
Just for the Helena of It
Helena, Montana's Just for the Helena of It half marathon showcases historic and scenic routes.
Race Date
Oct 18, 2026
Location
Helena, MT
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Location
- Helena, Montana
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 732
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Just for the Helena of It half marathon, a fall event in Helena, Montana, offers a scenic out-and-back course through the city's historic areas. Organized by the local non-profit Treasure State Runners, the event aims to raise funds for charities focused on health and well-being.
Now in its fourth year, the race typically sees around 218 finishers, with about 26% returning each year, indicating strong participant loyalty. Runners come from approximately 15 states, drawn by the opportunity to experience Montana's "big sky" and support a good cause. The event also offers 10k, 5k, and 1-mile races, along with virtual options.
Participants can expect a festive atmosphere with an after-race celebration at the finish line. While the Montana fall weather can be unpredictable, the event proceeds rain, shine, or snow, promising a memorable experience for all, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits like The Friendship Center and Girls Thrive.
Race-provided description
Just for the Helena of It is a fall running event in Helena, MT put on by the Treasure State Runners, a local non-profit organization. The mission of Treasure State Runners is to fundraise through footrace events in the Helena area for nonprofits who foster the importance and pursuit of physical, mental and emotional health. This year's half marathon, 10k, and 5k routes will highlight the beautiful town of Helena, MT and the surrounding area. 5k participants will be treated to a course full of our Montana big sky. The half marathon and 10k routes weave an out-and-back through Helena's most historic and scenic areas. The kids only fun run is a short and easy to follow loop adjacent to the finish line celebration. Can't join the fun in person? Participate from afar with one of the virtual options. Check out our website for course maps and more details. An after-race event will be held at the finish line. The fall weather in Montana can be unpredictable, so please come prepared to join the festivities in rain, shine, or snow! This event has been strongly supported both nationally and locally over the past four years, raising a total of $121,000 for Helena charities. Join us in 2026 and help us reach out goal of raising $40,000 + for The Friendship Center and $10,000 + for Girls Thrive. Lace up your running shoes to support these amazing local nonprofits!
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Giveaway
Long Sleeve Technical Race Shirt
Start Location
2715 Country Club Ave., Helena, MT, 59602
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Small Town, Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
7.6%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MT23002MF · Just For The Helena Of It
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change.
Quality Score
Standout784 years running
~216 finishers a year
growing or steady
26% returning runners
USATF certified · 3 timing sources · 5 photos
runners from 15 states
winner 1:14:26
typical high 62°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
37°
Afternoon (High)
62°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.0"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
57%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 732 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
732
Median time
2:12:35
Latest turnout
218
States
23
Turnout by year
2022–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Just for the Helena of It?
The Just for the Helena of It is held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Just for the Helena of It take place?
It takes place in Helena, Montana.
What distances does the Just for the Helena of It offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles.
Is the Just for the Helena of It course flat and good for a PR?
The Just for the Helena of It is a ultra-flat, out & back course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Just for the Helena of It?
HalfRuns has finish records for 732 runners who have completed the Just for the Helena of It.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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