New Location, Same Great Race Weekend
Monday, October 27, 2025—Kalispell, Montana
Discover Kalispell is thrilled to announce that – after a two-year hiatus – the Montana Spartan Race is returning to the Flathead Valley May 9-10, 2026, and will take place in Bigfork at Wrangler Springs Ranch. A four-race series, it includes the sprint, super, beast and ultra.
“We are delighted to have Spartan back in our area,” said Diane Medler, Executive Director for Discover Kalispell. “This event is a key economic driver for Kalispell and northwest Montana, as it brings high-value, low-impact visitors.
The return of this event is made possible by Averill’s Paladin Conservancy, with financial and organizational support from Discover Kalispell and the Kalispell TBID, as well as the Bigfork Chamber.
“Bringing this event back to Montana’s Flathead Valley took the collaboration and partnership of many organizations and people,” said Medler. “We know the role this event plays for businesses throughout Bigfork and Kalispell. Plus, having this event here provides locals with the opportunity to participate in an adventure sport challenge close to home.”
For 2026, Spartan Race will help kick off the summer season and bring in thousands of racers and spectators to Kalispell. As an added benefit, the race will take place prior to the closing of the runways at Glacier Park International Airport – which is slated for July 6-31, 2026, with runways being open Friday afternoons through Monday afternoons – providing a nice boost to local businesses.
In 2023, the last time the race took place in Bigfork, there were 7,300 registered adult racers and 811 registered kid racers, with 67% of them living out of the area. The racers’ attendance contributes over $1 million to the local economy, as more than half of the racers stay in Kalispell hotels, motel and vacation rentals, while also spending money at restaurants, retail shops and more.
“The Montana Spartan Trifecta brings new visitors to Kalispell and the Flathead Valley,” added Medler. “Many of them will come for the race and extend their stay or plan a second trip back to Kalispell to explore more of our area.”
In addition, Discover Kalispell strategically works to encourage racers to shop, dine and explore Kalispell. Beyond just the participants, the Montana Spartan Trifecta supports local businesses and vendors that are an important part of the event experience, as well as supporting nonprofit groups through donations for services.
Learn more about Kalispell at DiscoverKalispell.com or register for the Montana Spartan Trifecta here.
# # #
About Discover Kalispell
Discover Kalispell, the Kalispell Convention & Visitor Bureau, is the designated marketing and stewardship organization for the city of Kalispell and is a division of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. The organization is funded by the state accommodations tax and the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) fee. Anchoring the Flathead Valley, Kalispell is a destination that combines accessible amenities, touchable history and a charming downtown with Montana’s wide-open spaces and endless outdoor recreation. It’s also located within minutes of Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, the Jewel Basin and many public parks and trail systems. More information can be found at DiscoverKalispell.com or on social media at Facebook and Instagram, as well as #DiscoverKalispell and #VentureBoldly.
Contact: Tia Troy
406.529.8314
