The readers of Runner’s World have selected the Missoula Marathon in Missoula, Mont., the best marathon in the magazine’s January issue, which hit newsstands this week.

            Runner’s World Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso traveled to Missoula to deliver the news with Missoula Marathon Race Director Jennifer Straughan on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Straughan and Yasso revealed the results of the survey and the magazine to a room full of event volunteers and supporters who had gathered for the annual race planning meeting. Readers were asked to rank marathons they have run based on scenery, course, aid station support and more. Marathons of all sizes were considered, and Missoula beat out several large events such as New York, London and Boston.

            Straughan was thrilled when she heard readers had bestowed her race with the “best marathon” title.

            “To think that the Missoula Marathon earned such a distinction from the readers of Runner’s World Magazine is an amazing honor.  Everyone in our community cares very much about this event, and this is a testament to everyone’s involvement and dedication to the Missoula Marathon.”

            The first Missoula Marathon was held in July 2007. Since then the race has doubled in size. In addition to the full marathon, there is also a half marathon, marathon relay, and kids’ marathon, plus a 5K held the day prior.  In 2009, more than 2,300 people raced in one of the weekend’s events.

Straughan expects to see a significant jump in registration for the 2010 event on Sunday, July 11, after Runner’s World’s 2.8 million readers see what the Missoula Marathon has to offer.

“We look forward to providing the same great event to runners from all over the country and the world, who because of the runners and readers of Runner’s World, now know about our race and our community.”

The Missoula Marathon begins west of town and follows paved roads through rural neighborhoods before routing runners through Missoula’s picturesque neighborhoods and to the finish line on Higgins Avenue Bridge in downtown above the Clark Fork River. Each year, hundreds of local residents staff aid stations and while hundreds more line the course to cheer racers on as they make their way toward the finish line and the post-race party in Caras Park.

The Missoula Marathon is put on by the non-profit 501(c)3 running club, Run Wild Missoula.