Montana Marathon
- Date Sun 20th September 2026
- Time 7:00AM MDT
- Location Billings, Montana
- Price $38.53 - $102.01
- Races 4 races
- Distances Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km
Top rated
This is a five star event
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of running at the 46th running of the Montana Marathon on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in Billings, Yellowstone! Known for its breathtaking scenery and fast course, this marathon is a must-attend event for both seasoned runners aiming for personal bests and newcomers looking to experience the thrill of a race. The marathon begins in the charming town of Molt, with a remarkable 1,000-foot downhill descent into Billings, showcasing the stunning landscapes of Big Sky Country along the way.
Participants can choose from multiple race distances, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. The half marathon has been recognized as the Montana State Championship Race, adding to the excitement of the day. Runners will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as they mingle with fellow athletes on the course, which is designed to be both scenic and competitive. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of a historic event that promises unforgettable memories and finishing medals for all participants!
Participants can choose from multiple race distances, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. The half marathon has been recognized as the Montana State Championship Race, adding to the excitement of the day. Runners will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as they mingle with fellow athletes on the course, which is designed to be both scenic and competitive. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of a historic event that promises unforgettable memories and finishing medals for all participants!
Organiser's Description
OPPORTUNITY BANK OF MONTANA PRESENTS THE 46TH RUNNING OF THE MONTANA MARATHON!!
The Montana Marathon course is one of the fastest and most scenic in the region, making it a favorite for runners chasing personal bests or a Boston Qualifier. Starting high on the rolling plains outside Billings in the small town of Molt, the route follows a gradual downhill descent (1,000' Net Drop) into the Magic City, showcasing wide-open skies, mountain views, and the beauty of Big Sky Country. This Point-to-Point race will have you picking up the 1/2 Marathon, 10K and 5K runners along the way; adding to the energy as you approach the finish line in downtown Billings.
* THE MONTANA MARATHON is famous for being a FAST and beautiful Boston qualifier course! While the first ten miles feature scenic rolling green hills, the final 16 treat you to a loss of 1,000 vertical feet. YouTube Video of the course: Montana Marathon Course [https://youtu.be/wINm5mc1NsA]__
* Marathon racers will be shuttled to the start line from Senior High School Parking Lot.
* Shuttles Load up at 5:30AM. The Last shuttle will depart at 6:00AM
* The Marathon starts at 7:00am
* Marathon cut-off time: 6.5 hrs (16 min mile) Course Closes at 1:30 pm
* Walkers are not allowed to start early.
* THE HALF MARATHON was selected again by Road Runners Club of America as the Montana State Championship Race!
* Additional awards will be given by RRCA. YouTube Video of course: Montana Marathon Half Course [https://youtu.be/R2iQCMnlnBc]
* Please note there is NO parking at the Half Marathon start and racers will be required to take the shuttle.
* Half Marathon racers will be shuttled to the start line from Senior High School Parking lot.
* Half Marathon will begin loading buses at ~6:45AM. The last shuttle leaves at 7:15AM
* The Half Marathon begins at 8:00AM
* Course Closes at 1:30 pm
* THE 10K starts at the Rimrock West Park and finishes at Pioneer Park
* Check out the course on our YouTube Video: 10K Course [https://youtu.be/PTlPODjFsH8]
* 10K racers will be shuttled to the start line from Senior High School Parking lot.
* 10K Runners will begin loading at 8:30AM. The last shuttle leaves at 9:00AM.
* The 10K starts at 9:30AM
* THE 5K Starts at Rose Park and finishes at Pioneer Park.
* Check out this flat course on our YouTube Video: 5K Course [https://youtu.be/bOhk_RCUI7k?si=DSwv1nxCIrRnDsBZ]
* 5K Racers will need to drive to the start line. We have YMCA buses available to shuttle you back to your car after the race.
* Post-Race shuttles will go every 15 minutes from Senior High School Parking lot to Rose Park. First shuttle is at 10:45. The last shuttle back to Rose Park is at 12:00pm
Finisher Medals for all participants.
F/M Age Group Awards: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k
F/M Overall Awards: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k
IMPORTANT NOTES: FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL PARTICIPANTS:
* Strollers are not permitted on the Marathon or Half Marathon Courses.
* Dogs are not permitted on any of the race courses.
* The course is marked well, but it is open to traffic.
* There will be volunteers at most intersections.
* Please remain on the right side of the road, unless otherwise directed. Because the course is open to traffic, we recommend that all participants wear bright colored clothing to improve visibility. Music devices and earbuds/earphones are strongly discouraged.
* If you decide to leave the course, please let a staff or volunteer know so we dont wonder where you are.
PACKET PICK-UP INFORMATION -
WHERE: TBD
WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH
TIMES: 12:00 - 5:00PM
**ONLY OUT OF TOWN Participants who did not make it to the packet pick up on Saturday will be allowed to pick up Race Gear on Race Day**
Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K: | Time: 5:15am - 7:30am | Senior High School Parking Lot behind school
5K: Time: 8:00am - 9:00am | Rose Park by Pool Parking Area
PORTAPOTTIES
* WE UNDERSTAND THE URGE TO GO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER A RACE. WE WANT ALL OF OUR RUNNERS TO BE COMFORTABLE ALONG THE COURSE.
* PORTAPOTTIES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS:
* BUS LOADING AREA AT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT
* THE START OF EACH RACE
* APPROXIMATELY MILES 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24
* FINISH LINE AT PIONEER PARK.
The Montana Marathon course is one of the fastest and most scenic in the region, making it a favorite for runners chasing personal bests or a Boston Qualifier. Starting high on the rolling plains outside Billings in the small town of Molt, the route follows a gradual downhill descent (1,000' Net Drop) into the Magic City, showcasing wide-open skies, mountain views, and the beauty of Big Sky Country. This Point-to-Point race will have you picking up the 1/2 Marathon, 10K and 5K runners along the way; adding to the energy as you approach the finish line in downtown Billings.
* THE MONTANA MARATHON is famous for being a FAST and beautiful Boston qualifier course! While the first ten miles feature scenic rolling green hills, the final 16 treat you to a loss of 1,000 vertical feet. YouTube Video of the course: Montana Marathon Course [https://youtu.be/wINm5mc1NsA]__
* Marathon racers will be shuttled to the start line from Senior High School Parking Lot.
* Shuttles Load up at 5:30AM. The Last shuttle will depart at 6:00AM
* The Marathon starts at 7:00am
* Marathon cut-off time: 6.5 hrs (16 min mile) Course Closes at 1:30 pm
* Walkers are not allowed to start early.
* THE HALF MARATHON was selected again by Road Runners Club of America as the Montana State Championship Race!
* Additional awards will be given by RRCA. YouTube Video of course: Montana Marathon Half Course [https://youtu.be/R2iQCMnlnBc]
* Please note there is NO parking at the Half Marathon start and racers will be required to take the shuttle.
* Half Marathon racers will be shuttled to the start line from Senior High School Parking lot.
* Half Marathon will begin loading buses at ~6:45AM. The last shuttle leaves at 7:15AM
* The Half Marathon begins at 8:00AM
* Course Closes at 1:30 pm
* THE 10K starts at the Rimrock West Park and finishes at Pioneer Park
* Check out the course on our YouTube Video: 10K Course [https://youtu.be/PTlPODjFsH8]
* 10K racers will be shuttled to the start line from Senior High School Parking lot.
* 10K Runners will begin loading at 8:30AM. The last shuttle leaves at 9:00AM.
* The 10K starts at 9:30AM
* THE 5K Starts at Rose Park and finishes at Pioneer Park.
* Check out this flat course on our YouTube Video: 5K Course [https://youtu.be/bOhk_RCUI7k?si=DSwv1nxCIrRnDsBZ]
* 5K Racers will need to drive to the start line. We have YMCA buses available to shuttle you back to your car after the race.
* Post-Race shuttles will go every 15 minutes from Senior High School Parking lot to Rose Park. First shuttle is at 10:45. The last shuttle back to Rose Park is at 12:00pm
Finisher Medals for all participants.
F/M Age Group Awards: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k
F/M Overall Awards: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k
IMPORTANT NOTES: FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL PARTICIPANTS:
* Strollers are not permitted on the Marathon or Half Marathon Courses.
* Dogs are not permitted on any of the race courses.
* The course is marked well, but it is open to traffic.
* There will be volunteers at most intersections.
* Please remain on the right side of the road, unless otherwise directed. Because the course is open to traffic, we recommend that all participants wear bright colored clothing to improve visibility. Music devices and earbuds/earphones are strongly discouraged.
* If you decide to leave the course, please let a staff or volunteer know so we dont wonder where you are.
PACKET PICK-UP INFORMATION -
WHERE: TBD
WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH
TIMES: 12:00 - 5:00PM
**ONLY OUT OF TOWN Participants who did not make it to the packet pick up on Saturday will be allowed to pick up Race Gear on Race Day**
Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K: | Time: 5:15am - 7:30am | Senior High School Parking Lot behind school
5K: Time: 8:00am - 9:00am | Rose Park by Pool Parking Area
PORTAPOTTIES
* WE UNDERSTAND THE URGE TO GO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER A RACE. WE WANT ALL OF OUR RUNNERS TO BE COMFORTABLE ALONG THE COURSE.
* PORTAPOTTIES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS:
* BUS LOADING AREA AT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT
* THE START OF EACH RACE
* APPROXIMATELY MILES 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24
* FINISH LINE AT PIONEER PARK.
Races
-
Full Marathon (26.2 Miles)
Incl. $7.01 Fee & Short Sleeve Performance Shirt (Unisex)
Sun 20th September 2026 (7:00AM MDT)
$102.01
USATF Certified course and Boston Qualifier. 26.2 Miles of big sky country with over 1000 feet of elevation drop. This fast and open Marathon is the oldest standing Marathon in the state. Start line is in Molt, Montana and the finish line is in Billings at Pioneer Park. There is no parking at the start line. Shuttles are provided from Senior High School. Finisher medals for all participants + Overall and Age Group awards for Men & Women -
Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)
Incl. $6.43 Fee & Short Sleeve Performance Shirt (Unisex)
Sun 20th September 2026 (8:00AM MDT)
$91.43
The Half Marathon begins outside Billings, MT and finishes at Pioneer Park. No Parking at the start line. Shuttles are provided from Senior High School. The Half Marathon has been selected by Road Runners Club of America as the Montana State Championship Race! Additional awards will be given by RRCA. Finisher medals for all participants + Overall and Age Group awards for Men & Women -
10K (6 Miles)
Incl. $4.11 Fee & Short Sleeve Performance Shirt (Unisex)
Sun 20th September 2026 (9:30AM MDT)
$49.11
Race starts at the Rimrock West Park and finishes at Pioneer Park. Shuttles are available for the start line. Park at Senior HS. Finisher medals for all participants + Overall and Age Group awards for Men & Women -
5K (3 Miles)
Incl. $3.53 Fee & Short Sleeve Performance Shirt (Unisex)
Sun 20th September 2026 (9:45AM MDT)
$38.53
Race starts at Rose Park and finishes at Pioneer Park. YMCA Buses will be available near the finish line at Senior High School to take you back to Rose Park after the race. Finisher medals for all participants + Overall and Age Group awards for Men & Women
Reviews
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5.0
1 review
Donny
·9 months ago
This was my first marathon ever!! I started running in June 2021 and it wasn't until August 2023 I did my first 5k. After that was a 5 miler, then a half marathon. I never ever thought I could do a full marathon, but a couple months later, I thought I should try and I signed up for the queen bee scheduled for May 2024. The course is beautiful, parking is easy and the bus ride was perfect and on time. Although it was raining a little at the finish line, the volunteers were happy and helpful. 100% will do this event again and in years to come!
Location
Parkhill Dr & Third St W, Billings, 59101, MT, United States
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Montana Marathon
