HalfRuns
Whitefish Trail Blazer

Whitefish Trail Blazer

Montana trail running weekend with distances for all, benefiting local trails.

Race Date

Oct 3, 2026

Location

Whitefish, MT

Standout67

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

Beginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishGreat Post RaceGreat Swag

Course

Scenic Route

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

Directions

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

50K6.8 Miles3.4 Miles2 Miles31 Miles13 Miles6.5 Miles3.1 Miles

Quality Score

Standout67
Methodology
Heritage18/20

9 years running

Size11/15

~134 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty13/20

13% returning runners

Course & details5/15

3 timing sources

National draw8/10

runners from 19 states

Front-pack speed0/5

winner 1:44:51

Weather8/10

typical high 62°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (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

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:25p50 median ≈ 2:304:40

Turnout by year

20172025

'17'18'19'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

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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