RACE INFO & FAQs

Yes!

Stay tuned to our social channels for an announcement! 

@missoulamarathon

Yes!

Run Wild Missoula offers a 17-week coached class to help you prepare for either a marathon or a half marathon.

Check out the training classes page on our club website for more details.

Walkers welcome! 

Yes!

We have discount codes for (but not limited to) Indigenous runners, traditionally marginalized communities, those currently serving in the Military, MM legacy runners, Kids Marathon. 

If you wish inquire about a scholarship or discount code, please email your request and qualifications to the race director.

Participants can make their registration REFUNDABLE by adding REGSHIELD at checkout. Unless you purchase the REGSHIELD refund policy, entry fees are non-refundable.

→ View our Refund Policy HERE

The Missoula Marathon Weekend of Events does not offer deferrals. 

Yes!

→ Check out our Race Changes & Bib Transfer page HERE

You can verify your registration or check on a training partner’s registration by clicking HERE.

Yes! There is a limit of 2,000 participants in the 2025 Tony Banovich 5K.

• Custom short sleeve poly-cotton blend tee shirt
• Finisher medal
• FREE downloadable race photos

You can pick up your Tony Banovich 5K race bib at the Runner Expo, at Caras Park Pavilion, on Friday, June 28th between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM or on Saturday, prior to the race from 7:00 -7:30 am.

*We strongly encourage you to pick up your packet on Friday!*

→ Please view the Tony Banovich 5K Course Map HERE.

There will be one aid station with toilets about halfway through the course.

Portable toilets will be provided at the start area with more at the finish line. ADA compliant portable toilets are available at Caras Park.

There will be one aid station with toilets about halfway through the 5K course.

Prize money (with no race day ceremony) is provided to the top 3 men, women and non-binary in the 5K. Awards will be mailed to winners once results are final.

*Overall prizes and cash will be awarded based on gun time, not chip time.

→ View prize money HERE

Tony Banovich 5K Age Group awards will be mailed to winners once results are final.

5K Age Groups: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90+

*Age group awards will be awarded on chip time.

The Tony Banovich 5K will be chip timed with results will be posted on race day through Comptitive Timing.

→ You can view past results HERE 

The Tony Banovich 5K offers particpants FREE Race Day Photos! 

A link will be emailed to you 2-3 days post race where you can view and download your photos. 

Yep! Tony Banovich 5K race participants are welcome to exchange their unworn 2025 race shirts at the Caras Park Pavilion, on Saturday, June 28 at the Expo (post race) or  Sunday, June 29, post-race until 1:30 pm. 

Shirt exchange will also be available at the Run Wild Missoula offices, at 125 East Main, beginning Monday, June 30, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. 

Yes! There is a limit of 550 participants in the 2025 Missoula Kids Marathon.

All children will receive:

• Super Cape
• Custom Bib for Decorating
• Swag Bag with Goodies and Local Coupons
• Finishers Medal

You can register or pick up your Missoula Kids Marathon race bib and cape at the Runner Expo, at the Caras Park Pavilion, on Friday, June 28th between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM or on Saturday, prior to the race from 8:30 -9:30 am at the start line.

The Missoula Kids Marathon is approx 1.2 miles. 

Race begins on the Clark Fork River Trail, in front of Boone and Crockett Club, in downtown Missoula.  Participants will finish at Caras Park Pavilion, adjacent to the Higgins Avenue Bridge.  

Portable toilets will be provided at the start area with more at the finish line. ADA compliant portable toilets are available at Caras Park.

Yes! We kindly ask gardians/parents follow our Wave Start System for a smooth send off:

WAVE 1 – Children running alone, NO ADULTS, NO STROLLERS.

10:00 am

WAVE 2 – Children running with parents, NO STROLLERS

10:02 am

WAVE 3 – Children running with adults, strollers – YES! 

10:05 am

No, it’s not necessary for adults to register. Only kids will receive capes, swag bag and medals. 

This is an un-timed, fun run, there are no prizes. 

→ OPTIONAL: Participants ages 13 and under, can log ‘miles’ all spring to complete their marathon! Participants can become marathon finishers by completing a 25-mile training program prior to race day and then they can run, walk or jog the 1.2-mile course on race day.

→ HOW TO LOG YOUR MILES: Download and print the Kids Marathon Log.  To earn miles, you can walk, swim, roll, hike, and of course, run!  Turn your mileage log in at the expo for a special goodie!! 

Yes!

The Missoula Marathon is a USATF Certified course #MT22003MF and meets the Boston Marathon qualifying criteria.  Each year we provide the Boston Athletic Association the results from the Missoula Marathon for their use.

The Missoula Half Marathon & Missoula Marathon are also USATF Sanctioned Courses, meaning you can qualify for the Olympic Marathon Trials during the qualifying window. 

Missoula Half Marathon: 3,300

Missoula Marathon: 1,700

Both the Missoula Marathon and Missoula Half Marathon participants will receive:

• Short sleeve technical tee shirt
• Gear bag
• Finisher medal
• FREE downloadable race photos

You MUST pick up your marathon or half marathon race packet at the Runner Expo, at the Caras Park Pavilion, on Friday, June 27 between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM or on Saturday, June 28  between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

You may have a friend pick up your packet for you.

→ There will be NO packet pick up on race day. 

For late arrival into Missoula on Saturday, we have made arrangements for a late packet pick up at the Missoula Airport from 5:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. (This late packet pick up will include your race number and gear bag.  But, you will need to visit the T-shirt exchange area after the race on Sunday to retrieve your shirt.)  If you have questions regarding late bib pickup, please contact Trisha Drobeck.

We do not have an official Missoula Marathon dinner. With all the great restaurants in Missoula, we want to give you a chance to experience all the great dining options that our city has to offer. Visit your  Destination Missoula or Missoula Downtown Association for restaurant ideas.

(More info coming in 2025)

→ There is NO parking at either the marathon or half marathon start.  There is NO drop off at either the marathon or half marathon start.

Bus transportation to both start lines is provided as part of your entry.

*For our participants with a disability – you may drive personal vehicles to both start lines. 

MARATHON

Buses will run from 4:15 am until 5:15 am. 

1) The main bus pickup is near the Adams Center at the University of Montana [32 Campus Drive, acceible via 6th Street]

**Please allow time for parking and try to load one of the earlier buses to make sure you arrive at the start line on time.

2) We will also have a North Reserve Bus load in 2025. 

HALF MARATHON 

Buses will run from xxx am until xxx am. 

1) The main bus pickup is near the Adams Center at the University of Montana [32 Campus Drive, acceible via 6th Street]

**Please allow time for parking and try to load one of the earlier buses to make sure you arrive at the start line on time.

2) We will also have a North Reserve Bus load in 2025. 

→ BUS LOAD, PARKING, DROP OFF MAP (coming in spring 2025)

Once you get off the shuttle bus at your start area, take the time to use the portable toilets, get some water, drop off your gear bag, and head to the start line.  Basic maps of both start areas can be found at the following links.

Map of Half Marathon Start Area
Map of Marathon Start Area

Portable toilets will be provided at both start areas, the finish and at each aid station along the course. ADA compliant portable toilets will be available at the start lines and finish area.

→ COURSE MAPS (Coming Spring 2025!)

Both the half and marathon courses officially close at 1:30 pm. Aid stations will close and streets will reopen based on the 7.5 hour limit of the Marathon. If you are on course past the 1:30pm you will kindly be asked to move to the sidewalk should you wish to continue. 

MARATHON:

There are two strictly enforced cutoffs for the marathon. If you are beyond the required time at these check points, you will be shuttled to the finish or have to turn in your bib. 

• Cutoff #1 – Mile 11.63 (Aid station #5) 3 hours 20 min in – 9:20 am

• Cutoff #2 – Mile 15.8 (Aid Station #7) 4 hours 32 min in – 10:32 am

There are 14 aid stations for the marathon and 8 aid stations for the half marathon. They are approximately every 2-3 miles during the early parts of the race, then approximately every mile during the last 10K. 

→ 2025 ON COURSE FUEL:

Each aid station will have Lemon-Lime Powerade at the 1st table and Culligan water at the 2nd table.

The following aid Stations will have GU Energy Gel flavors Salted Carmel & Raspberry Lemonade:

• 5.6 miles [mara]
• 11.6 miles [mara]
• 15.8 miles [mara] + 2.7 miles [half]
• 21.4 miles[mara] + 8.3miles[half]

Yes!

We are working diligently to get private pumping areas at both the marathon and half start lines. Should you need this service please contact Trisha Drobeck to ensure we can accommodate your needs.

Yes!

You will be given a gear bag at packet pickup to write your bib number on your gear bag in LARGE, easy-to-read, numbers. We will only accept the gear bags provided, there will be NO other bags accepted. 

Both start lines will have a drop off area and your bag will be transported to the finish area. Please do not leave any valuables in your gear bag.  

→ Thanks to our local Missoula UPS for organizing and managing our gear bags!

There is no driving or crossing the course. Law enforcement and volunteers will be present to ensure the safety of our runners. Please SEE OUR EVENT GUIDE (coming in spring 2025)  to find the best viewing.

Marathon: We will strive to have pacers for the following times:

3:00 (6:52 mi pace), 3:10 (7:14 mi pace), 3:20 (7:37 mi pace), 3:30 (8:00 mi pace), 3:40 (8:23 mi pace), 3:50 (8:46 mi pace), 4:00 (9:09 mi pace), 4:10 (9:32 mi pace), 4:20 (9:55 mi pace), 4:30 (10:17 mi pace), 4:40 (10:41 mi pace), 4:50 (11:04 mi pace), 5:00 (11:26 mi pace).

Half Marathon: We strive to have pacers for the following times:

1:30 (6:52 mi pace), 1:40 (7:37 mi pace), 1:50 (8:23 mi pace), 2:00 (9:09 mi pace), 2:10 (9:55 mi pace), 2:20 (10:41 mi pace), 2:30 (11:26 mi pace).

The pacers will wear bright pacers shirts and carry balloons with the finish time written on them. Please remember our pacers are volunteers with their own potential injuries – they are not professional pacers.  We will update this information if there are any changes to our pacer program.

The Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon are chip timed with results provede as you finish  by Competitive Timing. Results will also be posted online.

There are 8 split mats for the marathon and 4 split mats for the half located along the course.  Results will be posted on race day – click HERE to go to our results page.

YES!!!

The Missoula Marathon and Missoula Half Marathon have FREE on-course and finish line photos to participants.  These photos will be yours to download and share on your social media platforms. An email will be sent to participants 2-3 days after the race. 

Be sure to tag us! #LastBestRace @missoulamarathon

Both the Missoula Marathon and the Half Marathon finish just past the Beartracks Bridge (formally Higgins Avenue Bridge), in front of the historic Wilma Theater. 

Finishers will then proceed through the finish area, which is limited to race participants.  Spectators, family and friends can meet up with participants in the Caras Park Pavilion, below the Beartracks bridge, or at another designated meeting spot outside the participant-only area.

→ FINISH LINE MAP (coming in spring 2025)

There will also be prize money provided to the top 3 men, women and non-binary in both the Marathon and Half Marathon.

*Prize money will be mailed to winners once results are final.

There will be an awards ceremony for top 3 men, women and non-binary overall in the Marathon & Half Marathon at the finish line.  

*Overall prizes and cash will be awarded based on gun time, not chip time.

→ View prize money HERE

Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon Age Group awards will be mailed to winners once results are final. There is no race day ceremony or presentation. 

*Age group awards will be awarded on chip time and are awarded three deep in each category.

(Marathon Age Groups) 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90+

(Half Marathon Age Groups) 0-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90+

Live participant tracking & results for the the 5K, Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon are available via Competitive Timing App. Available on the App Store and Google Play.

In the app

Search for and click on the event you’ll be following or participating in. Spectators can track any number of participants and view live progress on a map.

Tag us on social media during race weekend at #MissoulaMarathon, #LastBestRace and @missoulamarathon

Yep!

Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon race participants are welcome to exchange their unworn 2025 race shirts at the Caras Park Pavilion, on Sunday, June 29, post-race until 1:30 pm. 

Shirt exchange will also be available at the Run Wild Missoula offices, at 125 East Main, beginning Monday, June 30, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.  Sizes may be limited and may not be available for all races.

Racing Wheelchairs, Everyday Wheelchairs and Handcycles are allowed in the Missoula Marathon & Half Marathon.

Escort cyclists will be provided as needed to assist with notification of course monitors and traffic control personnel.

Handcycle and wheelchair marathon participants, please manage speeds so that you are in full control when descending the hill from mile 15.2 to mile 15.6 and when making the turn from Big Flat Road to River Pines Road (i.e. merge point).

All participants, please use extra caution when overtaking and passing other participants on the section of bike path near mile 20.5

Over the last 5.5 miles ±, the half and full will be split by cones to give you more room. Half marathoners please stay on the right side of the cones. Full marathoners please stay on the left side of the cones. Please do not cut across cones when turning at corners.

Wheelchairs and handcycles will start five (5) minutes prior to foot runners in both events.

• Start time will be 5:55 am for the Missoula Marathon
• Start time will be XXX am for the Missoula Half Marathon

Athletes with disablilities can be taken to both start lines with personal vehicles. We will provide you with a window placard to identify that you are allowed to park in the starting line area.

A.D.A. compliant portable toilets will be available at the start lines and finish area.

Custom awards will be presented to the overall male, female and non binary finisher in the wheelchair and handcycle divisions of the Marathon and Half Marathon.

Late June in Missoula typically sees cool mornings, warm afternoons and low humidity.  Expect a race start in the high 40’s to low 50’s and low to mid 70s if you finish around noon.

Yes!

→ Please vist our TRAVEL page. 

Please vist our TRAVEL page.

Please vist our TRAVEL page. 

Dogs are NOT allowed (with the exception of ADA service animals) in any of our races, at packet pickup in Caras Park, or at the post race celebration in Caras Park.

Spectators: Due to the size of the crowds, we would ask that you consider leaving your dog at home rather than bringing them to the finish line.

Baby joggers strollers are allowed in all our races. Please use caution when around other runners. 

5K: We ask that you start toward the back and or the sides of the course. 

Kids Race: Strollers are only allowed in Wave 3. Please heed to volunteer instructions at the race start. 

Marathon & Half: Strollers must be foldable and able to be stored between the seats of the shuttle buses to the start lines.

All courses are coned and marked very well, but is open to traffic. There will be volunteers or police officers at most intersections. Because the course is open to traffic, we recommend that all participants wear bright clothing to improve visibility.

Music devices and earbuds/earphones are strongly discouraged.  For your safety and the safety of those around you, it is recommended that you leave the music at home on race day.  If you do carry music, you must still be able to hear instructions from race officials; directions from course monitors; motorists that may have made their way onto the course; and, warnings from participants that may be overtaking you.

MARATHON & HALF MARATHON COURSE SAFETY

With the exception of official bike monitors and escorts for handcycle and wheelchair participants, bicycles are not permitted.

For handcycle and wheelchair entrants, it is the participants’ responsibility to provide a manually operated wheelchair or handcycle that is fully functional and properly maintained.  Handcycles and racing wheelchairs are expected to abide by the equipment rules and guidelines of the International Paralympic Committee.

It is strongly recommended that all handcycle and wheelchair participants wear a helmet. Due to the course being open to traffic, a flag (at least 5’ off the ground) and/or flashing light(s) on each wheelchair or handcycle is recommended.

We ask that all faster participants yield right of way and go around when overtaking slower participants.

Participants should be aware that the full and half marathon courses merge at the 15.6 mile point of the marathon (mile 2.5 of the half marathon).

Marathon participants are likely to encounter half marathon participants after the merge point. Wheelchair and handcycle marathoners with finishing times faster than 2:00 (2 Hours) can expect large numbers of half marathon participants from the merge point to the finish. Please use caution when overtaking slower participants.

Half marathon participants should be aware that marathon participants, both runners and wheelers, may be overtaking them after the merge point.  Half marathoners with finish times over 1:40 (1 hour, forty minutes) – be aware that you are likely to be overtaken by handcycle and/or wheelchair marathon participants who may be traveling at a much faster speed than you.  Please obey any commands from course monitors and/or escort bicycles/vehicles.

If you experience medical issues while on the course, please look for a volunteer, bike monitor, or police officer. There is a fully staffed medical tent at the finish.

If you have to drop out of the race, please let a volunteer at an aid station or law enforcement officer know and they will arrange for you to be transported.

Pre-Race shuttles are for participants wearing bibs only.

• Please check your gear bags promptly upon your arrival at the starting line. Bags left unattended are subject to search and removal.
• Participants will be ushered through the finish chute to post-race hydration area and gear bag pickup.  Participants can then enter the participant area and walk to the post-race area in Caras Park for food, free beer, photos and more. Participants can wait for other finishers in the gear bag pickup area or at the post-race events in Caras Park. There will be no re-entry into the participant area once finishers exit to Caras Park.

→ 2025 FINISH LINE MAP (Coming Spring 2025)