Montana Marathon
Billings, MT
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Where Tradition Meets Speed: The Original Fast Fall 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 … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Sep 20):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 82 | 77 | 67 | 63 | 62 |
| L (°F) | 54 | 52 | 47 | 49 | 48 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Big Sky means Big Sun!
Pre Race (Communication, Expo, Hotels, and Misc) Great pre-race communication. I always knew where I needed to be and when. I chose a race hotel (Home2 Suites) about a mile … MORE
Pre Race (Communication, Expo, Hotels, and Misc)
Great pre-race communication. I always knew where I needed to be and when. I chose a race hotel (Home2 Suites) about a mile from the start and walked to the start. The hotel was great to work with. Expo was small with a few vendor tables – fast in/out. Expo was only 4 hours long but race day pickup was also available for those who couldn’t make it.
Race (Weather, Course, cement/asphalt/brick, crowds, water stops)
This was a point to point course in which we were bussed to the start line where we left our drop bags. Temps were about 64 at the start and probably 250 marathoners. Lovely course scenery ~16 miles leading into the city, and you are exposed to direct sun for all of it. After mile 10 there are two nice downhills. Temp was 81 when I finished (~4.5 hours) which I suspect is a lot hotter than normal: I’m not a good hot weather runner. In the neighborhoods some residents put sprinklers out for runners to pass through (thank you!). Despite being a smaller marathon, I was always in visual sight of other runners. There were sufficient volunteers stationed to keep runners on course. Water stops were roughly every 3 miles. I assumed they would be at the mile markers but instead they were within a half mile beyond. Course is mostly asphalt, though in the city sometimes you can hop onto the cement sidewalk. You are running on the side of the highway from the start until you reach the city. Not many cars encountered along the highway, and they moved over to the extent they could so I never felt at risk. There was little road canter to deal with and generally the road side was fine to run on and not a concern. Not many spectators along the course.
Post Race (food/water, flow, party)
Nice medal and great participant shirt. Finish area was in a park, so ample room to decompress. Finish line logistics were odd to me. Once you crossed the line you walked into the park and saw tables left and right: My marathon-fogged mind couldn’t discern between vendors and post-race snacks for runners. I didn’t stay around long and walked back to the hotel.
Weather tried to claim my life and soul!
It was unseasonably HOT! The course is full exposure even once you get into town. It was a marathon of survival purely because of the weather. Obviously no one can … MORE
It was unseasonably HOT! The course is full exposure even once you get into town. It was a marathon of survival purely because of the weather. Obviously no one can control the weather and the weather today as we’re leaving is SO MUCH BETTER and more typical 🤪
Take out the weather and the race organization was great! Aid stations were good and the heroes of the day for many of us were the locals that put out sprinklers, hoses, and other sprayers for us!!
I wish it would have been a better day so it would have been enjoyed more but I can see the positives and the beauty! Would still recommend this race!!
Fun, Fast & Pretty
Beautiful and mostly downhill race from the outskirts of Billings into downtown. This race is well organized and small enough that you feel you’re running with a slightly larger running … MORE
Beautiful and mostly downhill race from the outskirts of Billings into downtown. This race is well organized and small enough that you feel you’re running with a slightly larger running club. The hills, up and down, were fun but challenging. The course support is great and everyone is so friendly. Loved the medal, the tech shirt and the ease of the free shuttles to the start line. Also loved the free pancakes and bacon at the end. The only thing I didn’t like was the final 6/7 miles of the course that were basically open to cross traffic and required some vigilance for wayward cars.
Definitely worth the trip
The race expo is on the small side with some nice people and local businesses that are worth checking out. Top notch race merch I purchased a hoodie. Race day … MORE
The race expo is on the small side with some nice people and local businesses that are worth checking out. Top notch race merch I purchased a hoodie. Race day was a great day weather was perfect and I was all set for a PR. The views along the rout were breathtaking and so was the elevation, for this runner. Between the pit stops to take photos and other “breaks” I wasn’t able to hit my goal time but I am happy with my results.
So many aid stations!
The folks that organize this race really cater to racers! There's nothing that they forget or leave out! Shuttling is smooth, aid stations galore, and the best swag I've ever … MORE
The folks that organize this race really cater to racers! There’s nothing that they forget or leave out! Shuttling is smooth, aid stations galore, and the best swag I’ve ever gotten at a race! I highly recommend this race, you won’t be dissapointed!
Awesome course
The course was well marked and everything was well organized. Great views of the rims with the finish line at Pioneer Park. Elevation loss of 1000 feet makes for a … MORE
The course was well marked and everything was well organized. Great views of the rims with the finish line at Pioneer Park. Elevation loss of 1000 feet makes for a fast enjoyable course!
Awesome experience!
If you want to run a beautiful, well organized, and fun run, look no further! 406 Race Series has thought of everything! Great swag, positive and encouraging volunteers, and just … MORE
If you want to run a beautiful, well organized, and fun run, look no further! 406 Race Series has thought of everything! Great swag, positive and encouraging volunteers, and just an all around wonderful atmosphere!
Great race! Very organized!
This was my first marathon and it was a lot of fun! The race director was very organized! There were multiple water stops and some had fuel as well. And … MORE
This was my first marathon and it was a lot of fun! The race director was very organized! There were multiple water stops and some had fuel as well. And it’s in MT which is a beautiful state!
Country mouse city mouse
Lots of potties! First half in the country beautiful scenery. Second half in town with loads of community support. Finish line treatment is awesome! MORE
Lots of potties!
First half in the country beautiful scenery.
Second half in town with loads of community support.
Finish line treatment is awesome!
Beautiful Course, Fun Race!
I love any race put on by 406 Race Series, but this one is my favorite run each year! Great course, beautiful views, fun environment, sweet swag! MORE
I love any race put on by 406 Race Series, but this one is my favorite run each year! Great course, beautiful views, fun environment, sweet swag!
Fun and Fast
Fun and fast course - lots of other runners. I have ran the course twice and have volunteered, everyone is in a good mood and having tons of fun. It's … MORE
Fun and fast course – lots of other runners. I have ran the course twice and have volunteered, everyone is in a good mood and having tons of fun. It’s a very fast course with tons of support the whole time.
Fun and fast!
The Queen Bee race is so well organized! The course is fast and enjoyable. A big bonus is the fun after party and adorable medals! I would totally recommend and … MORE
The Queen Bee race is so well organized! The course is fast and enjoyable. A big bonus is the fun after party and adorable medals! I would totally recommend and can’t wait for next race.
Great course, excellent set up and swag
The 406 Race series never disappoints! The team does so well with the set up, information sharing and answers any questions very quickly. The swag is some of my favorite! … MORE
The 406 Race series never disappoints! The team does so well with the set up, information sharing and answers any questions very quickly. The swag is some of my favorite! Excited to level up and run the half this year!
A great spring race to set a new PR
This is a top-notch spring to set the tone for your entire racing season. Very well-organized, fun, and a net downhill course. Options for kids to marathoners. Great Brooks t-shirt … MORE
This is a top-notch spring to set the tone for your entire racing season. Very well-organized, fun, and a net downhill course. Options for kids to marathoners. Great Brooks t-shirt and other finisher swag. Great race sponsors. Overall an exceptional race and one I have done many times.
MY FAVORITE
This race holds a special place in my heart! It was the first race I competed in and every year I continue to return. There is nothing like it. They … MORE
This race holds a special place in my heart! It was the first race I competed in and every year I continue to return. There is nothing like it. They have incredible volunteers, swag, finisher medals, and the course is always beautiful.
Beautiful and flat
This race is an annual race! The swag is amazing, the 406 race series does an amazing job putting together the race. The half is a downhill for the first … MORE
This race is an annual race! The swag is amazing, the 406 race series does an amazing job putting together the race. The half is a downhill for the first few miles. Fairly flat afterwards. Ends at a park, fun for family to wait!
Well Organized and Super Fun!
The Queen Bee Montana Marathon was a fun and flawless event! The course is fast, downhill and extremely well marked. They offer distances for every runner and the race is … MORE
The Queen Bee Montana Marathon was a fun and flawless event! The course is fast, downhill and extremely well marked. They offer distances for every runner and the race is well supported by the Billings community. Plenty of aid stations along the route. Great swag and a festive finisher expo at the end. Would highly recommend!
Skip Missoula Run QB Montana Marathon
Excellent job of course marking. You will not get lost. The 4,000 feet of elevation is no joke but it's manageable. I was the last runner for 19M. Probably a … MORE
Excellent job of course marking. You will not get lost. The 4,000 feet of elevation is no joke but it’s manageable. I was the last runner for 19M. Probably a mile back at 8M. The sweep wagon would pull .5 M ahead and wait. He kept me insight. I normally do not carry a water bottle but I am glad I did for this race. 10mph headwinds and high altitude required more hydration. Skip Missoula and head to Queen Bee Marathon Montana. Small race. Gigantic spirit.
great fast race
Loved this race, am doing it again this year. Great shirt, nice people. Course is very fast...slight downhill. Dragging friends and family out this year to cheer us all on. … MORE
Loved this race, am doing it again this year. Great shirt, nice people. Course is very fast…slight downhill. Dragging friends and family out this year to cheer us all on.
It was a fun and well-run race!
Plenty of aid stations, smooth and easy-to-follow course, nice changes of scenery, and a nice morning for a run. I had a great time. The morning was overcast but turned … MORE
Plenty of aid stations, smooth and easy-to-follow course, nice changes of scenery, and a nice morning for a run. I had a great time. The morning was overcast but turned out to be a great temperature. All the volunteers were awesome too!