Helena, MT - June 8th, 2019
Among the shadows of Mount Helena, the Governor's Cup is truly a race where you can stretch your legs & get in a good rhythm. With Aid Stations supported by Hammer, you will be well fueled as you climb & decent from Clancy to Helena. Words like "Majestic" will come to mind as the course takes you through major forests right into historic downtown Helena & past the original Governor's Mansion.
Packet PickUp:
From my hotel I took a Lyft to the Great Northern Town Center. I headed to the Best Western Premier where the Expo & Packet Pick Up was being held. Bib Numbers were assigned at the table, and all I had to do is give my last name & I had my number! I was also given my race tech tee & Governor's Cup. I checked out the information table for events around Helena as well as a course map (which I realized later was in my bag). After I finished at the Expo, I walked around the Great Northern Town Center while reading the articles about Lewis & Clark featured in The Montana Experience.
Course Route & Elevation:
The Course starts in Clancy & follows along Interstate 15 on Frontage Road. Doesn't sound exciting, but it is! This section is between Helena National Forest, Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest and the northern tip of the Beverhead-Deerlodge National Forest! It is such a beautiful backdrop, you almost don't notice the the 4,000 foot elevation. But if you are from below sea level like me, you definitely need to have your last couple of training runs in high elevation before this race if possible.
Medal:
The medal is medium round with bronze like finish & it almost reminds me of an Olympic medal! Running through the mountains & valleys of Montana - I definitely felt like one!
Conclusion:
If you are looking for a race in Montana in your quest for 50 States or if you just want a quick racecation, the Governor's Cup is it! Small & intimate, but with just as much support as larger races! There are parts of the race where you are just one with nature, but around the corner there is a crowd for support - cheering you on to the next milestone.
