FAQs – Whitefish Marathon

WHEN IS THE WHITEFISH MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, AND 5K?

The Whitefish Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K is on May 18, 2024.

WHAT TIME DOES THE WHITEFISH MARATHON, HALF, AND 5K START

All races will start together at 8:00 am.

WHERE IS THE START/FINISH

All races will start and finish at Whitefish Depot Park.

HOW DO I GET TO THE START?

Depot Park is located on the north side of Whitefish, Montana at 510 Railway St. Whitefish, MT 59937 Parking is available in any of the public parking lots in downtown Whitefish. Please be courteous of local businesses and do not park at Marcus Foods.

WHAT IS THE TIME LIMIT?

The time limit for the Full Marathon is 6.5 hours, while the limit for the Half Marathon is 4 hours.

ARE THERE PACERS FOR THIS RACE?

We do not have pacers for this race.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

Register online HERE. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram page for the Whitefish Marathon Road Show where you will be able to sign up at locations around the Flathead at a discounted rate!

LODGING: DO AREA HOTELS OFFER GROUP RATES

Yes! The Firebrand Hotel in Whitefish offers group rates for race participants. Book online using the ID and Password below:

http://firebrandhotel.com/groupslogin/

Group ID: MARA2023

Group PASSWORD: WHITEFISH

Or call 406-863-4055 or 844-863-1900 to speak with a reservations agent.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CANNOT RUN OR CHANGE MY MIND?

Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable. While refunds are not available, we can defer your entry to next year's race. Deferral requests are due one week prior to race day.

In the event of a race cancellation, all racers will have the option to defer to next year's race or donate entry towards The Waves Scholarship fund. The good news is The Wave is a 501(c)(3) corporation, and because we are donating 100% of your entry fee to The Wave Scholarship Fund, your entry fee is tax deductible.

CAN I JUMP INTO THE RACE AND PACE A FRIEND?

Don't be a race "bandit"! If you want to run, you need to register and have a bib. Runners without official race bibs will not be allowed on the course. It's just not fair to the other runners and our volunteers.

WHERE AND WHEN IS PACKET PICKUP?

Friday, May 17: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM at The Wave (1250 Baker Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937)
Saturday, May 18: 6:30 AM - 7:45 AM at Depot Park (510 Railway St, Whitefish, MT 59937)

WILL THERE BE AID STATIONS AND WHAT ELSE CAN I EXPECT ON THE COURSE?

We average an aid station every 3-4 miles.

Every aid station will offer water and HAMMER Heed and some will offer HAMMER Gels. Porta potties will be located at most aid stations.

What to expect on the course: The roads will be open to traffic so please use caution while running. However, Volunteers will be placed at strategic locations along the course and they will help guide you on when to cross certain roads. The course is well marked with chalk paint on the road and Whitefish Marathon directional signage.

WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE AND WHAT IS THE ELEVATION CHANGE ON THE COURSE?

The Whitefish Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K is on an all road course. You can find the elevation change on the course maps on each event page.

IS THERE RUNNER TRACKING?

Runner tracking will not be available during the event.

MAY I LISTEN TO MUSIC ON THE COURSE?

We do not have a rule against listening to music during the event but, we strongly discourage use for safety. Participants will be using sections of live roads and being able to hear your surroundings is important.

WILL THERE BE SOMEONE TAKING PICTURES OF ME ON THE COURSE?

Yes, photographers will be traveling the course and one will be stationed at the finish line.

WHERE CAN SPECTATORS VIEW THE RACE?

There are many great places to view the race. Please be careful when driving the course. Be respectful of all racers on road.

WHAT AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN AND WHEN IS THE CEREMONY?

Awards to be presented in front of the Beer Garden in Depot Park and will award the following:

- Top 3 overall female and male in the marathon, half marathon and 5K
- Age group winners in the marathon, half marathon and 5K for both genders in 10-year age divisions

Award Presentation approximate times are as follows:
- 5K awards @ 9:00 AM
- Half Marathon awards @ 10:30 AM
- Marathon awards @ 12:00 PM

Cash Purse:
- Marathon 1st: $500
- Marathon 2nd: $300
- Marathon 3rd: $200

- Half-Marathon 1st: $350
- Half-Marathon 2nd: $200
- Half-Marathon 3rd: $150

*We do not ship awards, so stick around enjoy a beer and cheer for your fellow runners while you wait.

WILL YOU ALLOW BIKES OR STROLLERS ON THE COURSE?

Bikes are not allowed on the course.

Strollers are allowed, but must start at the back of the field.

IS THERE A BAG DROP?

Sorry, no bag drop. Suck it up, this is Whitefish, Montana, not Boston...

WILL THERE BE A PARTY AT THE FINISH?

Yes! Jeremiah Johnson Brewing will be offering a celebratory beer for the runners!

Also, hang around town for FishFest! Food trucks, several dining options at local restaurants, and a patio-party at the Craggy Range Bar & Grill!

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS WHITEFISH, MONTANA AND HOW DO I GET THERE?

We’re in the northwest corner of the state, near Glacier National Park.

By Train: Amtrak eastbound from Seattle; westbound from Chicago.

By Air: Delta, Northwest, Alaska/Horizon, Big Sky and America West all serve Glacier Park International Airport, just 15 minutes from Whitefish.

WHAT KIND OF WEATHER CAN I EXPECT IN MAY?

May in Whitefish, MT has an average high of 65°F and an average low of 38°F. We had a gorgeous day in 2019 but just in case, prepare for rain or possible snow (hey, it is Montana!).

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE TO DO THERE?

Glacier National Park is just 25 miles away! Take a stroll through downtown Whitefish and enjoy galleries, jewelry, clothing shops and don't forget to get some good eats before your big race!!

WILL A FITNESS CENTER OR SHOWERS BE AVAILABLE FOR PARTICIPANTS?

Yes! Race participants may use The Wave facilities on Saturday and Sunday. Show your race bib and complete the guest waiver for entry.

WHITEFISH MARATHON FAQ