Governor's Cup
Governor's Cup: Montana's longest-running half marathon, a fast point-to-point through Helena.
Race Date
Jun 13, 2026
Location
Helena, MT
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Location
- Helena, Montana
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.22 Miles, 3.11 Miles, 1 Miles
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 3,224
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Since 1974, the Governor's Cup has been a Helena tradition, drawing roughly 264 runners annually from about 18 states. Nearly a quarter of participants return each year, a testament to the event's enduring appeal. Staged in Montana's capital city, the race unfolds against a picturesque backdrop of the surrounding countryside, offering a genuine slice of Treasure State hospitality.
The half marathon is a USATF-certified point-to-point course with a gentle net drop of 2.40 meters per kilometer, making it a prime candidate for a personal best. June weather in Helena typically ranges from 49 to 75°F with low humidity, ideal for fast running. After crossing the finish line, runners are greeted with a T-shirt and the satisfaction of completing one of the state's longest-running athletic events.
Race-provided description
The Governor's Cup is looking forward to welcoming runners to Helena on June 12-13, 2026. Make plans now to come to Montana's capital city, enjoy one of the state's longest-running events, and do a little exploring while you're here. Established in 1974, the the Governor’s Cup caters to families, recreational runners and elite athletes looking for a great way to exercise their competitive spirit and celebrate the benefits of a health lifestyle in Helena, Montana. Staged in the picturesque backdrop of the Treasure State’s capital city and its surrounding countryside, the Governor's Cup features the half marathon, 10K, 5K and mile run.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
100 S Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT, 59601
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+2.40 m
Separation
58.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MT18001MF · Governor's Cup Half Marathon
Net downhill course — fast finishing times are common. Point-to-point course layout.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8118 years running
~264 finishers a year
growing or steady
24% returning runners
USATF certified · 4 timing sources
runners from 18 states
winner 1:13:21
typical high 75°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
49°
Afternoon (High)
75°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
48%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,224 finishers actually crossed the line across 12 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,224
Median time
2:12:34
Latest turnout
274
States
45
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Governor's Cup?
The Governor's Cup is held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the Governor's Cup take place?
It takes place in Helena, Montana.
What distances does the Governor's Cup offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.22 Miles, 3.11 Miles, 1 Miles.
Is the Governor's Cup course flat and good for a PR?
The Governor's Cup is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Governor's Cup?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,224 runners who have completed the Governor's Cup.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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