HalfRuns
Montana Marathon

Montana Marathon

Montana Marathon offers a fast, scenic point-to-point course with significant downhill into Billings.

Race Date

Sep 20, 2026

Location

Billings, MT

Standout76

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Location
Billings, Montana
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 10K, 5K, Virtual Race
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
6,457

Highlights

Good For

BQ RelevantPR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Spectator SupportGreat SwagWell Organized

Course

Net DownhillFast FlatScenic Route

The Experience

The Montana Marathon, first run in 1999 and now in its 23rd edition, is renowned for its fast, scenic point-to-point course. Starting in the small town of Molt, the route takes runners on a gradual downhill descent of 1,000 feet into Billings, offering wide-open skies and views of Big Sky Country. This course is a favorite for those aiming for personal bests or a Boston Qualifier.

The race incorporates half marathon, 10K, and 5K distances, with runners merging along the way to build energy toward the finish line in downtown Billings. The Montana Marathon has seen a growing field size, with recent editions averaging around 686 finishers, drawing participants from approximately 28 states. About 25% of runners return each year, highlighting its loyalty.

Participants can expect a performance shirt as swag. The event is recognized as a Boston Qualifier and has been selected by the Road Runners Club of America as the Montana State Championship Race for the Half Marathon.

Race-provided 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 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 7:00amMarathon 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 CoursePlease 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 8:00AMCourse 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 lotThe start of each raceApproximately miles 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24Finish line at Pioneer Park.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

Short Sleeve Performance Shirt (Unisex)

Start Location

Parkhill Dr & Third St W, Billings, MT, 59101

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Rural, Mountain

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles10K5KVirtual Race

Quality Score

Standout76
Methodology
Heritage20/20

23 years running

Size14/15

~556 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

25% returning runners

Course & details6/15

5 timing sources · 8 photos

National draw9/10

runners from 28 states

Front-pack speed1/5

winner 1:26:21

Weather2/10

typical high 75°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

51°

Afternoon (High)

75°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.1"

Precipitation

12 mph

Wind

51%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 6,457 finishers actually crossed the line across 23 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

6,457

Median time

2:28:51

Latest turnout

348

States

48

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:056:05

Turnout by year

20182025

'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Montana Marathon?

The Montana Marathon is held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Montana Marathon take place?

It takes place in Billings, Montana.

What distances does the Montana Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 10K, 5K, Virtual Race.

Is the Montana Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Montana Marathon is a rolling hills, point to point course.

How many people run the Montana Marathon?

HalfRuns has finish records for 6,457 runners who have completed the Montana Marathon.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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