there are no bears here, but you’ll run like there are!

RACE DATE FOR 2024: SATURDAY, JUNE 1st, 2024

Why run the Paw? Runners will enjoy the thrill of running through the beautiful Bears Paw Mountains! The Bear Paws (as the locals call them) were named for the unique formation of the island mountains, which resemble a bear's outstretched paw. In the foothills of the mountains are the pristine lakes and rolling hills of Beaver Creek park, the largest county park in the nation. This unique race is a must for all marathoners!

You won’t run from the bears here, you’ll run through them!

Set your goal now and start training for the 2024 Bear Paw Marathon! Whether you’re a seasoned runner, beginner, or anywhere in-between - the Bear Paw Marathon is the perfect race for you. The course is an overall gradual decent taking you from the mountains to the plains in Big Sky Country. A mix of gravel and pavement with a few hills along the way make this a great race for all abilities. This run has you surrounded by natures beauty from start to finish.

THERE ARE NO BEARS HERE, BUT YOU'LL RUN LIKE THERE ARE!

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THERE ARE NO BEARS HERE, BUT YOU'LL RUN LIKE THERE ARE! ---

Reveiws:

If she, the race director, had not told me that it was her first ever race, I wouldn’t have known it. This is a small town race with a big town production. You’ll feel as though the event was put on for you and your close running crew.

The only thing missing from this race was you. Seriously, if you weren’t among the few hundreds of participants and a handful of volunteers, you were MIA and missed out BIG TIME. From the course to the live country band at the country catered cookout with its own coffee vendor — yeah, I went to a race without a Starbucks even close — your running crew and you missed out big time.

Escape the big city and run the Bear Paw if you’re looking to do what you love and relax at the same time with this quick course. And hopefully like me, you’ll get your own pacer to bring you across the finish line (see photo below of a dog who belongs to a local rancher named Richard). Put this race on your Runcation list if you want some Monumental Montana Moments. -AARON

I was surprised to hear this was only the 2nd year! The race was so well organized and put together and you guys had such a great group of volunteers along the way it seemed like you’ve been putting on the race for several years. If I’m not able to make it next year, I’ll for sure be back in 2024!

““By mile 13, I had already put the Bear Paw Marathon on my calendar for next year; even better, by mile 22, I hadn’t taken it off.”
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— -Drew Galahan, 2022 Bear Paw Marathon winner