MISSOULA – There’s a lot that goes into preparing for the Missoula Marathon, but what do the runners do after the race?
“A person is not alive unless they’re close to death, so, I think we have to test our limits and see what we can actually do,” Missoula Marathon Medical Director Rob Amrine said.
He told MTN News that they usually they see around 200 people after they cross the finish line. Usually, the visits are for minor injuries or the runners just to take a rest.
- Volunteers work into the night to prep for the Missoula Marathon
- Fastest Missoula Marathon ever leads to record times
Last year, Cynthia Lauren Arnold broke the world record for a three-child stroller half marathon. This year she wanted to try the full marathon.
“It’s fun for us, it’s fun for the kids. I run with a stroller all the time anyways, so it’s a goal that we do together,” Arnold said.
Eleven-year-old Selena has run three half marathons in Missoula and she’s counting down until she can do the full.
“On my first one I was like, ‘when I’m 13, I’m going to finally be able to drink coffee might as well finally be able to do the marathon.”
She says her favorite part is making it to the bridge seeing people cheer each other on, “that’s like whoo hoo, it’s victory.”
Almost 6,000 people ran this Marathon weekend and 62% of the runners were female.
“I’m 76 years old, and I’m trying to keep it all together,” Anne Gustafson told MTN News.
“It doesn’t matter how young you are, you can always do anything, you know,” Selena said.
The runners come to the Missoula Marathon from all 50 states, and nine different countries — and most of them are between 30 and 39.
After crossing the finish line and getting their medals, the runners take off to celebrate.
