Montana Race Guide: 5K, 10K, Half-Marathons, Marathons, Gravel Races, Trail Races, and More
Updated: Sep 24
Whether you're training for your first 5K or chasing a Boston qualifier, Montana's race calendar offers stunning courses, welcoming communities, and events that celebrate everything from winter's deep freeze to summer's long days. This comprehensive guide covers races across the state organized by season.
SPRING RACES (March - May)
MARCH
Run to the Pub - Bozeman
Mid-March | Half Marathon, 10K
Voted #2 half marathon in the U.S. by Runner's World.
Run for the Luck of It - Missoula
Mid-March | 7 miles, 5K
Run Wild Missoula's St. Patrick's Day race through town.
Cloverfest - Columbia Falls
Mid-March | 5K
St. Patrick's themed run in the Flathead Valley.
St. Patrick's Day Run - Butte
Mid-March | 5K
Mining City St. Patrick's celebration run.
Multiple locations throughout spring | 5K
Fun runs starting and ending at breweries statewide. Includes:
- Frenchtown (Late March)
- Helena (Late March)
APRIL
Buttercup Run - Arlee
Early April | Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 Mile
Annual spring fundraiser for Arlee Schools benefiting scholarships and mini-grants for teachers.
5K Brew Run at Mountains Walking - Bozeman
Early April | 5K
Brewery run at Mountains Walking Brewery.
Run for the Trees - Missoula
Mid-April | 10K, 5K
Run Wild Missoula partners with Parks & Recreation for this community race.
Montana Warrior Run - Helena
Mid-April | 10K, 5K
Warrior-themed run in Montana's capital.
Bitterroot Runoff Trail Runs - Lolo
Mid-April | 10 miles, 5 miles
Spring trail running in the Bitterroot Mountains.
Evergreen Rotary Spring Runoff 5K - Kalispell
Late April | 5K
Community 5K in the Flathead Valley benefiting local causes.
Ice Breaker Road Race - Great Falls
Late April | 5 miles, 3 miles, 1 mile
Spring kickoff race in the Electric City.
YMCA Riverbank Run - Missoula
Late April | Distance varies
Missoula YMCA fundraiser along the Clark Fork River.
- Bonner-West Riverside (Early April)
- Stevensville (Mid-April)
- Helena (Mid-April)
- Missoula (Late April)
MAY
Montana Gravel Challenge - Huson
Early May | Gravel race
Don't Fence Me In Trail Run - Helena
Early May | Trail race
Helena trail running event.
Montana Women's Run - Billings
Early May | Women's race
Women-focused running event in Billings.
Kickin Assphault Half Marathon - Great Falls
Mid-May | Half Marathon
Great Falls' spring half marathon.
Whitefish Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K - Whitefish
Mid-May | Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
One of Montana's three largest marathons with views of Glacier National Park.
Frank Newman Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay - Bozeman to Livingston
Late May | Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay
Montana's most affordable marathon at just $5.
Montana Brewery Running Series - Kalispell (Early May)
SUMMER RACES (June - August)
JUNE
Buzzard Day Run - Glendive
Mid-June | Half Marathon
Eastern Montana half marathon.
Pengelly Double Dip / Bob Hayes Single Dip - Missoula
Early June | Trail race
Iconic Missoula summer trail race with serious mountain scenery and "serious shenanigans."
Governor's Cup - Helena
Mid-June | Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Mile Fun Run, Kids Marathon
Established in 1974, this nearly 50-year Helena institution.
Bear Paw Marathon - Havre
Early June | Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
Northern Montana's marathon in the Hi-Line region.
Montana Brewery Running Series- Thompson Falls
Mid-June
Missoula Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K - Missoula
Late June | Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Kids Marathon, 3-Mile Shakeout
Montana's premier running event with 2,100+ half marathon finishers.
Herron Half, 10K, and 5K- Kalispell
Late June | Marathon (trail)
Flathead Valley trail marathon.
JULY
Madison Marathon - Ennis
Mid-July | Marathon
Marathon in the scenic Madison Valley.
Big Sky State Games Road Races - Laurel
Mid-July | Half Marathon, 5K
Multi-sport festival including running events.
Yellowstone Half Marathon & 5K - West Yellowstone
Mid-July | Half Marathon, 5K
Technical trail race through Custer Gallatin National Forest.
Headwaters Bank Run - Three Forks
Late July | Half Marathon
Where three rivers meet - Missouri Headwaters race.
- Missoula (Mid-July)
- Anaconda (Late July)
AUGUST
The Yellowstone Trail Marathon & Races - West Yellowstone
Early-August | 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon, 25K, 10K, 5K
Mixed-terrain races on the Rendezvous Ski Trails with rolling terrain through the forest.
Robert's Run - Hamilton
Early August | 10K, 5K, 1 Mile
A community run in memory of Robert Leonardi, benefiting the Play Like Robert Foundation and its work on pedestrian safety projects in Hamilton.
YFC Seeley Lake Challenge - Seeley Lake
Early August | Triathlon, Duathlon
Beginner-friendly open water triathlon and duathlon on Seeley Lake, with swim, bike, and run legs on trail and dirt road.
Mission Mountain Classic - Ronan
Early August | 5K
Race through the streets of Ronan during Pioneer Days, with a straight-on view of the Mission Mountains.
Last Herron Standing Backyard Ultra - Kalispell
Early August | Backyard Ultra
Last-runner-standing format: a 4.167-mile loop every hour until only one person is left.
Judith Mountain 10K - Lewistown
Early August | 10K
Central Montana trail race through the Judith Mountains.
Love for Lexy's Color Run - Billings
Early August | 5K
Family-friendly color run raising funds in memory of Lexy.
Get Lost Gravel - Hamilton
Early August | 32, 47, and 82-mile routes (bike)
Gravel race through the Bitterroot Valley benefiting the Play Like Robert Foundation.
The Sweet Pea Run - Bozeman
Early August | 5K, 10K
Longtime Bozeman race tied to the annual Sweet Pea Festival.
Quality of Life Run - Billings
Early August | 5 Mile, 2 Mile
Established Billings race benefiting Off The Streets.
Snowbowl 15K - Missoula
Early August | 15K (trail)
Climbing trail race up and around Montana Snowbowl ski resort.
Smelter City Scamper - Anaconda
Early August | Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
Community race through Anaconda supporting food access and community health, held during Smeltermen's Day.
Blacktail Balderdash - Lakeside
Early August | 5, 10, 20 miles
An off-trail, choose-your-own-adventure footrace up and around Blacktail Mountain.
Nitty Gritty Off Road Race - Red Lodge
Mid-August | Half Marathon (trail)
Trail half marathon in the Beartooths.
The Augúst - Helena
Mid-August | 5K
Montana's second-oldest footrace, a fundraiser for local high school cross-country teams.
Big Sky Biggie - Big Sky
Late August | 50, 30, and 15-mile courses (mountain bike)
Cross-country mountain bike race through Big Sky's singletrack and gravel roads.
Race Montana Triathlon and Duathlon - Great Falls
Late August | Triathlon, Duathlon
18th annual sprint triathlon and duathlon at the Electric City Water Park.
River City Roots Run - Missoula
Late August | 4 mile run
Long-running Missoula community race tied to the River City Roots Festival.
Canine Classic at Paws Up - Greenough
Late August | Half Marathon (trail)
Run with your dog at The Resort at Paws Up.
Yellowstone Hustle - Billings
Late August | 10K, 5K, 1 Mile
A race dedicated to movement, community, and making a difference.
Amplify! Operation Juliet 5K - Bozeman
Late August | 5K
Bozeman 5K supporting Operation Juliet, a program that serves female veterans.
Big Sky Gravel - Red Lodge
Late August | 22, 50, and 100-mile routes (bike)
Gravel race and tour through the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains.
FALL RACES (September - November)
SEPTEMBER
Virtual Half Marathon - Missoula
September 1-30 | Half Marathon (virtual)
Run Wild Missoula virtual half marathon, with 100% of proceeds going to the Indigenous Ascent Coalition.
Healthy Tribes: Run on the Rims - Billings
Early September | 10K, 5K, 2 Mile
Community run/walk promoting health and wellness among American Indian and Alaska Native communities in Billings.
The 23rd Annual Fun Run for Charities - Red Lodge
Early September | 10K, 5K, 2 Mile
23rd annual Red Lodge race benefiting 67 local charities, free to enter, with over $4.9 million raised since it started.
Montana Brewery Running Series: Philipsburg Brewing - Philipsburg
Early September | 5K
Fun run starting and ending at Philipsburg Brewing.
The Rut Mountain Runs - Big Sky
Mid-September | 50K, 28K, 21K, 11K, VK
A 3-day mountain running celebration in Big Sky climbing Lone Peak.
Night Owl Run - Livingston
Mid-September | 4 miles
Gateway to Yellowstone evening race, with a free post-race BBQ at Miles Park Band Shell.
Mid-September | 10K, 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run
Breast cancer awareness run/walk through Lewistown, starting and ending at Frank Day Park.
Big Bear Stampede - Gardiner
Mid-September | 9K, 5K, Kids Run (trail)
Trail race outside Gardiner raising funds and awareness for mental health support in Park County.
Run For Her 5K/10K - Billings
Mid-September | 10K, 5K (also virtual)
Billings race along the Yellowstone River benefiting the HER Campaign, which supports survivors of human trafficking.
Mid-September | 5K
Fun run starting and ending at Bitter Root Brewing.
Bozeman Half Marathon & 10K - Bozeman
Mid-September | Half Marathon, 10K
Fall colors hit the Bridger Mountains for this Gallatin Valley race, benefiting the Bozeman Distance Project and local youth cross country.
Rock the Run! 5K at Pompey's Pillar - Pompeys Pillar
Mid-September | 5K, 1 Mile
Small-town run at the historic Pompeys Pillar National Monument along the Yellowstone River.
Meet Me in Midtown 406 Run - Missoula
Mid-September | 4.06K
First annual fun run through the Playfair Park trail system behind the YMCA, with a tailgate-themed finish line (fried chicken and beer).
Montana Marathon - Billings
Late September | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
Boston qualifier course with 1,000-foot net drop from Molt to downtown Billings.
Mount Helena Run - Helena
Late September | 9K / 5.6 miles (trail)
50th anniversary of this Helena classic, climbing 1,300 feet up Mount Helena and back down to Last Chance Gulch.
ZooTown Challenge Obstacle Course Race - Missoula
Late September | 10K, 5K, 3K (obstacle course)
Obstacle race through Washington-Grizzly Stadium and the UM campus, with kids and all-abilities races too, benefiting Opportunity Resources Inc.
Late September | 5K
Fun run starting and ending at Tamarack Brewing.
Fierce Fab Women's Running Festival - Missoula
Late September | 1-mile laps (2-hour window)
Women-only run/walk festival at Historical Fort Missoula, with glitter, a mimosa bar, and awards for best outfit, benefiting the SilverLining Foundation.
OCTOBER
Whitefish Trail Blazer - Whitefish
Early October | 50K (Sat), Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Family Fun Run (Sun) (also virtual)
A weekend of trail running at Whitefish Mountain Resort: Saturday's 50K summits Big Mountain, Sunday's shorter races explore the Whitefish Trail's Beaver Lakes area.
Early October | Marathon, Half Marathon, 50K, Ultra
Final Montana stop of a six-state touring race series through eastern Montana's Fallon County.
Helena Sun Run - Helena
Early October | 5K, 1 Mile
Clean-energy fundraiser run/walk benefiting a solar panel installation at Smith Elementary School this year.
Back Roads Half Marathon & 10K - Red Lodge
Early October | Half Marathon, 10K
Fall scenic half marathon on rolling rural roads with Beartooth Mountain views.
11 Miles to Paradise - Paradise
Early October | 10.6 Mile (trail)
Point-to-point trail race through Lolo National Forest along the Clark Fork River, finishing with a shuttle to Quinn's Hot Springs Resort for a post-race soak.
Le Grizz Ultramarathon & Relay - Polebridge
Mid-October | 50 Mile, 50 Mile Relay, 15K, 5K
One of the oldest 50-mile foot races in the country (started 1982), run along the North Fork of the Flathead River just outside Glacier National Park.
Mid-October | 5K
Fun run starting and ending at MT Ascension Brewing.
Glow Run: Superhero Edition - Kalispell
Mid-October | 5K, Family Hero Mile
Evening glow run with bubbles and costumes, benefiting the Flathead School Snack Program.
Hoofin' It For Hunger - Dillon
Mid-October | 10K, 5K (also virtual)
Montana Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers host this run through Dillon ranch country, benefiting local food pantries via the Montana Food Bank Network.
Run For Your Life 5K & Kid's Run/Walk - Bozeman
Mid-October | 5K, Kid's Run (also virtual)
Halloween-themed run benefiting Help Center, Inc.'s crisis support services.
The Great Masked Pumpkin Race - Billings
Mid-October | 3 Mile, 2 Mile, 1 Mile
Costume race where you pick up a pumpkin at the turnaround and carry it to the finish, benefiting Bike Walk Montana.
Harvestfest 5K - Hungry Horse
Mid-October | 5K
Scenic out-and-back along the South Fork of the Flathead River, with a chili cook-off and pie-eating contest after.
Mid-October | 5K
Boos and Brews fun run starting and ending at Lolo Peak Brewing.
Just for the Helena of It - Helena
Mid-October | Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids Mini Mile (also virtual)
Helena's fall race hosted by Treasure State Runners, benefiting The Friendship Center and Girls Thrive.
City to Sky Trail Races - Missoula
Mid-October | 50K, 25K
Unique trail races finishing in Missoula's University District, circling the Pattee Creek watershed with 8,000+ feet of elevation gain.
Skeleton Skedaddle 5K & Kids Pumpkin Run - Missoula
Late October | 5K, Kids Run
A costume-friendly fall morning hosted by Run Wild Missoula and UM's Physical Therapy Student Association.
Montana Cup - Billings
Late October | 5K (Women's, Men's)
Team cross-country meet pitting Montana's seven largest towns against each other for a traveling trophy. Hosted this year by Yellowstone Rim Runners.
Run The Boo- 5K & Kids Race - Dillon
Late October | 5K, Kids Race
Halloween-themed race through Dillon, benefiting the Montana Events Foundation Scholarship for University of Montana Western students.
NOVEMBER
Mount Jumbo Elk Ramble - Missoula
Early November | Trail race
The only organized trail race on Mt. Jumbo.
Columbia Falls Brewery Run - Columbia Falls
Early November | 5K
Late-season brewery run in Flathead Valley.
Turkey Dash - Libby
Late November | Turkey Trot
Northwest Montana Thanksgiving tradition.
THANKSGIVING TURKEY TROTS
Missoula Thanksgiving Turkey Trot - Missoula
Thanksgiving morning | 8K, FREE Family 3K
Run Wild Missoula's annual tradition. The 3K is completely free and family-friendly.
Burn the Bird 10K, 5K & 1.33 Mile Fun Run/Walk - Great Falls
Thanksgiving morning | 10K, 5K, 1.33 miles
Work off the turkey before you eat it in the Electric City.
Crossroads Fitness Turkey Trot - Helena
Thanksgiving morning | 10K, 5K, 1K
Helena's Thanksgiving tradition with multiple distance options for the whole family.
WINTER RACES (December - February)
Sorry 'Bout That Half Marathon - Polson
Mid-January | Half Marathon, Team Relay
Flathead Lake area half marathon with relay option.
Snow Joke Half Marathon - Seeley Lake
February | Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
One of America's coldest outdoor races and a 47-year Montana tradition.
