Lace up for 13.1 miles of high-country beauty, challenging climbs, and wide-open Montana skies on the doorstep of Glacier National Park.
If you’re looking for a half-marathon that combines serious challenge with unforgettable scenery, the Glacier Half Marathon, hosted by Vacation Races just east of Glacier National Park in Montana is a standout. The point-to-point 13.1-mile course begins near Browning/Kiowa on Highway 89, climbs steadily through the first 5 miles (starting around 5,000 ft elevation and topping near 5,980 ft) and then rewards you with sweeping downhill miles toward the finish on the lawn of the historic Glacier Park Lodge.
Early in the race you’ll scale “Looking Glass Hill” and you’ll pass by gorgeous views of Two Medicine Lake during miles 5-8. Although the race is not inside the national park (permissions are tricky), it borders the eastern edge and gives you some of the closest access to that wilderness panorama in a road-race format.
Organization, according to participant reviews, is strong: well-placed aid stations, smooth shuttle logistics to the start, and thoughtful touches like partnering with the Blackfeet Tribe (since the course begins on reservation land) and giving some of the registration proceeds back to the community. You can even reserve a campsite in the Vacation Races Campground (located at Red Eagle Campground on the Blackfeet Reservation, right by Lower Two Medicine Lake) when you register for the race.
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It’s considered a tough course (the first 5 miles of climbing catch a lot of runners off-guard) but many say the descent and vistas make it more than worth the effort. (Read some reviews of the race)
In short: for park-lovers who also want to lace up their running shoes, this event is a perfect blend of challenge + nature in one of the country’s most spectacular landscapes.
To help you get started planning your trip to Glacier, Parks Channel creators have lots of tips on where to go, what to pack, where to eat, where to stay, and what to do if you see a bear. Which you will. It’s Glacier.
Top photo by VacationRaces.com
