calendar icon May 2, 2024

Missoula Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Missoula Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.7 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.2 
 
 
Number of comments: 166 [displaying comments 41 to 51]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 3 4 5 6 7 .. 17 > ]

 

M. L. from New York, NY (7/13/2016)
"Unique well run marathon" (about: 2016)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Missoula Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Its Montana, so the field is small and the spectators are sparse, but it is a ton of fun.

Pros
-Least stressful point to point I've ever done because of simple logistics
-Awesome race staff and volunteers
-Full weekend of events (beer run, 5k, half/full)
-Relatively flat course and great weather
-Huge quality medal
-Free photos
Cons
-Cheap, hideous purple shirt for full. Half and 5k shirt was more pleasant color. Previous years shirts were nicer.
-Post race spread lacked protein
-Huge line for free post race photo

I did this as a 50 stater and had a really good time. The race staff is so nice. They are replying to everyones comments one by one on Facebook. From people cheering on horses to a guy in a Tux playing a Grand Piano on the front lawn, this is really a fun and unique race.
 

N. K. from Lancaster, PA (7/13/2016)
"What a race!" (about: 2016)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Missoula Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


As a 50 stater, I look forward to every state, but I was really eager for this race...and I was right to be. The organization is top notch. Getting to the start via bus was a breeze, porta potties and water stops were plentiful, and the course marshals did a great job of keeping everyone safe. The finish line was packed with spectators which provided a huge boost while running on the bridge.

The medal and the shirt were excellent. The course was beautifully laid out, with fireworks and a cannon to start us out. While mountains were all around us, the course itself was incredibly flat, including a nice steady downhill after a short hill around the halfway mark.

Missoula was a great little city/big town with a lot of charm and great shops. It was an excellent marathon experience that is well worth the trip.

The weather is also wonderful. It was unseasonably cool this year, though even on hot days Montana is cool in the morning. There is very little humidity, making for a 'comfortable' marathon experience.
 

D. K. from Madison, WI (7/12/2016)
"One of the Best" (about: 2016)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Missoula Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Ran the 10th Missoula Marathon...great community, volunteers (thanks to all of the volunteers), and course. Well organized. Love the shirt and medal (always a plus). Stayed to visit the area and drink cold smoke scotch ale (yum). Congratulations Missoula...well done!
 

Terri Worboys from Lethbridge, AB, Canada (4/15/2016)
"Amazing first marathon experience!" (about: 2015)

1 previous marathon | 1 Missoula Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


As a beginning 51 year old marathon runner, to say I was nervous would be a major understatement! I had done the back half (the half marathon) 3 times as a trial while gradually trying to work up the experience, fitness level, and nerve to attempt the full. I had been psyching myself up for months to not hit 'the wall' which, of course I did (early at around mile 18) and immediately began debating myself as to whether or not I could eventually cross the finish line. I was absolutely amazed at the number of Missoula cheerleaders who hung around to cheer on someone who took almost 5.5 hours to finish and I really could not be any more grateful or appreciative. And it was really fun to be recognized at the finish line, by the announcer, as a first time marathon completer. I could not say enough about the level of support for non-elite beginners who really need the support and encouragement. Oh and the course is beautiful except for that mountain in the middle of it :).
 

T. P. from Minneapolis, MN (9/19/2015)
"Fantastic Montana marathon" (about: 2015)

50+ previous marathons | 6+ Missoula Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This a go to marathon if you want to run your first marathon, see the city of Missoula, run a marathon in Montana, etc, Great overall race organization from the Beer Run on Friday evening to the marathon on Sunday. The weather was prefect this year and the spectators that were out on the course were fantastic. Only a couple hills from mile 13 to 16 and then flat and back into downtown Missoula. Awesome pacers for the marathon. If you get a chance you really need to run the Missoula marathon.
 

K. M. from Meridian, ID (7/25/2015)
"Seriously world-class" (about: 2015)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Missoula Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


One of the best organized marathons I've ever run, including Boston, New York, etc. Beautiful course. Perfect weather this year, though it can be hot some years. I think you can achieve a PR on the course. Enthusiastic spectators, though fewer compared to bigger marathons. Great running town.
 

Tom Porter from Watkinsville, Georgia (7/17/2015)
"Well organized with beautiful western scenery" (about: 2015)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Missoula Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I was able to run the marathon while vacationing and I was glad I did. Missoula was a beautiful town with unique shops and restaurants. Race director and staff did a wonderful job organizing the expo and run. Also I enjoyed hearing Dick Beardsley talk on Saturday. Thank you Missoula for a great experience.
 

B. b. from Portland Oregon (7/15/2015)
"Fabulous Marathon" (about: 2015)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Missoula Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I am an average runner and was a little nervous after reading comments about the hill at mile 13. While it was steep, it was only steep for a short distance and it really wasn't bad.

The spectators were super nice, residents along the route set up chairs on their driveways to cheer runners on and even set up sprinklers for us.

The grand piano playing was touching and just amazing!

For the last 4 miles of the marathon spectator support was super! Right down to the ice cold sponges.

I highly recommend this marathon, I not only enjoyed the run, but PR'd, again as an average runner my prior personal best as 4:25, I finished at a 4:15.

Missoula is a friendly town and the volunteers were amazing!!!
 

m. s. from mansfield, tx (7/15/2015)
"Great point-to-point scenic course" (about: 2015)

50+ previous marathons | 3 Missoula Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Perfect weather in '15, cool and overcast. Overall a flat course except for miles 12 to 15. Steady incline from mile 12 to 13, tough hill from mile 13 to 14, another incline from mile 14 to 15. Great small city for a great small marathon. Spectators were few but enthusiastic where they were. Great aid stations, nice medal and nice post race party.
 

M. G. from Arizona (7/14/2015)
"This race delivers on all levels..." (about: 2015)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Missoula Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Definitely a must-do. Was my 88th and was there to celebrate Jeff G's 200th - glad I came! Extraordinary scenery and easy course!

Packet pick-up a breeze. Many pre-race activities including a beer run and 5K. EVERYONE is friendly and helpful - small town feel throughout. Well-organized buses to start with tons of portalets, last-minute items to help you, on-time start, well-marked course and mile markers. Update mats worked perfect.

Great energy at the end. DJ knew what he was doing, loads of post-race food and places to sit. Easy drop bag pick-up. Metal is huge!

Race priced very well, numerous and up-to-date posts on Facebook, emails, etc. Water stops manned with very friendly folks. Never alone on the course but never crowded. Pacers were spot-on.

This race promised and OVER-delivered. They are excellent stewards of the sport. Airport close by, incredible scenery and things to do abound. Hotels had good rates and late checkout. Looking forward to returning soon. FANTASTIC job, Team Missoula!
 

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