Madison Marathon

Distance: marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay
http://www.madcoedc.org/marathonresults2008.htm
The organizers believe this is the highest road marathon in the Northwest. Whatever the case, it must be right up there (pun intended), lying between 8500 and 9500 feet in elevation. Hoping to make this an annual event and a destination marathon, they did well with the inaugural (2008) race: good pre-race communication with (very useful!) directions to the start and mile-by-mile course descriptions; late weather updates, mile markers on the course and temporary signage on race morning, marking the road up to the start. The event included a half marathon, a full marathon and a marathon relay. Both distances were out and back, with the HM turning around at the marathon midpoint, at around 9350 ft in elevation. Plenty of rolling hills happened on the way out so it wasn't all just downhill on the way back. There were door prizes, shirts, an after-race BBQ and beer.

The race lies entirely along a narrow, gravel or dirt Forest Service road in the Gravelly Range, southwest of Ennis, MT, amidst beauty rivaling that of the Beartooth. Runners shared the course with a few motorists and four-wheelers, all of whom were polite and respectful of runners' safety. It is also possible that runners might share the road with moose, cattle, bears and other wildlife. Aid stations were provided along the route. The race begins at Clover Meadows campground, so camping is an alternative to making the long, bumpy drive on the morning of race day.

Given the race's exposed topography, it's probably a safe bet that the wind --which pounded runners pretty good --blows hard most of the time. Ironically, though the draw of the event is its high elevation, the wind will likely be the real challenge. In any case, this is a unique and beautiful race that's worth the trip.
****reviewed by a Helena Running Club guest reviewer****