Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms in the morning. High 83F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..
Isolated thunderstorms in the evening. Clear skies overnight. Low 62F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Updated: August 21, 2026 @ 3:00 am
MISSOULA, Mont. — Despite a consistient drizzle, the Missoula Marathon drew crowds of runners and fans alike this weekend.
Organizers reported a record 1,700 signups for the marathon this year. Combined with the half marathon, 5K and kids marathon, about 8,000 racers signed up for the weekend.
Leah Taylor finished third in the women’s half marathon in her first time running that distance. The former college mid-distance runner said the wet weather worked in her favor.
“Honestly, it was not bad at all. I think it helped cool my core down in middle of the race when I got warm. Perfect running weather,” Taylor said.
Taylor approached the competition with a positive mindset.
“I was in third pretty much the whole race. I wasn't really sure how the race was going to go. I was like, 'if I blow up, you know, it's at least I had fun doing it,'” Taylor said.
Men’s winner Nate Wellington also said the rain did not cause problems for him. He said he came away smiling after a surprise victory.
“We ran as a pack of ten of us for the first ten [miles], and then a breakaway of three broke away from me up over the hill at 14 [miles],” Wellington said. “I was running kind of by myself for about ten miles, but I could see that group of three. I felt good in the last five [miles] and sort to chased some guys down. It was unexpected, to win, but I'll take it. It was fun.”
The race also brought people to Missoula from around the country. Last year’s event had an economic impact of more than $4 million on the Missoula community, according to organizers.
Originally published on montanarightnow.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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