Governor's Cup gearing up for 46th annual event

From Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana

HELENA — Registration is open for the 46th annual Governor’s Cup, the longest continually held road race event in Montana.

Presented each year by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, it is a tradition that brings thousands of runners to the streets of Helena each year.

Registration is open at http://www.govcupmt.com and there is a race for every age and skill level. The 1-mile Fun Run and Kids Marathon kick off Governor’s Cup weekend on June 7. The next day runners will toe the starting lines of the 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon and marathon relay on June 8. Race fees are currently $90 for the marathon, $60 for the half marathon, $25 for the 5K and 10K, and $15 for the Fun Run. Fees will increase on June 1.

All entrants will receive a Governor’s Cup race shirt, chip timing and race bag, along with other fun, race-related gear.

“Throughout Governor’s Cup history, it has been Montana’s marquee running event,” said Dr. Monica Berner, BCBSMT Plan president. “We are proud to present the Governor’s Cup each year, providing people with a fun event that promotes the benefits of exercise and healthy lifestyle choices.”

Rolling hills, scenic views and Helena landmarks highlight the Governor’s Cup courses this year. The marathon course starts south of Jefferson City on Wickes Road. With a 6 a.m. start, runners will enjoy the rising sun while coming into Helena on Highway 282. The half marathon gets underway at 7 a.m. in Clancy, where they will run through town before joining marathon runners on Highway 282. All runners will see the Sleeping Giant as they come into town, and then turn and greet the aptly name Cardiac Hill on Broadway Avenue in front of St. Peter’s Health. At that point the long course joins the 10K and then the 5K, with every runner finishing the last two miles together. 

The 10K — 8 a.m. start — and 5K — 10 a.m. start — courses once again begin downtown near the Holter Museum of Art. Runners will begin a trek through some of the most well-known and historic areas of Helena. This includes the Cathedral, Capitol Complex and the Governor’s Mansion. All runners will then come back downtown and then head up Last Chance Gulch and the Walking Mall, crossing the finish line at Anchor Park.

  The Governor’s Cup serves as the major fundraising event for the Caring Foundation of Montana. The Caring Foundation of Montana, a 501(c)(3) organization founded by BCBSMT in 2017, is dedicated to helping to provide access to preventive health care. The foundation operates the Care Van® program, which partners with providers to help provide access across Montana. For more information, visit http://www.caringfoundationmt.org or call 406-437-6155.