Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
This is a point-to-point course from Molt to Billings. It’s a smallish race with a few hundred marathoners. Elevation gain for me was 515ft and elevation loss was ~1348ft. Despite the significant drop over the course, the first 10+miles are all gentle uphill and there are rolling hills in the last 16. The overcast drizzly weather was a plus because there is no shade at all with this course; if it was hot, sunny and warm it would be rough. The wheels started coming off for me at mile 18, not having trained amply. It took every ounce of energy and focus to persevere. I got a hail Mary on this one. I did manage to squeak out a PR by 00:00:00.2! There wasn’t a lot of after-race nutrition: Chips, cheese sticks, bananas, oranges and chocolate milk. Bag drop-off and pick-up were a breeze. Bussing to the start went smoothly. There was a nice, warm building to hang out in before the race, which was great. Expo was small. Race shirt was fine. A few more porta potties along the course would helpful as there are no bushes at all to duck behind as a last resort. There’s not a lot to see in Billings. The Yellowstone Art Museum is small but has a nice collection. The Moss Mansion is worth a visit if interested in early 20th century architecture and furnishings. If a PR or BQ is in your grasp, consider Montana Marathon. Recommend.
I stayed at the Dude Rancher Lodge and could walk to the busses as well as walk back after the finish. No rental car was needed.
