ll get to see why, just the like the movie, a river (or two) runs through this race. One thing is for certain – no matter your race, you’ll have spectacular, 360-degree mountain views.

Our activities – including all finish lines, packet pick ups, fitness expo and more – take place along the banks of the Clark Fork River at Caras Park in downtown Missoula. From Caras Park you can watch surfers take on Brennan’s Wave, visit the Clark Fork Farmer’s Market, ride the Carousel For Missoula, take the kids to play at Dragon Hollow playground, and have easy access to numerous food, beverage and retail opportunities.

Our post-race area in Caras Park includes free post-race, victory photos, real wholesome food, and one free beer for all of our Marathon & Half Marathon finishers, 21 & older.

2. What’s new for 2018?

We’re thrilled to announce that Olympian and American record holder Deena Kastor will be appearing throughout Marathon weekend. We’re still working out all of the details of her visit, but there will be plenty of opportunities to meet this icon of U.S. running.

3. Share some highlights from your city or region. What must-see things should runners plan to do in your race city (i.e. sites, restaurants, etc.)?

We have a community that rolls out the red carpet, and a downtown filled with fun and excitement. Come to run and stick around for the fishing, hiking, water sports, wildlife viewing, brewery tours, western history, sunny days and starry nights.

There’s far too many must-do activities to list here – instead, check out our local visitors’ bureau, Destination Missoula, for tips on things to do, where to stay, and how to best plan your visit to Western Montana. And, be sure to visit the Missoula Downtown Association to learn more about shopping, dining, and more in the heart of the city.

Don’t miss out – register today and start planning your Treasure State adventure!

4. Three words that describe or exemplify your race… GO!

Big Sky Hospitality!