The Governor's Cup 2026 took place on Saturday, June 13 in Helena, Montana — the Treasure State's capital city — marking over 50 years of this cherished road race tradition established in 1974. Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, the Governor's Cup serves as the main fundraising event for the Caring Foundation of Montana, with all registration fees going to the foundation. All races start behind the Holter Museum on Cruse Avenue in downtown Helena and finish with a kick up the historic walking mall at Last Chance Gulch, crossing the line at Anchor Park. The half marathon is modified for 2026 — no busing, entirely within Helena — sharing the first three miles with the 10K before heading up South Hills Road with spectacular views of the Helena valley. Note: the marathon is not offered in 2026 due to construction changes affecting the first three miles of the marathon course.
Half
Marathon
7:30 AM
🏆 Half Marathon 21.1K — Start 7:30 AM · No busing in 2026
Start 7:30 AM · No bus transport this year · Entirely within Helena · Miles 0–3 shared with 10K course · Miles 3+ onto South Hills Road (spectacular Helena valley views) · PRIME award: fastest M/F on South Hills Road segment · Rejoin 10K/5K for finishing kick up Last Chance Gulch · Finish: Anchor Park · Avg start temp mid-to-upper 50s°F
10K
9:00 AM
10K — Start 9:00 AM · Holter Museum, Cruse Avenue
Start 9:00 AM · Holter Museum on Cruse Avenue · Challenging course with stunning views of Mount Helena, State Capitol, and historic downtown · Shares first 3 miles with half marathon · Finishes on Last Chance Gulch walking mall · Anchor Park finish · Timed · Awards top 3 overall + age groups
5K
10:00 AM
5K — Start 10:00 AM · Cruse & Lawrence
Start 10:00 AM · Starts at corner of Cruse and Lawrence · Views of Mt Helena + State Capitol + historic sites · Finishes on Last Chance Gulch at Anchor Park · Timed · All ages and fitness levels · Out-of-town packet pickup 8:45–9:45 AM at St. Paul's United Methodist Church (next to start)
Mile Run
8:00 AM
Mile Run — Start 8:00 AM · Fast PR course
Start 8:00 AM · Behind Holter Museum on Cruse Avenue · Sprint down Cruse → turn around at Cruse & Broadway → left onto Last Chance Gulch → finish · Fast and flat — built for PRs · Add-on: only $10 extra when registering for 5K or 10K · Great morning warm-up before the main events
Location: Start: Holter Museum / Cruse Avenue, Helena, MT 59601 · Finish: Last Chance Gulch walking mall, Anchor Park. Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026. Schedule: Fri. June 12: 10 AM–6 PM Packet Pickup at DoubleTree by Hilton Helena Downtown / Kids Marathon Final Mile 5:30 PM at Centennial Park · Sat. June 13: 7:30 AM HM · 8:00 AM Mile Run · 9:00 AM 10K · 10:00 AM 5K. No race-day registration. Out-of-town packet pickup Sat.: HM + Mile: 6:45–7:45 AM · 10K: 8:00–8:45 AM (DoubleTree) · 5K: 8:45–9:45 AM (St. Paul's United Methodist Church). Presenting sponsor: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana. Charity: Caring Foundation of Montana (100% of registration fees). 2026 note: Marathon not offered (construction on course) · No busing for HM. Weather: Avg high 74°F · Start temps mid-to-upper 50s · Low humidity. Awards: Finisher medal (all) · Top 3 overall + age groups (0–12, 13–19, 20–29…80+) · PRIME award fastest M/F on South Hills Rd (HM). Timing: Competitive Timing. Getting there: Helena Regional Airport (HLN) · I-15 to Helena.
All Events at a Glance
| Event | Distance | Start · Key Detail |
|---|
| Half Marathon 21.1K | 21.1 km | 7:30 AM · South Hills Road views · No bus |
| Mile Run 1 MILE | 1 mile | 8:00 AM · Fast PR course · +$10 add-on |
| 10K 10K | 10 km | 9:00 AM · Mt Helena + Capitol views |
| 5K 5K | 5 km | 10:00 AM · Cruse & Lawrence start |
| Kids Marathon KIDS | Final Mile | Fri. June 12, 5:30 PM · Centennial Park |
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🏛️ SINCE 1974 Helena, MT · Last Chance Gulch · Anchor Park · Mt Helena · State Capitol · Blue Cross Blue Shield MT · Caring Foundation · Competitive Timing
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Road shoes & running gear — i-Run
From the challenging hills of Mount Helena to the final kick up Last Chance Gulch, the Governor's Cup rewards responsive road shoes with cushioning. Brooks, Asics, New Balance, Saucony or Hoka — i-Run, the running specialist. International shipping.
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![trail campagne[85]](/getfile.php/5496431.1046.bazpimaiqtkqsb/trail+campagne%5B85%5D.jpg)