2026 Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon
The Monument Marathon offers a scenic run along the Oregon Trail in Nebraska, supporting student scholarships.
Race Date
Sep 26, 2026
Location
Gering, NE
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Location
- Gering, Nebraska
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 3,363
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Monument Marathon, first run in 2007 and now in its 14th edition, winds through Scottsbluff and Gering, Nebraska, tracing parts of the historic Oregon Trail. This non-profit event raises funds for local community college student scholarships, drawing participants from around 32 states.
Runners consistently praise the race for its friendly atmosphere, excellent organization, and supportive volunteers. The course is noted for its spectacular views and is described as a point-to-point full marathon, with a half marathon, relay, and 5K also offered. The typical field size hovers around 225 finishers, with a loyal following of about 24% returning each year.
The event includes a Friday expo with apparel, vendors, and tourism information, plus shuttle rides to Scotts Bluff National Monument. Race day kicks off at 7:30 am, with all participants needing to be at the Five Rocks Amphitheater before the start.
Race-provided description
Welcome to the most beautiful race in Nebraska! Runners from all over the country have described us as the friendliest, most supportive, and best organized race they have participated in. We feature spectacular views, wonderful course support, and an amazing crew of volunteers. We are a non-profit race. All proceeds from the Monument Marathon support students at our local community college.Event details and scheduleEvent Date (all times Mountain)
Last Saturday in September
Five Rocks Amphitheater 200701 Co Rd P Gering, Nebraska
Packet Pick-up and Expo
Friday prior to race day, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm Pasta Feed, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Gering Civic Center 1050 M St Gering, Nebraska
Plan to stay a while at our expo! We have a photo booth, Monument Marathon apparel for sale, tourism information, vendors and booths, and shuttle rides to the top of the Scotts Bluff National Monument.
Race Day Information
NOTE: ALL participants must be inside Five Rocks Amphitheatre prior to 7:30 am. Five Rocks Road closes when the half marathon starts.
Starting times
Full Marathon: 7:30 am (busing to start at 6:00 am, 6:20 am, and 6:40 am) Half Marathon: 7:30 am (follow the signs to Robidoux RV Park starting line) Half Marathon Relay: 8:00 am (follow the signs to Robidoux RV Park starting line - bus for leg two leaves at 7:50 SHARP, bus for leg three leaves at 8:30 am SHARP) 5K: 8:00 am (follow the signs to Robidoux RV Park starting line) Full Marathon Start
Our full marathon course is point-to-point, so a shuttle to the start is provided. Runners can catch a bus at Five Rocks Amphitheater starting at 6:00 am, 6:20 am, or 6:40 am.
Runners can use the beautiful Wildcat Hills Nature Center building for pre-race warmth while you're waiting for the start. We also have gear drop at the start, so dress warmly and we'll bring your items back to the finish line.
Aid Stations
We have aid stations every 2-3 miles along the course. All aid stations have water, Gatorade, energy gels, and port-a-potties. A few aid stations also have fruit available. Contact Information 308-630-6550 racedirector@wncc.edu www.monumentmarathon.com
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Start Time
1:30 PM
Start Location
Gering, NE, 69341
Course Info
Course Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Park, Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Quality Score
Standout7614 years running
~222 finishers a year
growing or steady
24% returning runners
2 timing sources
runners from 32 states
winner 1:12:17
typical high 80°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
53°
Afternoon (High)
80°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
13 mph
Wind
43%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,363 finishers actually crossed the line across 14 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,363
Median time
2:21:39
Latest turnout
225
States
44
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
About the Organizer
Frequently asked
When is the 2026 Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon?
The 2026 Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon is held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, starting at 1:30 PM.
Where does the 2026 Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon take place?
It takes place in Gering, Nebraska.
What distances does the 2026 Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the 2026 Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The 2026 Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course.
How many people run the 2026 Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,363 runners who have completed the 2026 Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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