All marathons

Mid-September · Mountain West · Point-to-Point

Bozeman Marathon

Bozeman, MT · Sunday, September 13, 2026

A net downhill course through Montana's Gallatin Valley, dropping out of the mountains toward Bozeman with real elevation loss built in.

Gallatin Valley mountain backdrop

  • Best for PR
  • Boston Qualifier
  • Scenic
Official site

Opens the race organizer's website

Typical start

52°

Cooler than 29% of U.S. marathons

Modeled historical conditions

Elevation gain

150ft

Flatter than 64% of races

Estimated total climb

Field size

800

Larger than 31% of races

Estimated field

PR potential

9.4/10

Top 11%

Almanac model

Percentiles compare this race against all 224 U.S. marathons in the Almanac.

Course profile

150 ft gain · -800 ft net

Net downhill course, point-to-point.

0510152026.2
Schematic profile drawn from total gain, total loss and course category, on a shared vertical scale of 1,600 ft. Not a surveyed GPS trace.

Race-day weather

Modeled from location, month and coastal proximity, not verified race history.

6 AM

44°

Start

52°

Midday

63°

ExcellentGoodWarmHeat risk

Typical start sits at 52°F, excellent marathon conditions.

Typical dew point 40°F, 16% chance of precipitation, wind around 7 mph. All modeled.

The bottom line

This is a course built to give time back.

Bozeman Marathon is a strong choice for a fast time on tired legs, and the route gives back elevation for most of the 26.2 miles. The tradeoff is atmosphere: expect long quiet stretches and few spectators.

Why runners choose this race

A point-to-point course around Bozeman, MT, that gives back elevation for most of the race.

The case for it

  • PR attempts
  • Boston qualification
  • Runners who care about scenery
  • Runners who want a low-key start

The tradeoffs

  • You want crowds and on-course energy

Course and logistics

Course type
Point-to-Point
Surface
Road
Profile
Net downhill
Total gain
150 ft(estimated)
Total loss
950 ft(estimated)
Net elevation
-800 ft(estimated)
Field size
~800 runners(estimated)
Crowd support
Quiet, low-key
Entry
Data coming soon
Start / finish
Start and finish in different locations

Race details

Typical timing
Mid-September
Next confirmed date
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Region
Mountain West
Editorial tier
Featured
Data last reviewed
2026-08-26
  • Best for PR
  • Boston Qualifier
  • Scenic
  • Point-to-point
  • Net downhill
  • Destination race

Similar races

Races with a comparable profile.

Early May · Mountain West

The Colorado Marathon

Fort Collins, CO

Weather
53°Ftypical startModelled estimate
Field size
~1,500 runners
Course
Net downhill
Elevation
150 ft gain · -1,200 ft net

Event listed as: Marathon

PR10Weather9Experience7

Mid-May · Mountain West

Ogden Marathon

Ogden, UT

Weather
52°Ftypical startModelled estimate
Field size
~2,500 runners
Course
Net downhill
Elevation
100 ft gain · -1,100 ft net

Ogden Canyon descent; premier scenic BQ

PR10Weather9Experience8

Late June · Mountain West

Missoula Marathon

Missoula, MT

Weather
54°Ftypical startModelled estimate
Field size
~1,500 runners
Course
Net downhill
Elevation
180 ft gain · -400 ft net

Classic Big Sky country finish across bridge

PR9Weather9Experience7