Bear Paw Marathon
Bear Paw Marathon offers a scenic loop through Montana's unique mountain foothills.
Race Date
Jun 6, 2026
Location
Havre, MT
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, June 6, 2026
- Location
- Havre, Montana
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 5K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 420
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Bear Paw Marathon, set in Havre, Montana, invites runners into the foothills of the distinctive Bear Paw Mountains. These unique island mountains, locally known as 'The Bear Paws,' lend their name and shape to this scenic race.
The course winds through the rolling hills and pristine lakes of Beaver Creek Park, the largest county park in the nation. This half marathon is a loop, designed to showcase the natural beauty of the area. With approximately 141 finishers recently, the race is growing and attracts participants from around 10 states.
First run in 2021 and now in its fifth edition, the Bear Paw Marathon has cultivated a loyal following, with about 22% of participants returning. Runners can expect a unique experience celebrating the local landscape, with a typical winning time around 73 minutes.
Race-provided description
Runners will enjoy the thrill of running through the beautiful Bear 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!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
130 5th Ave, Havre, MT, 59501
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Mountain, Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
Quality Score
Standout635 years running
~98 finishers a year
growing or steady
22% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 10 states
winner 1:13:26
typical high 74°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
54°
Afternoon (High)
74°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
15 mph
Wind
53%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 420 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
420
Median time
2:16:29
Latest turnout
72
States
17
Turnout by year
2021–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Bear Paw Marathon?
The Bear Paw Marathon is held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Bear Paw Marathon take place?
It takes place in Havre, Montana.
What distances does the Bear Paw Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 5K.
Is the Bear Paw Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Bear Paw Marathon is a rolling hills, loop course course.
How many people run the Bear Paw Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 420 runners who have completed the Bear Paw Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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