Missoula, Montana, a college town of around 75,000 people, is known for it’s famous river frontage as well as iconic hiking trails just minutes away from the downtown area. The Riverbank Run is a popular late spring run that starts the Montana running season off with a bang. Organized by the local YMCA, the Riverbank Run is a popular family activity that offers many various race options including the 1K, 5K, 10K, and trifecta race adding up to a total of nearly 10 miles. The race starts off crossing the historic Higgins Bridge, running across the massive Clark Fork River. Once crossing the bridge, the next three miles of the 10K show the local downtown neighborhoods right next to the University of Montana. Running alongside the campus, you’re able to experience the college feel by touring neighborhoods including local fraternities, sororities, as well as the University of Montana stadium. While running the race, the mountain views of the local “M Trail” make you thankful you are running on flat ground instead of climbing the beautiful mountain landscape at your fingertips. One of the best aspects of the race is the support that the local community provides for the participants. At every street corner, there are local police and traffic control volunteers that make the runners feel safe as well as encouraged while they complete their run. Homeowners along the race route sit on the lawns with loud motivating music, lemonade stands, and handmade signs cheering on the local racers all throughout the event. Not only is there continual support before the race from the YMCA and local coffee shop at the start line, Liquid Planet, but there is also post-race music and snacks including bread, fresh fruit, Gatorade, and electrolytes for the racers post-run provided by many vendors in the Missoula community. The Riverbank Run is a great way to start the running summer season in Montana. With a relatively flat course, it is a great first race option as a beginner runner. Not only is the registration process for the run smooth, but the YMCA also has local vendors that provide a virtual race bag for the Riverbank Run with coupons for the finishers that want to stay around and experience the local restaurants and shopping of Missoula.

The popular Portland running company, Foot Traffic, does it again! The Hop Hop Half is a holiday race around Easter that not only provides beautiful race views, but also top tier finish medals, and a well-deserved mimosa at the finish line. Portland, Oregon is known for it’s diverse landscape offering beautiful river views, an urban city landscape, and a diverse greenery throughout the entire Portland area. The Hop Hop Half race route checks off all of these aspects that the Portland area has to offer. The half marathon starts off with live music, festive Easter race outfits, and excitement from both the participants and volunteers. The route predominantly runs along side the Columbia River with views of the famous Mt. Hood standing at over 11,000 feet high. The one aspect of the race that should be known for all participants is to dress accordingly for the wind while running alongside the Columbia River. At some points along the race, the river is so large that it creates a lot of climate variability, including the increasing wind in the early mornings. Although the weather may seem breezy with sunny skies at the start line, the climate may change drastically throughout the route, so an extra long sleeved shirt is a necessity! The race participants are a dynamic group of runners ranging from experienced fast-paced racers to walking groups just looking to get outside and get some steps in. The Hop Hop Half is a race that is fun for the whole family. Since the start line is located right outside of the city center, parking for the race is free and easy access for both racers as well as friends and family there to support the participants. The post-race party is another Foot Traffic experience that is one of a kind. With a finisher medal that feels satisfyingly heavy and high quality, it is very gratifying to have the medal sit on your neck with a fresh squeezed mimosa in hand after running a half marathon. Foot Traffic also brings in local vendors including taco trucks, a free Easter brunch for racers, live music, race photos and Instagram worthy backdrops, as well as craft brewery options for those over 21. The Hop Hop Half is more than just a race; it is an all day experience that is fun for both the participants and supporting family and friends.

The Governor’s Cup is an iconic race that tours the historic capitol city of Helena, Montana. Through scenic tours of the historic neighborhoods, the race route takes you along the grounds of the capital building built in 1899. The spectacular views are not only of the natural Montana landscape, but the sounds of church bells from St. Helena State Cathedral at the start line, giving runners a sense of excitement and natural adrenaline to start the race off strong. Pre and post-race festivities are in the downtown walking district of Helena, with lots of fun activities for after the race including local Mexican food, homemade ice cream, and loads of craft breweries and distilleries. Fun fact, did you know that Helena is the only capital in the United States to not have a river flowing through it? This fact is interesting because Montana has more than 30 rivers across the state, including the iconic Missouri River less than one hour north of Helena. One of the most iconic features of the run is the infamous “Cardiac Hill”. Even with training the historic hills of Butte, Montana, the “Cardiac Hill” at the Governor’s Cup is not one to be messed with. Not only does hill test your physical strength, but also more importantly it tests your mental strength while climbing this behemoth of an incline. Once reaching the top of the hill, the scenic views of the entire city of Helena are both breathtaking and refreshing as the race comes to a close. One of the best features of this race includes the community aspect that the rural state of Montana has to offer. The local Governor, Steve Bullock, not only makes a race appearance for the 5K and children racers, but he also races alongside the half-marathon or marathon runners as a participant nearly every year. Not every state has the opportunity to brag that their state politician runs alongside locals in their capital race. The Governor’s Cup provides a combination of great weather, beautiful Montana views, a historic landscape, and a race that really envelops a sense of community in the city of Helena.