The Montana Governor's Cup Marathon - Race Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This was my first marathon. Some of the aid stations near the end were totally deserted with no water or aid. All that was left was an empty table. I guess I should have packed my own supplies. The marathon finisher t-shirts at the finish line were great - if you wear an extra small, which I don't. The food in the marathon finisher tent was less than desirable. I guess maybe I have high standards or something.

This was 50-state club marathon #48 -- only 2 more to go (though who's counting?). When I started this marathon business, I met a true gentleman who showed me the ropes. To my surprise, Walter and I took the early start for this race without even planning to meet up. This is one beautiful, scenic course... the big sky above and the ground below... beautiful. The winds were strong and never gave any marathoners a break, and even the horses along the course had their backs to the wind. Helena is a wonderful town, and the folks sure are nice. The expo was very helpful, and two shirts are given out (one a tech). Nice medal too, though I don't know about awards, as they were not given out. In all of my 60+ marathons, I give this a 9 out of 10. Great finish through town. Ahh, did Grannie Annie mention the beautiful mountains...?

This was my first marathon. I chose this because I live in Montana and wanted to participate in the finest the state had to offer. The course workers were excellent, with plenty of water, gel and porta-potties. Spectators were sparse until the end, but the course workers were very supportive. I liked the course. It was flat, except at the very end. It ran though town into scenic farmland and then back into town. Miss Montana hung metals around finishers' necks. The finishers' shirts were nice. I'm very happy to have run it for my first marathon. There were only a couple of drawbacks. First, there was no food left in the long distance runners tent at the end. I had to eat with the 5K racers (bananas, oranges and apples). There weren't that many marathoners and I think they could have beefed up the food a little better. Also, for the finishers' shirts, I got the last extra large and it barely fit. They need to mix in some XXLs. However, overall I give this a very good rating. Good job to the organizers and workers.

I've run this marathon four times, including today! The weather was brutal with a strong cold headwind that must have been gusting between 20-30 mph for the last 11 miles of the race. But that's weather and there's nothing you can do about that. The volunteers are wonderful and spectators and fellow racers are very supportive. And Helena is a great host city. However, I prefer the old course that began at Marysville. The new course may be flat (except for the slight incline at the end of the race), but the old one was much more scenic, if challenging. It's so difficult to run miles and miles on a road to nowhere and then have to turn around and run back on the same road. Mentally, it's a killer. And who wants to see all the people ahead of them (and on their way back) while you're still plodding along? And because of that, I don't think I'll run the race again (unless they change the course). I hate to be negative, because I really like the Governor's Cup - it's the first marathon I ever ran (in '96) so it holds a special place in my heart. I just can't bear to run that course again (I've run the "new" course in '07 and '08). One huge improvement is the t-shirts, especially the design for the marathoners - they are definitely the best I've seen from this race. All in all, it's a well-run event. There are lots of aid stations, local police ensure runner safety by blocking roads, excellent volunteers and great spectators at the end of the race. Unfortunately, the course is mediocre at best.

This marathon is generally level and nice to run. It started cool, but it really warmed up by the finish. My only problem was a short side run. It was not on the map and I had to go back from an aid station to run it causing me to run an extra mile or so. I don't know if everyone ran this little spur or not. The volunteers were all great and very helpful in every way. I am told that this is a new course and I greatly admire it compared to what I have heard of the old course.

This race is just one of many that raises money for health care for poor kids in the state. The marathoners and half-marathoners run together for the first 8.4 miles before the two groups split and go their separate ways. Most of the race takes place on wide country roads among farms and ranches with green hills and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Though the elevation ranges from 4100 feet at the start to just under 3700 at the middle, and the only noticeable hill is at the start (and, therefore, at the finish). Spectators were few and far between, but the aid stations were plentiful. Awards were given only to the first-place finishers overall, even for the well-attended races, but marathon finishers got a "finisher's" shirt separate from the standard race T-shirt. The finisher's medallion was especially nice. The weather is chancy in the Rockies, but that's true for most marathons anyway. This year it was sunny and in the mid 50s at the start and near 70 when I finished, but the light breezes kept me comfortable throughout.

My first marathon - info received in a timely manner but my only complaint is that there was not enough support during the race. For slow runners like myself, water at stations was too warm and they ran out of Gu - even though they said they had a ton of it. Glad I brought my own. I think all should get medals and just one shirt at the end for finishing; save the money for the cause - who needs 2 of the same shirt? People at aid stations were the best....

I am SO glad I ran my first race here - I will always look back on this event with fondness and will definitely do it again. I rated the course with 4 stars only because I don't know what a good marathon course is. Everyone was great, friendly and supportive. It seemed well-organized and it was so much fun. Thanks everyone!

The course is really beautiful, and well supported with water/PowerAde/Gu stops staffed along the way. People were very friendly, and the weather was cool and not too sunny - perfect in my book. My only disappointment was the Park Plaza, marked (but no longer) Holiday Inn. Non-smoking rooms smelled smoky, and one side of the hotel was exposed to the pre-race-night rock band until 11:30 p.m. I'd stay somewhere else next time - and I'd come back to this course again.

Helena, MT became my 31 state in my quest for 50. Helena had the most hospitable host hotel, the friendliest array of runners, and the best, most scenic course of all that I've done.

This was my 5th marathon and ran it 'back to back ' after Coeur dAlene, ID the weekend prior. This time...great weather (actually perfect!!!)sunny starting in the 50's and low 70's F at the finish. A VERY scenic and unusual course featuring: a ghost town, downhill on a dirt road, out & back past a saloon, then a rolling run through the pastures west of Helena (lots of cattle as spectators), then...a great distance view looking towards Helena and rolling run for the final 6 miles. Enjoyed every minute of this race (despite doing another marathon the week prior!) and highly recommend the trip to Helena. Very well organized, open & friendly people and a fun 'small race' experience. Montana at it's best!!! One suggestion: Registration process should be made easier for Canadian registrants on-line. Alberta, Canada is close by!

This was my 34th Marathon. It wasn't the toughest course, but you can't fake it. I should have had a few more long runs in addition to the hill work I did. Everyone I met in Helena was very friendly. The weather was perfect. Good support along the course. And a Finisher's Medal when you cross the line. I'll be back.

This is a nice small race with less than 100 runners in the marathon with a half/10K/5K as part of the overall event. It has a scenic course which is mostly downhill, with the exception of a big incline at mile 14-15. It is mostly rural with the finish in downtown Helena. There are no spectators until the last mile or two, unless you count the cattle. The race directors did a good job of taking care of us with lots of port-a-potties at the start, decent amount of water stops and great volunteers. My only suggestion would be to shorten the amount of time between being dropped off by the buses (45 min.) and the start of the race. I went thinking that I would set a PR, not realizing how steep it really was. I burned out my quads in the first few miles without even trying and struggled over the second half of the course. That being said, I couldn't have asked for a better weather day and the folks in Montana were great. Thanks for everything.

This was my first ever marathon, and I would do it again. Course is mostly good with about 1,000 feet of net elevation loss most of which is in the first 10K. One 4-5 mile dirt road section of out-and-back, but it wasn't too bad because I got to see who all was ahead of me and figure out what place I was in. Some uphill in 13-16 was much harder than anticipated. Only thing I really didn't like was marathon relay had same start as marathon, and some of the relay runners took off at a good click which kind of pulled a lot of full marathoners out too fast.

Perfect cloudy weather, start in the mountains outside town and somewhat rolling hills made for a good run. One little boring section for an out and back spur, but everything else offered some nice scenery. The view of downtown Helena at around mile 20 was great as it helped push us on to the finish. After finishing and while walking to the car, I watched the Special Olympics run which was over the last 100 yards of the marathon course. What a great feeling to see the kids putting their all into their run. Yes, other races are going on at the same time, but hey, these runs need to make money for their charities and it also allows other members traveling with the marathoners to participate ~ maybe becoming marathoners themselves. All in all, an enjoyable stay in Helena and a good run down the hill.

You get a little of everything with this marathon. A few hills, some altitude, a couple of stretches of dirt road, buffalo grazing and mountain vistas. This was my 21st marathon and 14th state. I have run marathons with much more prestige, tradition, glitz, glamor and showcase. However I don't know if I have run one any better than this. As mentioned, it is small, there are more grass grazers spectating than people, no bands, no costume competition and no special guest stars. If you require these things, look elsewhere. This is one of the better small race experiences that I have had. The course is a nice representation of what I envision Montana and the West to be, although not the fastest course in the country. The course was marked better than some of the 'prestigious races,' aid stations were numerous, and volunteers were superb. The only complaints to keep this from a 5-star organizational or course experience are the occasional car/truck encounter (as most of the course is open to traffic). Also the ever-emerging walker threat that has evolved in many marathons in the past several years continues. I remain puzzled how some - not all - walkers can stroll 4-5 abreast, blocking the course, oblivious to all things around them. It was all for a good cause so I will stop there. There are also other running events going on simultaneously. I finished in a hoard of walkers pushing baby strollers/runners from the shorter events which I must say kind of of detracted from the marathon finish. The marathoners do have their own finish chute and recovery tent which was very nice. With that said, I want to emphasize what a nice race this is. I recommend this race with a little reservation that if too many runners find out about this little suprise it will ruin the small-race appeal.

(Ran in 1999.) Living in Missoula, Montana and a runner of local events, I got the wise idea to run a marathon, the Govenor's Cup, and my first. I had no idea what to expect. I agree with all about the course hills, etc. I ended up with a time of 3:06.11; not bad for a first-timer, I was told. the hills hurt a bit. I was unaware of teams running the event, so was passed several times and couldn't figure out why (hurt the ego some). I got a little sick in the medical tent after the race, missed the awards and had know idea I took 6th overall and 3rd in my age group (28). Hats off to the nurse that told me it would be ok when I puked. They were great. Let me sleep there awhile until I had the strength to walk the mile back to my hotel. Thanks ladies. It's now 2005, and that is my only marathon. I wanted to share my experience. It was an eye-opener.

Having read all the comments from last year's race, I went into the race with a lot of questions. After running the race, I sure felt a lot better about the race. This is a very small race. You will not get a lot of crowd support. But the course support was great. And the people running the race were wonderful. The start was a fast downhill and you must really work to slow yourself down. And the three or four hills between 12-16 are real killers. But overall it is a downhill course. And if you run it correctly, you can run a decent time. (To prove it, I had a friend get a Boston qualifying time here on her fifth try) And if you take the time to look around, it the the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen in a marathon. It is not a spectator friendly course. Your friends/spouse can only see the race at the 6/10 mile mark and the finish. Really worth doing as a change of pace to the large city races.

Tough marathon. Not a place to PR. The first six miles are run on gravel downhill. If you're not careful, you'll pay for it later in the race. Tough rolling hills in the middle of the race. Race support on the course is very good. Enough aid stations and toilets. Pre-race pasta feed was good. For $35 entry fee you receive a pre race t-shirt, a ticket to the pasta feed, a finishers t-shirt and medal, and a nice certificate. The company taking pictures was awful, calling the race a run/walk, a slap in the face to a person who just completed a tough race. Agree with the previous comments that due to the marathon being part of a number of events being run and finishing in the same spot (5K, 10k, and Half marathon) the marathoners are not as recognized as most would like. Overall if you're looking for a marathon to complete your tour through the 50 states, this one is probably not a bad choice for Montana. Just make sure you do some hill training.

(Ran in '01). Agree w/1st poster about course terrain. Vets told me some of the big uphills were removed from previous layout. You run on gravel from start through mi. 6 and 6.5-12; in '01, it was a nicely packed surface. Who knows when it's wet? Could use 1-2 more aid stations from 12th mile on. Aid stations slightly understaffed; might've gotten ugly if a crowd came past. (I also had to grab a cup away from one volunteer chatting with and hugging a walking participant... grr!) Scenic route, with nice view of downtown from about mi. 17. I had tough time figuring out position, as I encountered walkers (given 1 hr head-start), relayers, and back-of-pack half marathoners. This race had big Team in Training contingent. Their excitement and supporters livened up fairly dull and sparse spectators, even as people lined streets for last half-mile. Marathon doesn't seem to be showcased, as there is common finish for it plus 5k/10k/half-marathon. There is marathon relay. Marathoners directed to far right of finish line as other race finishers stream by in remainder of street. Organizers (in web site) choose to use non-standard approach for results by listing them in several sub-categories rather showing an overall listing by time. Bib, info, and participant shirt sent to you by mail; finishers got another shirt and medal. Post-event food and drink adequate but not noteworthy.

Bus trip provided to the start at a real ghost town in the mountains. Clothing transport trailer left too early, many missed it. Some of our warmups didn't arrive for several hours after we finished the marathon. This is often billed as a downhill course. Indeed there is a net drop in elevation, but the rolling hills are pretty torturous. The first six miles is a downhill segment that can come back to haunt your thighs in the last six miles. I have never been so sore for so long after my previous 8 marathons. This was also, by far, my slowest marathon. Results were badly botched. The masters runners (40 and above) were scored completely separately from the 'regular' marathon. So, even though the 1st - 3rd place winners were all in their forties and fifties, the overall 1st - 3rd places in the 'men's marathon' were awarded to the men who came in 4th - 6th place, because they were younger. Twenty two of the first forty male runners were masters runners. This came as a surprise to out-of-touch organizers since they thought they were giving a much needed handicap to the older runners. The handicap turned out to be infavor of the younger participants. Similar results were seen in the women's race. To have such a long history, this marathon needs an oraganizational overhaul.