Missoula Half Marathon

Missoula, Montana

Sunday, July 9, 2017

When I completed the Missoula Half Marathon in Missoula, Montana on Sunday, July 9, 2017, I completed my 350^th Marathon (135) and Half Marathon (215),  It was a wonderful morning for the event as the 6:00 AM starting temperature was 64 degrees and it was only 72 degrees by the time I finished.  The skies were mostly sunny with very little breeze.  By the time the marathon was finished the temperature was in the 90’s, however.  The point to point course utilized paved roads that were completely closed to traffic, beginning in a rural area outside Missoula and finishing in the downtown.  The first half mile was uphill, the next 2.5 miles were downhill, and the rest was almost flat.  No major roads were utilized or crossed as the layout of the course was well planned to avoid traffic backup at intersections.  After the first three miles there were many spectators lining the route cheering for everyone.  Many local residents had sprinklers along the route to let participants get sprayed if the wanted to cool off some because of the expected high heat.  Volunteers and police controlled intersections and other places where needed.  Water/Powerade stations were located from 2.5 to 3 miles apart and were manned by plenty of friendly efficient volunteers taking care of the needs of the 4200 half marathoners and 1500 marathoners.  I took three glasses of liquid at each station because the stations were so far apart.  This is the seventh time that I have completed the event, 2 marathons and 5 half marathons.  The event has always been well organized and fun to do.  A finisher’s photo and an individual results printout is provided to everyone in the finish area.  Jeff Galloway was a celebrity at the event.

Chester "Southernmost Walker" Kalb

Race Director, Tony Banovich

Jeff Galloway

Before the race

Jessica Chester Tawanna

After the race