Record attendance, new course records mark 14th annual event
WHITEFISH, Mont. (June 28, 2021) – The return of the Whitefish Marathon brought sunshine and smiles as runners and walkers raced in the shadows of Glacier National Park on Saturday, May 22. After canceling the event in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants and event organizers alike were pleased to return to the streets of scenic Whitefish, Montana.
The event, managed by CRRG Events, hit record-breaking attendance numbers, doubling the size of the previous record with more than 1,000 participants for the first time in its 14-year history. The Whitefish Marathon includes a full marathon distance, as well as a half marathon and 5K event. Three course records were set at this year’s race:- Women’s marathon – 3:04:40, Kristi Spitzmueller, Minneapolis, Minn.
- Men’s half marathon –1:11:22, Micah Drew, Kalispell, Mont.
- Women’s 5K – 19:35, Nicole Murray, Missoula, Mont.
The Whitefish Marathon also hosted the RRCA State Championship race for the state, a special designation awarded by the Road Runners Club of America. Overall winners were:
- Men’s marathon – 3:02:49, Drew Galahan, Harlowton, Mont.
- Women’s marathon – 3:29:02, Leith Paganoni, Whitefish, Mont.
“After having to cancel last year’s race, we were more ready than ever to get back out there and welcome people to Whitefish,” said Art Krueger, executive director of The Wave, the owner of the event. “As the first major event in Whitefish post-pandemic, it was truly just great to see so many people participate, not only from the local community but from all across the country. We didn’t anticipate doubling in size but based on the reviews, our team hit it out of the park. Seeing some of our course records fall was just icing on the cake.”
The Whitefish Marathon started as a trail marathon in 2008, originally named the Two Bear Marathon. In 2017, the date shifted from September to May, and the course moved to paved streets as a Boston-qualifier event. The Whitefish Marathon is now supported by The Wave Aquatic and Fitness Center, and proceeds from the event benefit The Wave’s scholarship fund.
Next year’s Whitefish Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K will take place on Saturday, May 21, 2022. Registration is now open. For more information and event registration, please visit WhitefishMarathon.com.