
Whitefish Trail Blazer
Montana trail running weekend with distances for all, benefiting local trails.
Race Date
Oct 3, 2026
Location
Whitefish, MT
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Location
- Whitefish, Montana
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 50K, 6.8 Miles, 3.4 Miles, 2 Miles, 31 Miles, 13 Miles, 6.5 Miles, 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 975
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Whitefish Trail Blazer offers a full weekend of Montana trail running, catering to all levels with multiple distances. The 50k ultramarathon, held on Saturday, is a true test of grit, featuring over 6,300 feet of elevation gain across approximately 31 miles of single and double-track trails, including a challenging ascent to the summit of Big Mountain.
Sunday's events showcase the scenic Beaver Lakes area of the Whitefish Trail, with a half marathon, 10k, 5k, and a family fun run. These courses, starting and ending at the new Whitefish Legacy Center, offer varying elevation gains suitable for different fitness levels. Participants can expect locally-made awards for top finishers, along with prizes and nutrition products.
This event, which has seen about 143 finishers recently and draws runners from around 19 states, benefits Whitefish Legacy Partners and the Whitefish Trail. Post-race celebrations include lunch, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, making it a well-rounded experience for trail enthusiasts.
Race-provided description
October 3-4, 2026 The Whitefish Trail Blazer Presented by Flathead Running Company A weekend of premiere Montana trail running benefitting Whitefish Legacy Partners and the Whitefish Trail A distance for everyone! On Saturday, the Blazer 50k ultramarathon challenges racers with over 6,300 feet of elevation gain across approximately 31 miles of single and double-track trails, including ascents to the summit of Big Mountain. Come test your grit on the best trails in Northwest Montana. *Race course is currently under US Forest Service analysis for term special use permit. Sunday's events include a half marathon, 10k+, 5k+, and family fun run. These courses explore the scenic Beaver Lakes area of the Whitefish Trail starting and ending at the new Whitefish Legacy Center and featuring varying elevation gains to accommodate different fitness levels. Participants receive prizes, nutrition products, and locally-made awards for top finishers. Post-race celebrations include lunch, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Registration for Half Marathon, 10k, 5k & fun run will close at 11:59pm on Saturday October 3rd- there will be no day-of registration. No pets allowed on racecourse. Registration for 50k will close at 11:59pm on Friday October 2nd- there will be no day-of registration. No pets allowed on racecourse.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Start Time
9:40 AM
Giveaway
Whitefish Trail Blazer T-Shirt
Start Location
Whitefish Mountain Resort & the Whitefish Legacy Center, Whitefish, MT, 59937
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest, Mountain
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout679 years running
~134 finishers a year
growing or steady
13% returning runners
3 timing sources
runners from 19 states
winner 1:44:51
typical high 62°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
42°
Afternoon (High)
62°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.0"
Precipitation
7 mph
Wind
70%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 975 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
975
Median time
2:41:22
Latest turnout
143
States
32
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Whitefish Trail Blazer?
The Whitefish Trail Blazer is held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, starting at 9:40 AM.
Where does the Whitefish Trail Blazer take place?
It takes place in Whitefish, Montana.
What distances does the Whitefish Trail Blazer offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 50K, 6.8 Miles, 3.4 Miles, 2 Miles, 31 Miles, 13 Miles, 6.5 Miles, 3.1 Miles.
Is the Whitefish Trail Blazer course flat and good for a PR?
The Whitefish Trail Blazer is a hilly, loop course course.
How many people run the Whitefish Trail Blazer?
HalfRuns has finish records for 975 runners who have completed the Whitefish Trail Blazer.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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