One of the best new marathons in the country is the Run Wild Missoula Marathon. This is the second year the Missoula Marathon will be offered and it looks like it will be an even better race event than the city's first marathon event. If you want a safe course, great running conditions and absolutely breathtaking scenery, then you need to enter the Missoula Marathon.
The Basics
The second Annual Missoula Marathon is scheduled for July 13, 2008. Runners will leave the starting line in Frenchtown at 6 a.m. and follow the river into Missoula and end at the Higgins Avenue Bridge, located in Downtown Missoula. Running conditions will be near perfect for marathoners. It will be in the '50s in the morning and in the '80s in the afternoon, with low humidity all day long. (Last year the temperatures broke records and surpassed 100 degrees by the afternoon, so keep your eye on the weather reports the night before the race.) The cost of registration is $60 if you register before May 31, $70 if you register by July 11 and $75 if you register by July 12. There will be no race day registration opportunities, so get your registrations in early.
Events & Divisions
There are several different race events that will be held on July 13. The main event, of course, is the full marathon. However, a half marathon and a kid's marathon will also be offered. Wheelchair racers can enter the Missoula Marathon, however, there isn't a special wheelchair event.
Age divisions for this marathon are similar to those used by other marathons. Age divisions include the following breakdowns: 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+. There will also be a relay division open to a variety of different types of teams.
Why You Want to Enter the Missoula Marathon
In addition to near perfect marathon weather and conditions, the Missoula Marathon is also just a great celebration of running and runners. Missoula is a great community that lends a lot of support to local events. Many of the local businesses have donated prizes, food, refreshments and other items to make your stay in Missoula a lot of fun. For example, you can get around Missoula free all day on Saturday because the Mountain Line bus service is offering free rides. There are a lot of great trails to explore, stores to shop in and community events to stop by. Goody bags will also be offered to runners and they will contain coupons, freebies and treats. They will also include items that will help you to explore the city while you are here for the race.
On race day you will find a complimentary shuttle from the parking garage in Downtown Missoula to the race's starting line. Warm up exercises will be led by Gold's Gym and aid stations will be set up along the route. At these stations you will find water, endurance sports drinks and PowerBar Gel. Portable toliets and medical services will also be provided at each aid station, at the starting line and at the finish line. This race even provides you with pacers. Just look for a balloon and you know who the rabbits are.
The final attractions to the Missoula Marathon are the Sports Expo and the Runner's Spa. The Sports Expo will be held the day before the race. This is where you can pick up your runner's packets and explore what sports vendors have to offer. The Runner's Spa will be located near the finish line in Caras Park. It will contain full body massage services, bathrooms, espresso, furniture to relax on, changing rooms and food and beverages. This is a great spot to unwind after the event, talk with the other runners and meet up with your friends and family members.
