The Whitefish Marathon was the 306th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 255th largest in 2022.
This year 5.6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 3.9% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Whitefish Marathon the 368th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 253rd highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 96.12 ranks it as the 396th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 6th fastest course in Montana.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Whitefish Marathon a PR Score of 96.12. This PR Score ranks it as the 373rd fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 5th fastest in Montana.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Whitefish Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 3272 feet (997m) Min Elevation: 2999 feet (914m)
I really enjoyed this marathon. It's now known as Whitefish Marathon and it starts in the small town of Whitefish. There were plenty of aid stations throughout the course, and the scenery is fantastic.
Race Tips
The first half of the marathon is run alongside the 1/2 marathoners along a slightly rolling (but mainly flat) loop. Back at downtown Whitefish, the full marathoners continue on into a hillier section (running above a lake and up toward the ski resort). The elevation gain isn't too bad, but it's something to keep in mind as you pace yourself through the first half.
I thought the course volunteers were plentiful and very helpful. They had plenty of water, gatorade and even gels at certain stations.
The scenery is outstanding. At different points throughout the course, you have inspiring views of the snow-capped mountains.
I flew in from Philadelphia for this race. There are a good number of airbnb options as well as some nice hotels. If you're traveling to this race, I'd recommend coming in a day or two early so that you can have a chance to hike through a portion of Glacier National Park while you're there.
