2026 25th Annual Pocatello Marathon

The Pocatello Marathon half-marathon, part of Idaho’s premier fall running event, draws around 284 finishers annually from roughly 24 states. Now in its 25th edition, the race has earned a loyal following—about one in five runners returns for another year. The course traces a net-downhill route through the Portneuf Gap, dropping over 1,500 feet, making it a legitimate PR candidate. The USATF-certified course frequently serves as a Boston-qualifying race, and the fast, scenic profile is a magnet for runners chasing a new best.

The atmosphere is intimate and community-driven, with local sponsorship and free race photos. Racers are treated to a pasta dinner the night before, and the finish line offers a short-sleeve T-shirt and the satisfaction of a well-run race. The mid-September date typically delivers warm, dry conditions (averaging mid-50s to mid-80s °F), ideal for fast times. While the full marathon steals the spotlight, the half-marathon stands on its own as a beautifully organized, point-to-point race through high desert scenery—an underrated gem for travelers ticking off states.