Madison Marathon
- Date Sat 11th July 2026
- Time 8:30AM MDT
- Location Ennis, Montana
- Price $75.00 - $100.00
- Races 2 races
- Distances Marathon, Half Marathon
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the highly anticipated Madison Marathon, taking place on Saturday, July 11th, 2026, in the breathtaking Ennis, Madison! Since its inaugural race in 2008, this marathon has captured the hearts of runners from nearly 40 states and multiple countries, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of camaraderie and adventure. With a limited field of only 150 runners, participants will have the unique opportunity to forge connections while running through stunning landscapes at an elevation of over 9,250 feet.
The Madison Marathon offers an extraordinary experience that combines the thrill of pushing your limits with the beauty of Montana's pristine environment. Expect to encounter wildlife and tackle exhilarating elevation changes on a well-maintained gravel road, all while surrounded by the awe-inspiring Big Sky. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or trying your first, this race is about more than just personal records—it's about embracing the journey and soaking in the unforgettable views. Join us for an elite opportunity to run one of the highest marathons on the planet, where every step is a celebration of nature and endurance!
The Madison Marathon offers an extraordinary experience that combines the thrill of pushing your limits with the beauty of Montana's pristine environment. Expect to encounter wildlife and tackle exhilarating elevation changes on a well-maintained gravel road, all while surrounded by the awe-inspiring Big Sky. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or trying your first, this race is about more than just personal records—it's about embracing the journey and soaking in the unforgettable views. Join us for an elite opportunity to run one of the highest marathons on the planet, where every step is a celebration of nature and endurance!
Organiser's Description
Since the inaugural race over Labor Day Weekend in 2008, the Madison Marathon has grown by leaps and bounds. Every year, we host runners from around 40 states and several countries. Nearly one-half of the runners come from outside of Montana which is pretty good considering we had just 200 slots open. The 200 runner cap has been reduced to 150 from the 2022 race season. The reason is due to US Forest Service policy which must regulate the number of runners on public land because the ecosystem on the Gravelly Range is quite pristine. When you see the route and its surrounding environment, youll understand that there is a lot to protect.
Every year, the Madison Marathon hosts Marathon Maniacs and 50-Staters. We also get a lot of runners who have made the Madison their first marathon along with many, many return runners (some for the 5th, 6th, and even 7th or 8th time).
Why the success? We take no credit for being good race organizers. We try hard and mostly succeed in doing what we say we will, but its not us. Its the scenery. Its the elevation. Its the wildlife (a bear ran in front of a runner one year and there was a wolf on the route a few years ago). Its the camaraderie. Since there are only 150 runners, you have a chance to meet nearly everyone. Its the chance to join an elite and unique experience. Its the extraordinary opportunity to run a marathon at over 9,000 feet on a good quality gravel road under the Big Sky of Montana. Its the fact that the starting line of the Madison Marathon is at 9,250 feet above sea level and just 13 states have mountain peaks higher than this starting line.
Its the fact that you are almost guaranteed to get a PW because of the high elevation and the four to five-mile uphills and downhills that never dip below 8,500 feet. Its also the fact that you wont care about getting a PW because this marathon really is all about the experience. Its one of the Highest Road Marathon on Planet Earth (up until a couple years ago we were THE HIGHEST). Long distance running just doesnt get any better than this.
You want to truly change your life and high five angels? This is your race.
Every year, the Madison Marathon hosts Marathon Maniacs and 50-Staters. We also get a lot of runners who have made the Madison their first marathon along with many, many return runners (some for the 5th, 6th, and even 7th or 8th time).
Why the success? We take no credit for being good race organizers. We try hard and mostly succeed in doing what we say we will, but its not us. Its the scenery. Its the elevation. Its the wildlife (a bear ran in front of a runner one year and there was a wolf on the route a few years ago). Its the camaraderie. Since there are only 150 runners, you have a chance to meet nearly everyone. Its the chance to join an elite and unique experience. Its the extraordinary opportunity to run a marathon at over 9,000 feet on a good quality gravel road under the Big Sky of Montana. Its the fact that the starting line of the Madison Marathon is at 9,250 feet above sea level and just 13 states have mountain peaks higher than this starting line.
Its the fact that you are almost guaranteed to get a PW because of the high elevation and the four to five-mile uphills and downhills that never dip below 8,500 feet. Its also the fact that you wont care about getting a PW because this marathon really is all about the experience. Its one of the Highest Road Marathon on Planet Earth (up until a couple years ago we were THE HIGHEST). Long distance running just doesnt get any better than this.
You want to truly change your life and high five angels? This is your race.
Races
-
Madison Marathon (Full)
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 11th July 2026 (8:30AM MDT)
$100.00
CLOSED -
Madison Marathon (Half)
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 11th July 2026 (8:30AM MDT)
$75.00
CLOSED
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US Forest Service Rd 100, Ennis, 59729, MT, United States
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