Next race
Sunday, 5 September 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Point-to-point road
Elevation
Net downhill · 180 m gain
180 m climbing
Race profile
The Montana Marathon draws approximately 221 finishers each September on a point-to-point road in Billings, United States. Billings' fast point-to-point marathon is a popular Boston qualifier with a sustained descent into the Magic City. The net-downhill course drops more than 1,000 feet from Molt into Billings with Big Sky Country vistas. The route is net downhill overall.
Montana Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 221 finishers
Course & terrain
The Montana Marathon is a net-downhill point-to-point road course popular with runners chasing fast times. Starts in Molt on the high plains and finishes in downtown Billings. The net-downhill course drops more than 1,000 feet from Molt into Billings with Big Sky Country vistas. Moderate terrain throughout.
The Montana Marathon course is net downhill over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 180 metres of climbing and 485 metres of descent, with a net descent of 305 metres from start to finish.
Net downhill · 180 m gain — approx. 954 m above sea level
↑ 180 m · ↓ 485 m · net −305 m
Registration
Montana Marathon is typically held in September. Registration opens through https://www.406raceseries.com/montanamarathon and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Getting there
Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
4 km / 3 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Billings.
The Wicked Fast (MT) Marathon draws approximately 154 finishers each August on a point-to-point road in Livingston, United States. Montana's fastest net-downhill marathon drops 1,200 feet through Paradise Valley on a USATF-certified Boston qualifier. The net-downhill course glides through Paradise Valley roads with Yellowstone Country river views. The route is net downhill overall.
Next race: Sunday, 1 August 2027
The Jackson Hole Marathon draws approximately 248 finishers each September on a scenic road in Jackson Hole, United States. Wyoming's largest marathon by participation finishes at the base of the Tetons on a certified Boston-qualifier course. The course tours Jackson Hole valley roads, community pathways, Wilson, and Grand Teton views. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 5 September 2027
The Bear Paw Marathon draws approximately 31 finishers each June on a scenic road in Havre, United States. Northern Montana's Bear Paw Marathon serves the Hi-Line running community on a rolling prairie course. The course tours Hi-Line prairie roads and Bear Paw Mountain foothill scenery. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
The Casper Marathon draws approximately 89 finishers each June on a scenic road in Casper, United States. Wyoming's fast-growing Casper Marathon is a USATF-certified Boston qualifier in the heart of the state. The course follows Casper river trails, prairie roads, and wide-open Wyoming vistas. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
The Leading Ladies Marathon draws approximately 125 finishers each June on a scenic road in Spearfish, United States. Spearfish's Leading Ladies Marathon is a popular June Black Hills race with a rolling scenic course. The course follows Spearfish Canyon connectors and northern Black Hills scenic roads. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
The Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon draws approximately 238 finishers each June on a scenic trail road in Deadwood, United States. South Dakota's largest running event by participation finishes in the historic landmark town of Deadwood. The course follows the crushed-limestone Mickelson Trail through Black Hills forests, creeks, and mining-country scenery. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
