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running

Montana Marathon

Date
September 20, 2026
Distance
Full Marathon (26.2 Miles) · Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) · 10K (6 Miles) & more

From the Organizer

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
    • 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
    • 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 
    • 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 
    • 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
  • The Virtual Event option is for anyone interested in supporting our cause! Virtual participants will receive a race shirt in the mail 1 week prior to the event. Run or Walk from afar and be part of the amazing movement going on in Billings, MT. There is no designated distance. You do not need to plug in your time. There are no awards for virtual runners. 

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 don’t 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.

Distances & Pricing

Full Marathon (26.2 Miles)7 AMRegister →
Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)8 AMRegister →
10K (6 Miles)9:30 AMRegister →
5K (3 Miles)9:45 AMRegister →
Virtual Race7 AMRegister →

Race Location

About This Sport

From Endurance Grid's Founder

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.

Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.

The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.

How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Montana Marathon?
Montana Marathon is a running event held in Billings, MT. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
When and where is the Montana Marathon?
Sunday, September 20, 2026 in Billings, MT at Parkhill Dr & Third St W, Billings, MT. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Montana Marathon?
Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.

Montana Marathon

Sep 20, 2026

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