Missoula Marathon Weekend: Where Community Meets 26.2 Miles

Montana's running scene is about to hit its peak as the Missoula Marathon Weekend returns June 27-29, proving once again why this corner of Big Sky Country has earned national recognition as one of America's premier running destinations.

What started as a dream among local running enthusiasts has evolved into something much bigger: a three-day celebration that draws more than 7,500 participants from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and eight countries. Runner's World, USA Today, and National Geographic have all taken notice, but for Race Director Trisha Drobeck and the team at Run Wild Missoula, the real magic happens at ground level.

"The Missoula Marathon is more than just a race—it's a celebration of what makes this community so special," Drobeck explains. "From the scenic course to the incredible volunteers and the support of our local businesses, this event reflects the heart and soul of Missoula. Whether you're chasing a personal best or just soaking up the experience, there's a place for everyone at the start line."

That welcoming spirit translates into serious economic impact. The 2024 event generated an estimated $4 million in direct economic benefit from out-of-state visitors, with 57% of participants traveling from beyond the Missoula area. Those numbers, calculated by Destination Missoula, reflect how a grassroots running event has become a significant driver for local businesses and jobs.

The weekend kicks off Friday at Caras Park with the Runner's Expo, where 45 vendors will showcase everything from running gear to local craft beer. Saturday brings the Tony Banovich 5K (featuring 24 teams competing in the Workplace Wellness Challenge) and the Kids Marathon, ensuring the youngest runners get their moment to shine.

Sunday delivers the main events: the full marathon starting at 6:00 AM and the half marathon at 7:00 AM. Runners will navigate 15 aid stations, 332 strategically placed porta-potties, and the enthusiastic support of 600+ volunteers manning over 800 positions.

Among the field, keep an eye on Mark Messmer, who's gunning for an unprecedented sixth marathon victory. In addition three Montana natives have earned "Legacy Runner" status by completing every single Missoula Marathon since the inaugural 2007 race.

This year's guest speaker, Martinus Evans, founder of the Slow AF Run Club, embodies the event's inclusive philosophy. Evans will be signing books and speaking throughout the weekend, reinforcing the message that running belongs to everyone, regardless of pace.

The event's commitment to sustainability shines through its partnership with Home ReSource, expanding zero waste initiatives across all venues. From compostable utensils at the finish line to TerraCycle bins for hard-to-recycle items, organizers are proving that major events can minimize their environmental footprint.

Prize money totaling over $13,000 across all events ensures competitive fields, but the real reward might be simpler: experiencing what Run Wild Missoula calls "the last best race in the last best place."

With 40 buses shuttling runners to start lines and 50 law enforcement and emergency medical personnel ensuring safety, every detail reflects the community investment that makes this weekend possible. For a state that often feels overshadowed by flashier destinations, the Missoula Marathon weekend proves that authentic experiences and genuine community spirit still draw people from around the world.

Registration remains open at runsignup.com/missoulamarathon, because in Missoula, there's always room for one more runner.