Whitefish Marathon

I'm working toward crossing off my 50 states and picked this marathon due to the lower elevation and proximity to Glacier National Park. The first half was a beautiful course running through the scenic country side. The second half was not as pretty and a bit boring. Mile 20-26 are on unshaded highway and due to the weather being around 80 degrees that was tough and there were limited water supplies at that point in the course when it was most needed. It was known several days in advance that it would be unseasonably warm and offering an early race start would have made a big difference. This is overall a smaller race only 126 ended up completing the full marathon this year so it is to be expected limited frills and amenities.

Course is quite challenging as it circles Whitefish Lake. Great trails. Great fall foliage. Water every 2.5 or so. However the Heed drink is simply nasty. Suggest they upgrade to Gatorade. Some course markings are hard to see. You really have to pay close attention whether you're in the woods or on local streets. Trail shoes recommended as the footing in the first 15 miles is somewhat uneven and slippery in places. The official website says 4,600 feet of ascent. That is simply incorrect. My Garrmin showed 2,345 ft of ascent. Refreshments at finish extremely skimpy.. Bottom line, I'm a 50-stater and I highly recommend making this your Montana race.

Prompt 7am start with cool crisp air around 42F with two costumed bears send the runners off on their uphill climb thru the woods. The first 15 miles of the course are a mixture of rock, root and well packed dirt with very little loose gravel. Runners are treated to spectacular views as the early morning sun and mist rise off Whitefish Lake. One is tempted to stop and look at this postcard like view. Towards the 15 mile point the well marked single track trail widens to jeep trails, preparing you for the departure to the rolling asphalt road by the Grizzly Pair Ranch. The remaining course rolls around the lake with views of the water and contemporary homes surrounding it. Friendly helpful volunteers assisted runners with water, Heed, Hammergel, fruit, pretzels and gummy bears. Some runners were even luck enough to receive a personal cheer for encouragement. The final 2 miles are on the bike path, a welcome relief for those screaming quads. As you pass thru town and crest the hill you can see the finish line at the Wave. The party begins at the finish line with runner's names, finishing times and hometowns being announced. Plenty of bottled water is available and a handsome stone two bears finishers medal with black cord is placed around each marathoner's neck. The awards ceremony has a wonderful assortment of microbrews generously provided by Tamarack (Blackberry Porter & IPA )and Big Barn (Honey Summer & Apricot) and Piggyback BBQ supplied the perfect companion delicious pulled pork sandwiches with slaw. Wonderful massages were provide by the Wave during the awards ceremony. Marathoners received etched black stone two bear awards in 10 yr. divisions. All runners received a handsome L/S tech black shirt with the two bears design, date and location of race on shirt front. And if you still haven't had enough exercise you can visit the Wave for swimming, workout, sauna, steam room or simply a nice hot shower. The swim was perfect! You can extend your Montana adventures by exploring Flathead Lake, The Bison Range or Glacier/Waterton International Peace Park. Animal sightings and weather will not disappoint you, but be sure to bring winter clothing. If you are lucky, you may even see the first snowfall of the season in Glacier. I experienced it on a hike led by Ranger Kelsea to Avalanche Lake.