BOZEMAN, Mont. – The 2018 Bozeman Marathon and Half Marathon shut down Main Street on Sunday as runners from more than 43 states and 3 different countries raced toward the finish line.
The 2018 race is hosted by the Bozeman Running Co. and takes runners through the Gallatin Valley, passing by farms, rivers, and the beautiful Bridger Mountain Range.
Runners crossed the finish line on Bozeman’s historic Main Street as their friends and family cheered them on. Cowbells and cheers were easily heard as each runner made their way under the arch.
“It was amazing, it was great,” said half-marathon winner Malcolm Thomas from Bozeman. “There were people along the whole way, so it was great talking to them and have them encourage you, and this coming down Main Street here and finishing in downtown Bozeman is a pretty amazing experience.”
Thomas finished the half-marathon in 1 hour, 14 minutes, and 51 seconds.
Race director Zach Haltman said each year they get anywhere from 850-1000 people who run in either the 5k, half-marathon or marathon. Along with all of the runners, there are about 60 volunteers from around the community who are at each aid station or at the finish line handing out medals.
“Having race day and having all of these volunteers come out of the community woodwork to contribute, it is really special and it is cool to give a way for people to give back, and give runners a great time too. So just making it happen,” said Haltman.
Sarah Duncan was planning on running in the race but after becoming sick she couldn’t compete. Still wanting to be involved in the event, she decided to volunteer by handing out water and Gatorade with her family.
“I am so proud of everybody and to just see it on the other side and see how hard they are working and knowing how important it is at these aid stations to just be positive and you know, cheer them on and how good that has made me feel in the past. I am really just trying to be positive for everybody,” said Duncan.
21-year-old Layne Ryerson won the full marathon with a time of 2 hours, 46 minutes, and 29 seconds.
The Bozeman Marathon is certified as a Boston Marathon qualifier.
