This beloved event in Ennis, MT has been drawing runners from roughly 40 states and several countries since its debut over Labor Day Weekend in 2008, with nearly half the participants traveling from outside Montana. To preserve the pristine ecosystem of the Gravelly Range, the US Forest Service requires the race to limit entries to 150 runners, down from the original 200-slot cap implemented in 2022. The marathon attracts a diverse crowd—from first-timers to seasoned Marathon Maniacs and 50-Staters, plus loyal runners who return year after year—all coming back for the stunning route and the organizers' commitment to delivering exactly what they promise.