A picture perfect weekend began on Friday with the traditional Missoula Marathon 'Beer Run', and then on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. the starter's pistol sounded for the 2017 5k race.

Race organizer Tony Banovich said the 5k race had completely sold out for the first time, and both the half and full marathon races brought the total to nearly 6,000 participants with an estimated economic impact of over $2 million for the community.

Also at the race was Olympic marathoner and trainer Jeff Galloway who said he runs a marathon a month, and absolutely loves running and training in Missoula. Galloway said he celebrated his 70th birthday running the marathon here in Missoula.

There are special events throughout the day on Saturday, with the marathon and half marathon both beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday. The half marathon starts at the Peak Health and Wellness Center on Blue Mountain Road, while the full marathon will get underway near Frenchtown.

There will be plenty of water stations along the courses, as well as volunteer medical staff on hand because of the extremely hot and dry conditions.

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