
Back Roads Half & 10k
Back Roads Half & 10k offers a scenic Montana run on rural gravel roads with rolling hills.
Race Date
Oct 4, 2026
Location
Red Lodge, MT
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Location
- Red Lodge, Montana
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 223
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Back Roads Half & 10k in Red Lodge, Montana, presents a unique autumn running experience, winding through picturesque rural landscapes with views of the Beartooth Mountains. This event, now in its third year, is designed to be accessible, welcoming walkers in the 10k and strollers on parts of the course, though caution is advised on some steeper sections.
The course primarily features gravel roads with some paved sections, offering a rolling terrain that includes a couple of significant hills early on before smoothing out. Runners can expect a challenging yet rewarding route that wraps up the summer racing season. The race aims for a community feel, with a Sunday date allowing families to participate in cross-country events on Saturday.
With a median field size of around 77 finishers and attracting runners from about seven states, the Back Roads Half & 10k provides an intimate atmosphere. The event offers a unique finisher's swag: a camp mug. While not a massive event, its charm lies in its scenic setting and inclusive approach, making it a noteworthy option for those seeking a less conventional race.
Race-provided description
The main roads may be efficient but the back roads sure are beautiful. Take in the views of the Beartooth's as you cruise on rolling rural roads. This fall Half and 10k is a great way to wrap up your summer running season. We know it's cross country season so this race on is on Sunday so you can watch your kids run on Saturday and then show them what you've got on Sunday! This is a race for everyone. Walkers welcome in the 10k. Sorry no dogs at this race as we go by lots of livestock and livestock guardian dogs. Both courses are on gravel with a few paved sections and minimal elevation gain....well there are 1 or 2 big hills, but after that, smooth sailing! Strollers are welcome, but require some serious grit. There is a short steep hill on the 10k course in the first mile and a longer, less steep hill in the first mile of the half. Both races finish with a steep of trail downhill -strollers have 100% gone down this, but do so at their own risk. We do mark a turn on the 10k course that will bring you back to the start so you can do a 10k, finish at your car and drive to the proper finish for post-race fun! Please let us know if we can better accomodate you as a stroller pusher! ****We cannot accomodate strollers and/or car seats on the shuttles.****
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Start Time
10:00 AM
Giveaway
Camp Mug
Start Location
1445 Broadway Ave N,, Red Lodge, MT, 59068
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Dirt Trail, Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick553 years running
~77 finishers a year
shrinking
16% returning runners
3 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 7 states
winner 1:25:57
typical high 61°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
42°
Afternoon (High)
61°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
58%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 223 finishers actually crossed the line across 3 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
223
Median time
2:14:46
Latest turnout
69
States
16
Turnout by year
2023–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Back Roads Half & 10k?
The Back Roads Half & 10k is held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM.
Where does the Back Roads Half & 10k take place?
It takes place in Red Lodge, Montana.
What distances does the Back Roads Half & 10k offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles.
Is the Back Roads Half & 10k course flat and good for a PR?
The Back Roads Half & 10k is a rolling hills, loop course course.
How many people run the Back Roads Half & 10k?
HalfRuns has finish records for 223 runners who have completed the Back Roads Half & 10k.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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