This race was done right... coffee at the starting line, gels and endurolytes at aid stations, accurate mile markers, cool shirts, unique finisher medals, fun atmosphere, incredible course, and post-race massages. Organizers and volunteers get an A+. The fans, although small in number were very supportive.

I wore racing flats, which worked fine, but at times wished I had a trail shoe... the first half of the marathon is quite rugged. The town of Whitefish is great and definitely worth traveling to. I appreciate marathons that pay attention to details, and this one nailed them all. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to run a challenging marathon.

This was my first "partial trail" marathon, so it was quite different from the road races I'm used to. The first 15 miles are a variety of forest roads (not too bad) to VERY rugged single trails through the woods (think tree roots, rocks, sharp dips, inclines, forest hazards, etc.). It was much more "primitive" than I had anticipated, but also extremely beautiful. Honestly, I was so focused on not falling and injuring myself, that the miles seemed to go faster than with the traditional marathon! I was SO relieved when I finally hit the streets and could settle into my usual "mindless" leg turnover. However, be aware that what is promoted as "gentle decline" and the easiest 2 miles of the day in the last 7 miles would not be how I would describe that portion. If you are ready for a long uphill stretch in the sun, as well as some rolling hills (in addition to some declines), you'll be more mentally prepared than I was. I know, it all seems uphill in the last 7 miles, but it really WAS uphill more than the literature suggested!

As for the organization, the packet pickup (not an expo) was simple but efficient. The information was thorough and the race start well organized. Although there were times I questioned if I might be off course, the route was fairly well marked and the volunteers helpful. I loved the two bears (in costume) at a couple of spots and the finish! The finish was well organized, and there was plenty of food (bratwurst, potato salad, cookies, etc.) and drink (including beer!). The finisher's medal is very worth the effort, and the high-tech, long-sleeved race shirt is unique and something I'll be proud to wear. I liked knowing that the entry fees would go for scholarships so that others can make use of The Wave facilities, and this counted as a charitable donation! The only downer about the finish is that they said the awards ceremony would be at 1:00 p.m., and it didn't actually start until about 2:15. I would have taken more time to shower and enjoy the facilities at The Wave if I had known it would take so long. I guess it was the lack of chip timing; that was a blast from the past to the old rip-off-the-bottom-part-of-the-bib-and-put-it-on-a-safety-pin days. More realism on the part of the race directors would enhance the experience and allow better decision-making by the exhausted runners.

Bottom line, if you want to see Montana up close and personal, and if you're not faint of heart when it comes to trail running, this is a GREAT marathon! Make sure you plan your trip to allow time to visit Glacier National Park, visit the Whitefish Brewery and Mission Winery, and ski areas in the less crowded off-season!

What a way to finish 2006. This was the most beautiful and inspiring course I have ever run. The logistics were excellent, the staff outstanding, and the course was awesome. The course was very challenging and the farther I got into the race, the more motivated I was to run. I will recommend this race to all my friends. The awards are unique (cool), the after-race party fun, and the people at the Wave were very supportive. Let's do this again next year.

A unique race, winding through the quiet coolness of the Stillwater State Forest, then emerging from the forest to road-running along Whitefish Lake, and ending with increased excitement, momentum, crowds, and celebration in downtown Whitefish, Montana. Challenging but well-marked course; great aid stations; very organized; supportive co-runners; awesome post-race gathering. Had a blast and will do it again if offered.

I second all of the remarks by the above commentator. This was great marathon; an exceptional job for a first time. The organizers knew what they were doing! And the finisher's 'medals' - wow; and the awards - wowee. If you want a Montana marathon, this is the one!! All others will have to work hard to top this one!

COLOR ME IMPRESSED with the Two Bear Marathon, held in Whitefish, Montana. Registration at 'The Wave' the day before went smoothly and the facility is beautiful. Runners (and spectators) were bussed to the 7am start, which was lighted by floodlights, had coffee, water and Heed, and portapotties. The course description on the website was fantastic - I knew what to expect throughout the race. And the gravel roads/trails were very easily navigable (eg. not overgrown, no huge cants, etc). The course was EXCEPTIONALLY well-marked, spray painted arrows, orange signage, and large course maps along the way with 'You Are Here'.

The first half on the marathon was on gravel private roads, with a few trails thrown in, the second half was on pavement, along Whitefish Lake. Total elevation gain was approx 2400 ft - with as much downhill as up. Although I train hills at least once per week, the downhills were rough on my quads, but definately managable. The footing was excellent, as well, even after 1/4 inch of rain two days earlier. Typically I experience a HUGE discrepancy in my times between trail races and road races, but this course only added 16 minutes to my marathon PR so it definately is quite doable.

SUMMARY: If you are looking for a challenging, beautiful course and a small uncertified marathon in northwestern Montana, the exceptionally well-organized and crowd-supported Two Bear is for you!