Missoula Half Marathon in Missoula, Montana

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Mother Daughter trip to Missoula

A new state for both of us!

Beautiful views from our hotel room



Warm welcome from the Holiday Inn Missoula

Exploring

Checking out the farmer's market


We had smooth travels into Missoula, Montana. Our hotel, the Holiday Inn Missoula, provided a shuttle from the airport. On Saturday morning there was a wonderful farmer's market in Caras Park right outside the hotel. The Expo and packet pick up were there as well, with vendors and merchandise from previous years available for purchase. I got the softest hoodie that I've worn almost every day since.  I especially liked that they had repurposed the leftover volunteer shirts from last year's race into reusable shopping bags! So cool! There was a very nice walking/biking path along the Fort Clark river.


My first pre-race dinner meet up with the 50 States Half Marathon Club


We went out to dinner at The Montana Club restaurant to celebrate with Laura Lindsey. It was a big group, and a really nice way to get to know other club members. Laura finished her 50 State Half Marathon Club challenge the following day with the Missoula Half Marathon. We used an Uber to get to and from dinner, it was very easy. We were able to do our quick race weekend without a rental car. But, if time allowed, it would have been wonderful to rent a car and visit Glacier National Park. Maybe next time!


State-shaped bib is fun!


My first official pre-race photo with the 50 States Half Marathon Club



Such a nice group!



I loved the cool early morning start surrounded by natural beauty

The first mile flew by because I was so awed by the scenery

Great crowd support, this guy is playing the grand piano for us in his yard!

I love these murals, and I love this picture!

We explored the University of Montana campus

Huckleberry ice cream from the Big Dipper!

My new favorite race!


The medal is awesome


5 down... let's go!




This was an incredible race experience, start to finish! It was so well-organized, and such a fun place to visit. The Holiday Inn Missoula was in a perfect location right next to the expo/packet pickup/finish line. They provided an airport shuttle, a shuttle to the start line buses, and were very welcoming to the runners. I actually ended up staying there because the official host hotel was sold out, but I would absolutely choose to stay there in the future. I hope I can come back and run this race again!


If I had to come up with one tiny critique, the race photographers
 were not obvious so all of my free pictures look something like this... 




Montana complete! State #5, Half #10

Date: 6/29/2025
Bib: 4553
Time: 3:09:39
Pace: 14:29


Now it is time for a little rest and recovery over the summer.

I'll be back in October with the Wineglass Half in Corning, New York!



Location: Missoula, MT

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