Missoula Marathon

Distances: marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay
http://www.runwildmissoula.org/
Race participation increased by about 50% between 2008 and 2009, which is a testament to the good reputation this race has earned over it's 3 years. The marathon course is notably flat with one modest hill around mile 13, followed by a modest downhill around mile 14. The half-marathon starts on a side road off the marathon course. The half-marathon is slightly uphill until it joins with the marathon course near the bottom of the mile 14 downhill. Traffic was allowed on the race course, but due to the very early morning start time (6 AM), most traffic was race related. Aid stations were consistently located every 2 miles and were stocked with both water and energy drink. All aid stations also had porta-johns. It would be good to see two or three aid stations in the last half of the race carry some minor 1st aid supplies. A bit of vaseline, band-aids, or ibuprofen can make a marathon finish much more comfortable, especially for new marathoners.