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History of the Governor's Cup Race
The Governor's Cup is celebrating its 35th Anniversary in 2008. New this year are Chip timing and an Expo/Packet Pick-up, along with more entertainment and activity than ever before.

The First Governor's Cup
The First Governor's Cup took place in Bozeman in 1974. A total of 147 runners participated in four race events. Ian Christopherson, of Missoula, won the marathon in a time of 2:49:00.

Race founders, supported by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, intended for the Governor's Cup to be a "migrating" race that traveled from city to city throughout the state, so in 1975 the race was in Missoula. In 1976, it moved to Helena, where it remains today. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana began its sponsorship in 1979, and fundraising for the Caring Foundation began with the 1995 race. BCBSMT continues to provide full administrative support for the race, in addition to major financial sponsorship. The event continues to help the Caring Foundation of Montana, a 501(c)(3) organization, support access to medical services for low income, uninsured Montana children.

In 1995, a record 6,831 people participated in the seven race events. Hundreds of volunteers help to make the Governor's Cup successful each year.

In 1979, at age 38, Senator Max Baucus, D-MT, became the first United States Senator ever to finish a full marathon. Many Montana governors have taken part in Governor's Cup events and festivities over the years.

The Governor's Cup is unique because it offers seven different race events that end at a common finish line. Included are a Marathon and Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10 kilometer, and 5 kilometer distances, as well as a Special Olympics and Physically Challenged event. For the second year in a row, a bicycle event June 8 will round out Governor's Cup weekend.

Caring Foundation of Montana
Proceeds go to the Caring Foundation of Montana, a 501 (c)(3) organization supporting access to health care services for uninsured Montana children.

The Governor's Cup exemplifies Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana's commitment to health and fitness.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, Inc. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
® Registered Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans