FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Whitefish Marathon Returns in 2023 with Course Changes
and State Championship Title
Reduced elevation change and RRCA special designation highlight 16th annual
marathon in Whitefish, Montana
WHITEFISH, Mont. (Dec. 20, 2022) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ - Runners at the
2023 Whitefish Marathon Powered by Hammer will be competing for records on
an updated course, while vying for an extra championship medal thanks to
the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). The 16th annual event in
Whitefish, Mont. on Saturday, May 20 was named the RRCA Marathon State
Championship race, providing extra incentives and opportunities for
community runners.
Held in the shadows of Glacier National Park, the full marathon has
historically been known as a hilly course with more than 1,100 feet of
elevation change. A four-mile course change between miles 13 and 26 of the
marathon will reduce the overall elevation change while providing scenic
views of Whitefish Lake. The updated marathon course has been certified by
USATF, an industry standard in producing accurately measured race
distances.
As an added benefit of being named the RRCA Marathon State Championship for
Montana, RRCA will provide awards for the top Whitefish Marathon finishers.
Award categories include open male and female, 40-plus male and female,
50-plus male and female, and 60-plus male and female. The RRCA Championship
Event Series is the largest grassroots-organized running series in the U.S.
with over 200 races participating that attract nearly 300,000 participants.
RRCA Championship Events are designated annually at the State, Regional,
and National level through a competitive bidding process. The Whitefish
Marathon previously earned the Marathon State Championship distinction in
2019, 2020 (event cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and 2021.
The Whitefish Marathon, owned by the nonprofit The Wave Aquatic and Fitness
Center and currently managed by CRRG Events, began as a trail marathon in
2008. Originally named the Two Bear Marathon, the event has gone through
significant updates since 2017. In addition to a rebrand and date shift
from September to May, the race now includes a full marathon, half marathon
and 5K. The Whitefish Marathon has become a 'runcation' destination,
attracting participants from more than 40 states. Proceeds from the event
benefit The Wave's Membership Assistance Fund, for those in financial need,
and the School to Pool Swim Program.
"We've really enjoyed the success and excitement surrounding the Whitefish
Marathon, and we have our participants in mind first and foremost when we
consider these changes," said Art Krueger, general manager of The Wave.
"It's all about enhancing their experience from start to finish. We know
participants come to run Whitefish for the views. Now they can come to PR
and BQ as well! Holding the RRCA State Championship at Whitefish adds an
extra level of prestige to the event, and I think the added competition
could bring us some new records too."
There are no course changes planned for the half marathon and 5K races held
in conjunction with the Whitefish Marathon.
For course maps and event registration, please visit WhitefishMarathon.com.
About CRRG Events:
CRRG Events is an event management and production company with more than 20
years of producing successful running events. Based in Carmel, Indiana,
CRRG Events has staged and managed events across 11 states ranging from a
1-mile football halftime race to ultramarathons. For more information,
please visit CarmelRoadRacingGroup.com.
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