SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Planning has begun for the 14th annual Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon, scheduled for September 27. The race will have a full marathon, half marathon, half marathon relay, and a 5K run/walk. 

The Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon is the largest annual fundraiser for the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation, which supports students, programs, and facilities at WNCC. Last year the marathon celebrated a record setting 13th year, attracting 602 runners and their families to Scotts Bluff County, raising $78,672 dollars for WNCC students, and bringing the total funds raised to $636,208 since the marathon's inception in 2012. 

"The continuing success is made possible by the generosity of Platte Valley Companies, and their CEO, Hod Kosman," Jennifer Reisig, Race Director and WNCC Foundation executive director said."We are so grateful to them for their support for the fourteenth year in a row.”  

"It's a very prestigious event locally, and it's getting more and more prestigious around the marathon circuit in the world," Kosman said. "We should be proud of what our community does. How this marathon showcases our people, our community, and what we are about: helping students reach their goals and help them succeed in their lives. Year after year we hear stories about how we've done that and how important it is. We are very honored to be a title sponsor."

Reisig also mentioned the records set last year, “In 2024 we were able to capitalize on efficiencies and increased marketing made possible by our sponsors. This helped reach a record number of runners, which brought more people to Scotts Bluff County, and ultimately provided more funds for WNCC students. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event stay in the Panhandle and help students on WNCC's Scottsbluff, Sidney, and Alliance campuses.” 

WNCC Foundation staff were in attendance to speak about the year-round work it takes to put on an event of this magnitude. New to the team is Monument Marathon summer intern, Mia Arnold. Mia is a recent graduate of WNCC who will continue her education at Bellevue University in the fall. 

"I was a volunteer in '23, that's when I first knew about the race and got interested in it," Arnold said. "When I saw there was an opportunity to be an intern, I was super excited and jumped on board. The Foundation has provided a lot for me as a student. I graduated in May 2025, and I just wanted to give back to something that's given a lot to me."

For the September 27, 2025, race there are already more than 270 runners registered from three countries and 35 states. 

“Looking ahead to the 2025 race, we’ve seen even more support from sponsors and grant funders, and our registrations are up 50% compared to the same time last year. As this event grows, we keep focus on the purpose of the race: to promote the beauty of the region, to build tourism, to encourage a healthy lifestyle, and most of all to support WNCC students,” said Reisig. 

The Marathon requires a year-round planning, coordination and upwards of 300 volunteers that help on race day.

"We have some phenomenal volunteers in the community," Alena Haun, the volunteer coordinator and development director for the WNCC Foundation said. "We have more than 39 spots that we put course marshals and over half of those are two shifts. There are people that have been there nearly every year. We love the enthusiasm of our volunteers, they make it a lot of fun."

Both the full and half marathons are certified and sanctioned by the USA Track and Field Association through 2033, making the event a Boston Marathon qualifier. The marathon is excited to announce that pace runners will once again be available at this year's race, sponsored by Kelley Bean Company.

Registration information, FAQs, and details about becoming a sponsor or volunteer can be found at www.monumentmarathon.com, by calling 308-630-6550 or emailing [email protected].