Running wild in Missoula has just gotten better! Finally after years of begging for a local marathon the Run Wild Missoula organization has put together the city’s first marathon. This is such an exciting development for Western Montana runners, especially those from the Missoula area who have, in the past, had to travel to Helena, Charlo, or Whitefish in order to run a marathon. This year, we can run in our own backyard.
Marathon Details
The first annual Missoula Marathon is scheduled for July 15, 2007. It will start at 6:30 a.m. in Frenchtown, Montana and end at the 50 yard line in the Washington-Grizzly Stadium located on the University of Montana campus. A half marathon course will also be offered. This course will start at the 13.1 mile marker on Mullan Road, and it too will end at the 50 yard line at the Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
Qualifying for the Missoula Marathon
There are really only a few qualifications to meet if you want to run the Missoula Marathon. First you have to be at least 14 years of age. Secondly you need to be able to complete a marathon in at least 6 hours. Finally you will need to be in good health and be able to handle the physical and mental challenges of this athletic event.
Registering for the Missoula Marathon
There are a couple of ways that you can register for the Missoula Marathon. First you can register online at www.active.com. Secondly you can fill out an application and return it to the marathon’s headquarters. The registration cost for this marathon is $60 if you register by May 31, $70 if you register by July 13, and $75 if you register after July 14. The price for the half marathon is $40 through May 31, $50 through July 13, and $55 after July 14.
You will be able to pick up your packets Saturday July 14 between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the University of Montana. Packet pick-ups will coincide with the special Missoula Marathon Event Expo. This event will offer vendors and sports educators the opportunity to meet with runners and discus the latest trends and gadgets.
Leading Up to the Marathon
You have several training options. The first option is to train by yourself using your own training schedule. Your second option is to train by yourself using one of the posted training schedules offered by Run Wild Missoula. If you don’t want to train by yourself then you can join the Run Wild Missoula training program which offers group runs and training meetings. If you are a Run Wild Missoula Member then this program will only cost you $30, and if you are not a member then the cost will be $50.
If you would like to practice race strategies then there are several running events in Missoula before the Missoula Marathon that you can enter. In April there is the 5K Run For Respect, the Kim Williams 5K Trail Run, the YMCA Riverbank run, and the Strut Your Mutt 5K. In June there is the Pengally Double Dip 12.5 mile run. Finally in July you can sign up for the Fort Missoula 4th of July Run, the Sundae Run, and the Kids Marathon.
