How do I register for the Missoula Marathon?

Registration is open on a first-come, first-served basis. It opens on September 15 each year and closes when the field reaches capacity, typically around 1,500 runners. If standard registration sells out, additional entry may be available through the Earl's VIP Experience.

Is the Missoula Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the Missoula Marathon is a certified Boston qualifier. The course is USATF certified and the race has a solid BQ rate among finishers.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course is point-to-point with modest total elevation change. It runs net uphill overall, with the gain spread across the early and middle miles through ranch land before flattening toward the downtown finish. There are no major climbs or descents.

What should I expect for race-day weather?

Late June mornings in Missoula are typically cool, often in the low 50s at the start. Afternoon highs can reach the low 80s, so temperatures rise significantly during the race. Conditions are mostly dry with an occasional chance of rain.

How large is the field?

The Missoula Marathon typically draws around 1,500 starters, with recent finisher counts just over 1,100. It's a mid-size field with a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere.

Is the course USATF certified?

Yes, the Missoula Marathon course is USATF certified, making it eligible for Boston qualifying times and other official race submissions.

Sat, Jun 27 · 2026Missoula, MTSince 2007

Missoula Marathon

Missoula delivers a point-to-point course through Montana ranch land and river valley with cool morning starts and wide-open roads. It's a legitimate shot at a PR if you're ready to race it smart.

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MISSOULA · US

Missoula

SAT, JUN 27

2026

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Race Overview

EST. 2007

Missoula is the kind of race you can actually get into, which already puts it ahead of half the marathons on your list. It starts out of town and runs point-to-point through open Montana ranch land before finishing in the city. The morning air is cool and dry, the roads are wide, and the first several miles feel almost effortless. Don't let that fool you. The course runs net uphill, and by the time you hit the back half the sun is up and temperatures are climbing fast. Save something early.

This is a genuine Boston qualifier if the weather cooperates and you race it right. The field is modest, the atmosphere is low-key and friendly, and registration is open on a first-come, first-served basis. It fills to around 1,500 runners, so if you're planning on the June race date, don't sleep on registration when it opens in September. If standard entry sells out, there's a VIP experience option as a backup. Overall this is a solid choice if you want a real PR attempt without the chaos of a major. Just hydrate from mile one.

Field size

~1.2k

1,153 finishers

BQ rate

9%

Near national average

Time limit

7:30

Generous cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:20:27

Matthew Adams

2014

Women

2:43:30

Mariah Bredal

2024

The Course

492 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑492 ft

Total descent

↓315 ft

Net elevation

↑177 ft

Highest point

3,263 ft

Lowest point

3,037 ft

Course shape

Point to point

Different start and finish

This point-to-point course runs net uphill overall, but the elevation spread is modest. The opening miles trend upward through ranch land before the course flattens along the Clark Fork River valley toward downtown Missoula. Total gain outpaces loss, so expect slightly heavier legs in the back half rather than a free downhill ride. The real pacing risk is the warm midmorning sun. Temperatures can climb into the low 80s by finish time, so runners who go out conservatively in the cool early miles tend to hold form better. The course is USATF certified, roads are closed to traffic, and the terrain is straightforward with no technical sections.

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Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

50°F

High

82°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

Late June in Missoula means a cool morning at the gun that can warm up fast. You'll likely start in comfortable conditions, but by the time you're in the back half the temperature can climb well into the 80s. That kind of swing catches people off guard. Hydrate from mile one, not when you start feeling it. If it's a warm year, you're racing the heat as much as the clock.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration opens September 15 annually and closes when the marathon field reaches capacity (typically 1,500 runners). Additional entry available through Earl's VIP Experience when standard registration is sold out.

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Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

BOI

253 mi

from the start

≈ 399 min transferLonger haul

What to expect

Most travelling runners fly into BOI, about 253 miles from the start, a longer haul by rideshare or transit, roughly a 399-minute trip. Stay close to the start in Missoula, MT so you're not fighting race-morning closures and transit on tired legs. Arrive a day early to clear the expo and bib pickup, and build in buffer for gear-check and corral entry.

Frequently Asked

7 questions

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