Marathon Details - The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > MT > Helena > The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon

The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon & Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 10K, 5K

Helena, MT USA

June 8, 2024

http://www.govcupmt.com

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Results:	2023 \| 2022 \| 2021 \| 2019 \| 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 \| 2008 \| 2007 \| 2006 \| 2005 \| 2004 \| 2003 \| 2002 \| 2001 \| 2000 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	Bryan Haines
Address:	3546 Alice St Helena, MT 59601
Phone Number:	1-406-437-6198
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 3.7

Organization 4.1

Spectators 2.7

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Number of comments: 31 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

G. H. from Illinois (6/21/2021) "A great experience for a Montana marathon" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my 21st state I have run a marathon in, and Montana did not disappoint. The pros: A beautiful course with some great views; Montana is a fabulous part of the country to visit. Much of the race was downhill (but certainly not all of it!) with a net loss in elevation of about 900 feet. I was mailed my bib and t-shirt for a $5 fee. That was a great perk for me as someone traveling to this race. Good organization at shuttle pickup, start/finish, and at water stations. I love small races. If you do too, put this one on your list. Room for improvement: Does the race have to start at 6:00 am? In order to get ready, eat, and get to the shuttle pickup by 4:15, I had to be up at 3:00 am! The shuttle arrived at the start line at 5:15. It was probably around 40 degrees. Standing in the cold for 45 minutes before start time doesn't help my muscles. Speaking of starting line, there was not nearly enough porta-potties; I waited in line for 30 of those 45 minutes I was waiting for the race to begin. Other thoughts (neither positive nor negative): Hills! Be ready for them. There was a long, slow incline starting between miles 3 and 4 that took the wind out of me and then some other smaller ones as you hit the late teens and early 20s. There was a really tough one around mile 23 or 24 they colorfully call 'Cardiac Hill.' It was tough and came at a time when I was already struggling. All in all, I was very pleased with my time so the course has to be a fast one. With the altitude (starts at 5000 feet), the hills, and a bothersome knee, I was only ~2.5 minutes slower than my most recent race. This race was canceled in 2020 which is when I had originally planned on running it. The communication through the cancellation and re-registering process was good and fair. This is the first race I have run since COVID hit that went back to paper cups of water instead of individual plastic bottles. I saw very few masks the entire day. It felt good to be getting back to normal.
M. K. from Mountain View, CA (6/14/2021) "Challenging course; well-run race" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 There is about 1800 feet of descent and more than 900 feet of ascent, and most of the climb occurs in the last 10 miles, so this isn't an easy race. But it's beautiful and well-organized, and I'm very happy I ran it. This is a friendly, small race. Staying at the Doubletree made logistics very easy for someone without a rental car, but if you've got a car you could stay anywhere in Helena, which is an interesting capital city.
W. C. from New York (6/13/2018) "Beautiful course, amazing volunteers!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The course is stunning! 360 degrees of mountains surrounding the 26.2 miles. There are a few challenging hills, but they're worth the view. There were more volunteers on the course than there were runners ... and they were so friendly and helpful! I highly recommend this race for those who don't need a ton of spectator encouragement.
A. M. from Medical Lake WA. (6/18/2015) "Not an all down hill run!" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Yes, the first 5 miles are truly down hill, but miles 7-11 are pretty long rollers with more uphill than down. It is a good course but do not expect an all downhill run.
E. G. from Murray, UT (6/16/2015) "Well organized local marathon" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I traveled from Utah to Montana for this race and I was really pleased with my experience from start to finish. First off, this is a pretty small marathon, with less than 150 finishers for the full. So don't expect a massive throng of people. After about 3 - 4 miles you'll likely be running by yourself for most of the race. The pre-race expo was easy to navigate and was held without a lot of fanfare. I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. Bus transportation to the race start was flawless as well. There is plenty of parking downtown that is close to the buses and to the finish line. Once you are at the race start just below Marysville, you have about 30 minutes to kill, which is nothing compared to some other races I've done where you have to sit around for 90 minutes or more. Bathroom lines were somewhat long. The first 5 miles are the best part of the course. It is downhill and shaded and filled with some terrific views of pine shrouded hills. It is also downhill. The middle miles are mostly run on farm / ranch roads that aren't closed to traffic. I didn't have any problems with traffic and the roads were well supported. There are some rolling hills as well. I felt the course was challenging despite the overall downhill nature (the downhills didn't pound my quads that badly either). There is also a few miles of dirt road and bike trail (both paved and dirt) Course support consisted of Heed, water and Hammer gels. I wish they had a few more water stops, one every 3 miles seemed to sort of stretch it a bit especially as the sun came up (there isn't any shade on the course so dress appropriately). I am also glad I carried my own fluids as I went through that plus theirs. The finisher's medal is definitely unique and heavy-duty. I really liked it and it stands out from many of the others I've gotten. The t-shirt was your standard tech shirt... Post race food consisted of more Heed, water, bananas, oranges and bagels. I was hoping for a bit more, especially after a marathon. Soda, ice cream or real food would've been a nice touch. Crowd support was minimal. There are some really super great volunteers at the water station who knew what they were doing and gave a lot of motivation. The final half mile or so had some crowds but if you are a 4+ hour finisher, don't expect a whole lot. Crossing the finish line was sort of anti-climatic. The course on my Garmin measured 26.3 miles. The mile markers were spot on until about mile 24. Overall I was really pleased with this race and would recommend it to a friend or for someone wanting to run in Montana. If this race came up and it fit into my plans I would definitely run it again. The scenery is outstanding and I felt I received a good experience for the price paid plus there is so much to do and see in that part of the country.
T. H. from MT,usa (7/3/2014) "Great small town marathon" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ The Montana Governor's Cup Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I thought this was a really great, fast, 80% downhill course. It starts in the mountains at a ghost town, rips downhill for six miles, levels out for a couple, then more downhill, some rolling hills, then more downhill, level couple miles, more downhill, then 4 miles of uphill at the end. All I heard was complaining about the uphill 4 at the end! It's a fast course. Scenic, relaxed, good aid stations every 3 miles.
K. S. from Connecticut (6/17/2014) "Beautiful Views" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This marathon is run on a beautiful and scenic course surrounded by mountains. The volunteers were great and very enthusiastic. Don't expect any crowd support though until the last half mile in town. Pre-race communications were great. The food and drinks at the finish were a little disappointing. Water stations being 3 miles apart is okay for a cool day and for me since I carry a bottle, but should add more if it's forecast to be warm.
G. Z. from Kalispell, MT (6/15/2014) "Fun Run In the Helena Valley" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Not a serious runner, I ran the 1/2 marathon and thoroughly enjoyed the views of the valley. Pros: Volunteers were great; organization for an event of this size is good. Relatively flat course and not much vehicle traffic to worry about. Lots of water and HEED at the aid stations. Cons: Not much except more port-a-potties needed at the start and mid-way aid stations. Fun Run that ends in the historic downtown center! Will Return.
T. T. from USA (6/14/2014) "Beautiful scenery" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 Good organization on the bussing as this was a point to point race. Aid stations only every 3 miles which could be problematic if weather hotter than today. Enthusiastic volunteers at aid stations. The volunteers were the only spectators on the course. Three negatives: near the end you pass through a walking mall that is cordoned off but within this space are the walkers from another race (probably the 5K). Those of us taking longer to finish the Marathon 4:45ish had to weave in and out them. They were walking 4 and 5 abreast and it was hard to get around. Post race food (bananas and mini bagels) was very disappointing. Medal is basically an advertisement for this run - good have had a cool medal based on scenery etc.
M. D. from Belgrade, MT (9/20/2008) "What a GREAT First Marathon Experience!" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was a great start to my half marathon career. I ran out in the country for about 6 miles, where I didn't even miss my iPod! Volunteers were amazing, and the course provided a flat course with some rolling hills.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

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G. H. from Illinois (6/21/2021) "A great experience for a Montana marathon" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my 21st state I have run a marathon in, and Montana did not disappoint. The pros: A beautiful course with some great views; Montana is a fabulous part of the country to visit. Much of the race was downhill (but certainly not all of it!) with a net loss in elevation of about 900 feet. I was mailed my bib and t-shirt for a $5 fee. That was a great perk for me as someone traveling to this race. Good organization at shuttle pickup, start/finish, and at water stations. I love small races. If you do too, put this one on your list. Room for improvement: Does the race have to start at 6:00 am? In order to get ready, eat, and get to the shuttle pickup by 4:15, I had to be up at 3:00 am! The shuttle arrived at the start line at 5:15. It was probably around 40 degrees. Standing in the cold for 45 minutes before start time doesn't help my muscles. Speaking of starting line, there was not nearly enough porta-potties; I waited in line for 30 of those 45 minutes I was waiting for the race to begin. Other thoughts (neither positive nor negative): Hills! Be ready for them. There was a long, slow incline starting between miles 3 and 4 that took the wind out of me and then some other smaller ones as you hit the late teens and early 20s. There was a really tough one around mile 23 or 24 they colorfully call 'Cardiac Hill.' It was tough and came at a time when I was already struggling. All in all, I was very pleased with my time so the course has to be a fast one. With the altitude (starts at 5000 feet), the hills, and a bothersome knee, I was only ~2.5 minutes slower than my most recent race. This race was canceled in 2020 which is when I had originally planned on running it. The communication through the cancellation and re-registering process was good and fair. This is the first race I have run since COVID hit that went back to paper cups of water instead of individual plastic bottles. I saw very few masks the entire day. It felt good to be getting back to normal.
M. K. from Mountain View, CA (6/14/2021) "Challenging course; well-run race" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 There is about 1800 feet of descent and more than 900 feet of ascent, and most of the climb occurs in the last 10 miles, so this isn't an easy race. But it's beautiful and well-organized, and I'm very happy I ran it. This is a friendly, small race. Staying at the Doubletree made logistics very easy for someone without a rental car, but if you've got a car you could stay anywhere in Helena, which is an interesting capital city.
W. C. from New York (6/13/2018) "Beautiful course, amazing volunteers!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The course is stunning! 360 degrees of mountains surrounding the 26.2 miles. There are a few challenging hills, but they're worth the view. There were more volunteers on the course than there were runners ... and they were so friendly and helpful! I highly recommend this race for those who don't need a ton of spectator encouragement.
A. M. from Medical Lake WA. (6/18/2015) "Not an all down hill run!" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Yes, the first 5 miles are truly down hill, but miles 7-11 are pretty long rollers with more uphill than down. It is a good course but do not expect an all downhill run.
E. G. from Murray, UT (6/16/2015) "Well organized local marathon" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I traveled from Utah to Montana for this race and I was really pleased with my experience from start to finish. First off, this is a pretty small marathon, with less than 150 finishers for the full. So don't expect a massive throng of people. After about 3 - 4 miles you'll likely be running by yourself for most of the race. The pre-race expo was easy to navigate and was held without a lot of fanfare. I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. Bus transportation to the race start was flawless as well. There is plenty of parking downtown that is close to the buses and to the finish line. Once you are at the race start just below Marysville, you have about 30 minutes to kill, which is nothing compared to some other races I've done where you have to sit around for 90 minutes or more. Bathroom lines were somewhat long. The first 5 miles are the best part of the course. It is downhill and shaded and filled with some terrific views of pine shrouded hills. It is also downhill. The middle miles are mostly run on farm / ranch roads that aren't closed to traffic. I didn't have any problems with traffic and the roads were well supported. There are some rolling hills as well. I felt the course was challenging despite the overall downhill nature (the downhills didn't pound my quads that badly either). There is also a few miles of dirt road and bike trail (both paved and dirt) Course support consisted of Heed, water and Hammer gels. I wish they had a few more water stops, one every 3 miles seemed to sort of stretch it a bit especially as the sun came up (there isn't any shade on the course so dress appropriately). I am also glad I carried my own fluids as I went through that plus theirs. The finisher's medal is definitely unique and heavy-duty. I really liked it and it stands out from many of the others I've gotten. The t-shirt was your standard tech shirt... Post race food consisted of more Heed, water, bananas, oranges and bagels. I was hoping for a bit more, especially after a marathon. Soda, ice cream or real food would've been a nice touch. Crowd support was minimal. There are some really super great volunteers at the water station who knew what they were doing and gave a lot of motivation. The final half mile or so had some crowds but if you are a 4+ hour finisher, don't expect a whole lot. Crossing the finish line was sort of anti-climatic. The course on my Garmin measured 26.3 miles. The mile markers were spot on until about mile 24. Overall I was really pleased with this race and would recommend it to a friend or for someone wanting to run in Montana. If this race came up and it fit into my plans I would definitely run it again. The scenery is outstanding and I felt I received a good experience for the price paid plus there is so much to do and see in that part of the country.
T. H. from MT,usa (7/3/2014) "Great small town marathon" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ The Montana Governor's Cup Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I thought this was a really great, fast, 80% downhill course. It starts in the mountains at a ghost town, rips downhill for six miles, levels out for a couple, then more downhill, some rolling hills, then more downhill, level couple miles, more downhill, then 4 miles of uphill at the end. All I heard was complaining about the uphill 4 at the end! It's a fast course. Scenic, relaxed, good aid stations every 3 miles.
K. S. from Connecticut (6/17/2014) "Beautiful Views" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This marathon is run on a beautiful and scenic course surrounded by mountains. The volunteers were great and very enthusiastic. Don't expect any crowd support though until the last half mile in town. Pre-race communications were great. The food and drinks at the finish were a little disappointing. Water stations being 3 miles apart is okay for a cool day and for me since I carry a bottle, but should add more if it's forecast to be warm.
G. Z. from Kalispell, MT (6/15/2014) "Fun Run In the Helena Valley" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Not a serious runner, I ran the 1/2 marathon and thoroughly enjoyed the views of the valley. Pros: Volunteers were great; organization for an event of this size is good. Relatively flat course and not much vehicle traffic to worry about. Lots of water and HEED at the aid stations. Cons: Not much except more port-a-potties needed at the start and mid-way aid stations. Fun Run that ends in the historic downtown center! Will Return.
T. T. from USA (6/14/2014) "Beautiful scenery" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 Good organization on the bussing as this was a point to point race. Aid stations only every 3 miles which could be problematic if weather hotter than today. Enthusiastic volunteers at aid stations. The volunteers were the only spectators on the course. Three negatives: near the end you pass through a walking mall that is cordoned off but within this space are the walkers from another race (probably the 5K). Those of us taking longer to finish the Marathon 4:45ish had to weave in and out them. They were walking 4 and 5 abreast and it was hard to get around. Post race food (bananas and mini bagels) was very disappointing. Medal is basically an advertisement for this run - good have had a cool medal based on scenery etc.
M. D. from Belgrade, MT (9/20/2008) "What a GREAT First Marathon Experience!" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was a great start to my half marathon career. I ran out in the country for about 6 miles, where I didn't even miss my iPod! Volunteers were amazing, and the course provided a flat course with some rolling hills.

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Marathon Details - The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon