What is the Best Overall Marathon in the country? According to the readers of "Runner's World," it's the Missoula Marathon. The race is this Sunday, July 11, and is expected to attract more runners and walkers than ever before.
This year organizers of the Missoula Marathon can boast that they have at least one participant from every state.
***UPDATE: Check here for the results and race recap of the 2010 Missoula Marathon.
Last month it was announced that 49 of the 50 states were represented. The only one missing, Delaware. After putting the word out and offering a free race entry and hotel stay, they finally snagged Jess Manning, a triathlon coach from Delaware.
Only in its fourth year, the Missoula Marathon has already built a reputation for having top-notch organization and a beautiful course. Most of the marathon route has a slow but very gradual uphill, with only one big hill at close to the halfway point.
The Missoula Marathon is one of the few races that encourages walkers, giving them a separate 5:00 a.m. start, an hour earlier than the runners of the full and half marathon events.
The Missoula Marathon is also one of the most environmentally friendly races in the country, offering 100% compostable cups, bio-degradable plastic plates, bowls, and cutlery, a solar powered expo, and even a finisher's t-shirt made out of 50% recycled plastic.
This year temperatures are expected to be much warmer than in 2009 when racers enjoyed overcast skies and highs in the 50s. On Sunday runners should plan for sunny skies with temperatures in the 50s at the start, building to high of 83 by mid-day.
In 2009, Kiefer Hahn won the men's division of the marathon in 2:33:17. Annie Thiessen won for the women in 2:57:44.
Comments
Where is the this marathon? Did I miss it somewhere?
All 50 states, that is a pretty good accomplishment.
In Montana Erin :)
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