Governor’s Cup Announces Event Updates

Annual race cancels marathon, moving half marathon course back into Helena for 2025 

HELENA – Governor’s Cup race officials announced today that due to a change in the surface of the first three miles of the marathon course along with logistical challenges, they will not be staging a marathon this year. Presented annually by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, the Governor’s Cup will still feature a half marathon, 10K, and 5K races on June 14, 2025, in Helena, Mont. 

Entering its 51st year, the Governor’s Cup is the primary fundraising event for the Caring Foundation of Montana®. The foundation, through its Care Van® program, provides access to preventive health care services, such as immunizations, dental and vision screenings, and sports physicals. 

“After several conversations with our race committee, local organizations, and the Helena running community, this is the best decision at this time for the Governor’s Cup,” said Governor’s Cup race director Bryan Haines. “It also gives us an opportunity to make some changes to the half marathon that we feel will enhance that race experience.”  

One major change people will see is the half marathon course moving back into Helena, with the starting line the same as the 5K and 10K events. The first three miles of the half marathon will be shared with the 10K course. From there, runners will head to South Hills Road, where spectacular views of the Helena valley await. The course will rejoin the 10K and 5K courses near the Capitol Complex with a finishing kick up the walking mall serving as the final leg of their 13.1-mile journey.  

The start time for the half marathon and the 10K will be 8 a.m., with the 5K starting at 10 a.m. Prize money for all three races is increasing, and there will be a prime award (pronounced preem) for the fastest male and female half marathon runners who reach the top of South Hills Road first. If a runner is the first to the top of South Hills Road and also wins the half marathon, they will take home $750 in total prize money. 

Governor’s Cup weekend kicks off with packet pickup on June 13, with the Kids Marathon final mile and mile fun run taking place that evening in Centennial Park. Runners will then take the road for the main races the following morning.  

For more information on the Governor’s Cup, including race registration, please go to www.govcupmt.com.