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Valley Journal Marathon date set for Aug. 21, 2010
Valley Journal
To download the registration form for the
2010 Valley Journal Marathon
click here
For a map of the course
click here
The date has been set for the third annual Valley Journal Marathon. The race will be held Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010 along a similar route as last year.
The 26.2-mile marathon course begins in Ronan and follows a scenic route northeast along the Mission Mountains before winding back to the northwest to finish in Polson. A 13.1-mile half-marathon course begins in the middle of the marathon course and follows the same route toward the finish line in Polson.
All participants will be bused to the starting lines, so everyone is encouraged to park their vehicles at Riverside Park in Polson, right next to the Polson Bridge across the Flathead River.
This is a foot race only — no bikes or mechanical devices will be allowed. The marathon starts at 6 a.m. at the corner of U.S. 93 and Terrace Lake Road, heading east and north. The half-marathon begins at 8:30 a.m., starting near the corner of Minesinger Trail and Mountain View Road. Marathoners may leave drop bags with four-wheeler chase vehicles, which will also carry refreshments and energy bars/packs. Numerous aid stations will be located on the course, most in the last half which also services the half-marathon competitors.
The marathon course rises from Ronan by an elevation of about 400 feet over the course of the first eight miles. There's about two miles of downhill, dropping 200 feet, then a rise back up 200 feet by th 15-mile mark. But after that, it's mostly downhill as the course drops 450 feet in elevation over the final 11 miles.
Beginning at about the 23rd mile for marathoners and the 10th mile for half-marathoners, runners are greeted by the beautiful view of Flathead Lake to the north as they crest Polson Hill and head down into Polson along a paved walking path. The last half-mile or so winds along residential streets before ending at the finish line at Riverside Park.
Competitors who register prior to Aug. 1 will be guaranteed a t-shirt. Extra shirts are not guaranteed for late registrants. To insure your registration has been received, call 406-676-8989.
To register for the 2010 Valley Journal Marathon or Half-marathon, download the registration form at www.valleyjournal.net/marathon.pdf
For a map of the course, see www.valleyjournal.net/more/marathonmap2010.jpg
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