Annual · Second Saturday in June
The Governor's Cup
Established in 1974, the Governor's Cup is Montana's longest-running road race weekend, and in 2026 it ran without a full marathon for the second year in a row.
When
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Finished for 2026. Next year's dates are not announced yet; it usually falls second Saturday in June.
Where
Holter Museum of Art (start), Last Chance Gulch (finish)
12 E Lawrence St, Helena, MT 59601
Cost
Entry fees vary by distance and rise closer to race day; adding the mile run onto a 5K or 10K entry costs $10. Exact 2026 per-distance pricing was not published on the official race pages checked for this research.
By Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana; proceeds benefit The Caring Foundation of Montana
About The Governor's Cup
The Governor's Cup is a road race weekend held every June in Helena, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana with proceeds benefiting The Caring Foundation of Montana. First run in 1974, it is described by organizers as the longest-running road race in the state. The weekend has historically included a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, mile run and kids marathon, but the full marathon was postponed starting in 2025 after a change in the surface of the first three miles of the course, and it was not offered again in 2026.
All 2026 races started behind the Holter Museum on Cruse Avenue: the half marathon at 7:30 a.m., the mile run at 8 a.m., the 10K at 9 a.m. and the 5K at 10 a.m. Every distance finished on Last Chance Gulch, Helena's downtown walking mall, followed by an 11 a.m. awards ceremony. Packet pickup ran Friday, June 12 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Helena Downtown, with additional out-of-town pickup windows race morning. There was no race-day registration.
What happens
- Half marathon climbs South Hills Road for valley views before finishing uphill on Last Chance Gulch
- Mile run, 5K and 10K all start behind the Holter Museum on Cruse Avenue
- Kids Marathon Final Mile held the Friday before at Centennial Park by the Helena YMCA
- Awards ceremony follows at 11 a.m. on race day
- Proceeds support The Caring Foundation of Montana
Tips
- There is no race-day registration; out-of-town packet pickup runs race morning at the DoubleTree by Hilton Helena Downtown.
- Downtown parking near Last Chance Gulch fills by mid-morning; arrive early or park farther out and walk in.
- Water stations and portable restrooms are spaced every three miles along the half marathon course.
The Governor's Cup FAQ
- Is there a full marathon at the Governor's Cup?
- Not in 2026. The marathon distance was postponed starting in 2025 due to a change in the surface of the first three miles of the course and logistical challenges; the weekend offered a half marathon, 10K, 5K, mile run and kids marathon instead.
- Where does the Governor's Cup start and finish?
- All distances start behind the Holter Museum on Cruse Avenue in downtown Helena and finish on Last Chance Gulch.
- What time does the Governor's Cup half marathon start?
- 7:30 a.m. on race day, with the mile run at 8 a.m., the 10K at 9 a.m. and the 5K at 10 a.m.
- How much does the Governor's Cup cost?
- Entry fees vary by distance and increase closer to race day; runners can add the mile run to a 5K or 10K entry for $10. Check govcupmt.com or RunSignUp for current pricing.
- How long has the Governor's Cup been held?
- It was established in 1974, making it Montana's longest-running road race.
Other annual events in Helena
Helena Bighorns
Friday, September 18, 2026 – Sunday, March 14, 2027 · Steed Arena (formerly Helena Ice Arena)
Just for the Helena of It
Sunday, October 18, 2026 · Bill Roberts Golf Course area / Country Club Avenue start-finish
Helena Art Walk
Friday, November 13, 2026 · Downtown Helena (Last Chance Gulch and surrounding blocks)
Montana Race to the Sky
Friday, February 12, 2027 – Tuesday, February 16, 2027 · Lincoln, Montana (start and finish at Hi-Country Snack Foods); 100-mile finish at Seeley Lake