The largest crowd in almost a decade turned out to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Governor’s Cup held June 7 - 8 in Helena and presented annually by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana.
The Governor’s Cup, the primary fundraiser for the Caring Foundation of Montana℠, raised more than $127,000 through race registration fees and sponsorships. The funds help ensure Montanans have preventive health care service access, regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay. The foundation's Care Van® program has traveled more than 140,000 miles to deliver at least 50,000 vaccines, health screenings, educational resources and preventive services in an estimated 46 Montana counties since 2014.
“We were thrilled to extend a warm welcome to participants from across nearly 40 states and Canada. It was great to see the passion runners have for the Governor’s Cup, and we are proud to be the presenting sponsor,” said BCBSMT President Lisa Kelley. “The Governor’s Cup embodies everything we believe in at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana. And with the race supporting the Care Van program, the event’s impact is felt both by the runners as well as friends and family across the state.”
Race highlights include:
- A total of 2,371 registered runners and more than 4,500 people participated in events, including a 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon relay and marathon, as well as the Kids Marathon program. A majority of participants took part in the 5k.
- A total of 2,282 students from 17 area elementary schools participated in this year’s training program, culminating with a 1-mile run.
- People from 39 states, 37 Montana counties and Canada participanted in race events. Nearly 300 volunteers donated time, including 60 BCBSMT employees.
- Pat Judge, son of former Montana Gov. Thomas Judge, completed his 44th consecutive Governor’s Cup.
Race photos are available for the kids marathon as well as the main races. Results from the Governor’s Cup have been posted.
Next year’s Governor’s Cup is June 13 - 14 in Helena. Registration opens this fall, and information is available at www.govcupmt.com.
