Partnership offers 300+ girls the opportunity to experience the largest road race in Western Montana
WHITEFISH, Mont. (March 31, 2026) – The Whitefish Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K Powered by Hammer Nutrition and Girls on the Run Western Montana (GOTR Western MT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through a fun, experience-based curriculum, is excited to announce a new partnership with the Whitefish Marathon on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This collaboration marks the first time the two organizations will come together to celebrate youth empowerment, community wellness, and the joy of running.
Approximately 350 Girls on the Run participants, volunteer coaches, and dedicated 5K “Running Buddies” will gather to celebrate the culmination of the organization’s 10-week spring “Bold Heart” season. The Whitefish Marathon race weekend will serve as the inspiring finale to their journey, where participants will cross the finish line surrounded by family members, coaches, and a cheering community. The event will highlight the girls’ accomplishments and reinforce the program’s mission of helping girls recognize their inner strength and capabilities.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with the Whitefish Marathon for the first time and give our girls the opportunity to participate in such a well-known race in Montana,” said Julie Gaglione, Program Coordinator for Girls on the Run Western Montana. “For many of our participants, this is their first race experience, and being able to celebrate their hard work with the entire community cheering them on makes this accomplishment even more meaningful. It’s going to be an unforgettable moment for these girls.”
“The Wave is dedicated to enhancing our community’s health and well-being,” said Art Krueger, general manager of The Wave Fitness Center, the event’s owner. “This partnership with Girls on the Run is a wonderful way to help our youth build lifelong healthy habits through fun, empowering experiences. I’m genuinely excited to see this initiative grow and make a real difference.”
Girls on the Run Western Montana’s spring season empowers participants through lessons that blend physical activity with life skills, encouraging girls to embrace confidence, kindness, and perseverance.
The season-ending 5K provides a tangible goal that shows girls they can achieve more than they ever imagined. To learn more about Girls on the Run Western Montana, visit gotrwesternmt.org. For event information, please visit WhitefishMarathon.com.
About the Whitefish Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K:
The Whitefish Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K—presented by Hammer Nutrition—has rapidly become one of Montana’s premier running events with over 1,800 participants expected. Held annually in scenic Whitefish, Montana, the race offers participants a unique blend of small-town charm and breathtaking natural beauty. All three races start and finish at Depot Park in downtown Whitefish, providing runners with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the allure.
About CRRG Events:
CRRG Events is an event management and production company with more than 20 years of producing successful running events. Based in Carmel, Indiana, CRRG Events has staged and managed events across 11 states ranging from a 1-mile football halftime race to ultramarathons. For more information, please visit CarmelRoadRacingGroup.com.