The Missoula Marathon course is a slight net uphill with a significant hill just past the halfway point. It starts at 3040 feet and ends at 3200 feet with the hill rising from approximately 3100 to 3256 feet.
The marathon course begins in the Montana countryside of Frenchtown, Montana. The course follows the Frenchtown Valley and the Clark Fork River into the City of Missoula. The course travels along tree-lined streets toward the finish in Downtown Missoula at the Higgins Avenue Bridge.
The Missoula Marathon was the 65th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 87th largest in 2022.
This year 7.8% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 10.5% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Missoula Marathon the 167th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 198th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 97.26 ranks it as the 366th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest course in Montana.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Missoula Marathon a PR Score of 97.26. This PR Score ranks it as the 317th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest in Montana.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Missoula Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 3263 feet (994m) Min Elevation: 3037 feet (925m)
Easy logistics from bib pickup, the shuttle to the start, and the staging area at the start, and post-race. There were tons of portos at the start. The bag drop was a cinch as it's close to the corral. I didn't even need to discard any clothes before the start, but just checked them in the bag shortly before the start. On the course, aid stations were frequent, organized, and easy to run through.
The course itself is scenic, but don't expect a lot of spectators. However that probably means if you have your family/friends out there, it'll be easy for them to move around and spot you on the course. There was one enthusiastic spectator whom I recall seeing at least three different times.
2024 had pretty good weather; not too warm, overcast, though sometimes breezy.
Race Tips
The course has the one major climb around the halfway point, be mindful of it. It may feel harder if you're not used to the altitude.
There was a lot of waiting around at the staging area before lining up in the corral. If you get there early you might be sitting around. Maybe bring a throwaway pillow, or blanket, or even some folded up cardboard boxes to make it softer if you have to sit on the ground.
Best Western+ Grant Creek Inn had a free hotel shuttle to the race shuttles, which was helpful. They also set up an early morning breakfast station for runners to carbs/yogurt/coffee/etc at 3 AM.
RTM's review of 2017 Missoula Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This was my 10th overall marathon. The course was phenomenal! Don't let the net elevation gain scare you as it is imperceptible with the obvious exception of the hill at about 13 miles. The hill is definitely worth it because that portion of the course overlooks the river, is shaded, has a bagpiper playing up there and is just beautiful. I was disappointed that I had to come down from it. 2017 was an abnormally warm year but there were many fans in the neighborhoods who put out sprinklers to cool us off and even some "Adult aid stations." The fan support for the final 10 miles when we joined up with the half marathon course was great. The Finish line festival was good with a lot going on and was a good place to revel in your accomplishment.
Overall this was in my top3 marathons. Just for reference, I have done CIM, Rock n Roll New Orleans x2, Grandma's, Boston, Mountains 2 Beach, Ogden, Pocatello and Portland (in no particular order)
Race Tips
Other than the mile 13 hill and the corresponding downhill, the course is almost completely flat so you can run it as evenly.
If you have someone nice enough to drive you to the start it's very easy to get to and hassle free. There were enough port-a-potties for me to use them twice in the 30 minutes prior to the race without more than 2 minutes wait time. I stayed at the Red Lion which worked perfectly fine. If you like beer for a victory drink visit Draught Works Brewery.
BKW's review of 2014 Missoula Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
I liked the scenic views of mountains and rivers, and the small town feel of the race. What I didn't like was the weather (59 at start, 80 at finish), numerous turns in last few miles, and crowded expo site.
Race Tips
The race starts just off the interstate in Frenchtown. The first 14 miles or so of the course are largely long straight stretches through farm areas. Just past halfway you have to climb a significant hill. After that the course is primarily on residential streets (not in the best condition) with many turns. Be prepared for a lack of shade which can be a problem given time of year (hot temperatures) and the altitude (3000 ft plus).
You have option of parking on city streets around finish line and walking about 1/2 mile to shuttle bus staging area OR parking at shuttle bus staging area and walking 1/2 mile after race to your car. Problem was that route from finish to staging area parking lots was not marked and volunteers were not to sure how to get there.
Amy V's review of 2014 Missoula Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I liked the scenic views of mountains and rivers, the spirit of the residents of Missoula, and the finish area treats. What I didn't like was the weather, including the heat at the expo, and the lack of places for lunch after the race was over. I will remember this as a sweet, charming small marathon. Also Jeff Galloway presided at the start line and ran the marathon, which was inspiring.
Race Tips
2014 saw high temps. It was 59 at the start line, but once the sun came up (25 min. in), it instantly began to warm. This might be a course in which positive splits are appropriate. The sun really warms the valley quickly, so plan accordingly. Also wear sunscreen! The altitude increases the UV intensity.
We stayed at the Hampton Inn on Reserve St., and it was nice to be out of the congestion post-race. The downtown area seemed unprepared for hungry marathoners (to be fair, the finish line reception was quite good - but I still wanted a real lunch). We tried multiple restaurants before finding one (Iron Horse) that could accommodate us. It was also FIFA final match day, so the service was badly overwhelmed.
5's review of 2012 Missoula Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Garden city is lovely. Easy, free parking. I stayed in Logan (50 minutes away) which was fine by me.
Race Tips
Flat except for one tough hill at mile 14. Final miles are in residential areas and this year when it was hot many of them set up sprinklers and hoses to keep runners cool. So nice! Great finishing stretch across a bridge into Missoula!
I camped @ local KOA. Free parking at garage in Missoula blocks from finish and where shuttles depart from. Couldn\'t be easier. Missoula is a fun, vibrant college town.
