8 Best Marathons in Idaho: Everything You Need to Know

From Coeur d’Alene to Ashton to Boise to Idaho Falls to Pocatello, and more.

The best marathons in Idaho boast some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, with challenging courses and stunning Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Whether you’re aiming for a Boston Qualifier or a scenic route, these races offer unique experiences.

In this guide, we provide expert insights and trusted race details, helping you make the most of your marathon experience in Idaho. With reliable recommendations from seasoned runners and local experts, this is your go-to resource for Idaho’s top marathons.

Looking for a different state? Select one below:

What are the Best Marathons in Idaho?

Here are the best marathons in Idaho:

Coeur d’Alene Marathon

Coeur d’Alene | May 25, 2025

Course Type: Rolling Hills

Elevation Gain: 786 feet (239m)

Participants: 413 Finishers

Price: $112.30

The course winds through the Lake City’s historic downtown district, past antique shops and local cafes, before following the lake’s western shoreline. Runners pass the world’s longest floating boardwalk at 3,300 feet. The route includes sections through Tubbs Hill, a 120-acre natural area known for its osprey nesting sites. Post-race, the area offers 40+ hiking trails and the scenic 73-mile Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes for recovery runs. The region’s silver mining history is evident in preserved architecture along the course, particularly near mile 18.

Mesa Falls Marathon

Ashton | Jul 20, 2024

Course Type: Downhill

Elevation Gain: 793 feet (241m)

Participants: 167 Finishers

Price: $85

Starting near Ashton, known as the “Seed Potato Capital of the World,” this point-to-point course passes through Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Runners experience both Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, where water flow reaches 200,000 gallons per second during peak season. The route passes historic railroad grades from the early 1900s and crosses the old Warm River Bridge. Local wildlife includes moose, elk, and over 100 bird species. The finish area in Ashton hosts the largest seed potato production in North America.

Famous Idaho Potato Marathon

Boise | May 17, 2025

Course Type: Rolling Hills

Participants: 147 Finishers

Price: $97.68-$117.68

Beginning at Lucky Peak State Recreation Area, runners follow the Boise River Greenbelt’s cottonwood-lined paths. The course passes the Old Idaho Penitentiary, active from 1872 to 1973, and the Idaho Botanical Garden’s 15-acre site. Runners traverse through Julia Davis Park, home to the Boise Art Museum and Zoo Boise. The route includes sections of the historic Oregon Trail and ends near the State Capitol building. The race foundation has donated over $100,000 to local youth programs.

Idaho Falls Marathon

Idaho Falls | Jul 27, 2024

Course Type: Rolling Hills

Participants: 59 Finishers

Price: $65

The course showcases the Snake River’s 600-foot-wide falls, created by a hydroelectric project in 1982. Runners pass the Japanese Friendship Garden, featuring authentic stone lanterns from Idaho Falls’ sister city, Tokai-Mura. The route includes the River Walk’s art installations and the historic downtown district, where buildings date back to the early 1900s. Local breweries along the course often offer special marathon-weekend tastings.

Boise Marathon

Boise | Jun 22, 2024

Course Type: Mostly Flat

Participants: 48 Finishers

Price: $91.43-$123.17

Runners traverse the “City of Trees,” passing through Military Reserve Park, once a fort established in 1863 to protect early Idaho miners. The course includes the historic Hyde Park district, known for its Victorian architecture. Participants run past the Boise Whitewater Park, where river surfers catch waves year-round. The route connects five major parks and passes the MK Nature Center’s streamwalk, home to native wildlife.

Pocatello Marathon

Pocatello | Aug 30, 2025

Course Type: Downhill

Elevation Gain: 401 feet (122m)

Participants: 166 Finishers

Price: $40-$120

This route passes near the original site of Fort Hall, a major Oregon Trail stop. Runners experience the Portneuf Greenway system, crossing paths with the historic Utah & Northern Railway route. The course passes Idaho State University’s campus and the Museum of Clean, housing the world’s largest collection of historic cleaning devices. Local Shoshone-Bannock tribal lands border sections of the course.

Boise River Marathon

Boise | May 4, 2024

Course Type: Rolling Hills

Participants: 216 Finishers

Price: $91.43-$101.43

Following the Boise River, runners pass the Morrison Knudsen Nature Center, where underwater viewing windows showcase native fish. The course includes Barber Park, the main launch point for summer river floaters, and passes several geothermal hot springs that heat many downtown buildings. Historic sites include the 1863 Fort Boise and the Old Assay Office, a reminder of Idaho’s gold rush era.

Teton Dam Marathon

Newdale | Jun 1, 2024

Course Type: Hilly

Elevation Gain: 456 feet (139m)

Participants: 97 Finishers

Price: $75

This historical route passes markers commemorating the 1976 dam collapse that released 80 billion gallons of water. Runners follow portions of the flood path through agricultural lands known for world-class barley production. The course passes Rexburg’s restored Tabernacle building, which survived the flood, and near Brigham Young University-Idaho’s campus. The area is known for its potato production, with local cellars storing over 15 billion pounds annually.

Race Planning Notes

• Race season: Most events occur between May and September
• Registration: Opens 6-8 months before race day
• Cost range: $85-120, with early bird discounts available
• Accommodations: Book 3-4 months ahead, especially for Coeur d’Alene and Boise events
• Local races: Each marathon offers shorter distance options, including half marathons and 10K events
• Transport: Most point-to-point races provide morning shuttle services
• Course support: Aid stations every 2-3 miles, medical support available
• Recovery: Local hot springs and massage services available near most finish areas

Conclusion

From lakeside views to mountain vistas, Idaho’s marathons offer something for every type of runner! Whether you’re chasing a Boston qualifier or seeking scenic beauty, these eight incredible races showcase the best of what the Gem State has to offer. Remember to register early – especially for popular spring and fall events – and don’t forget to factor in elevation training if you’re coming from sea level. See you on the starting line of one of these amazing Idaho marathons in 2024!

Row Brown

Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.