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Montana Marathon

Billings, MT
Sunday, September 20, 2026


  5 Stars from 1 Reviews

Course Description
The net downhill Montana Marathon course runs between an elevation of 4,200 to 3,140 feet above sea level.

The course starts in the community of Molt, west of Billings, and is completely on paved roads. It follows Molt Road east, with a minor diversion out and back on Buffalo Trail, across the prairie featuring some impressive early morning views.

Just before the half-way mark, there is a downhill run on the "hogsback" that will take runners into Echo Canyon.

The course route takes runners through the slightly-hilly residential area of the Yellowstone Country Club before turning on to Rimrock Road. At 46th St. W. the course turns south and shortly eastward again through a residential neighborhood until it hooks up with part of the Heritage Trail System for a run through the tunnel under Shiloh Road.

After a turn north for a few blocks, the course heads west along Poly Drive and eventually to Parkhill Drive which leads to Pioneer Park and Daylis Stadium where the finish line is located.

September Other Marathons in September Other Marathons in Montana Marathons near Billings, MT



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Sunday, September 20, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 58°F (14°C)
Average High: 73°F (22°C)
Average Low: 44° F (6°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.51
Course Score: 99.51

Race Size

2026: No Results
2025: 221 Finishers
2024: 199 Finishers
2023: 149 Finishers
2022: 65 Finishers
2021: 87 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: N/A
2025: 3.6%
2024: 13.6%
2023: 10.1%
2022: 6.2%
2021: 9.2%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 15 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 74°F  (23°C)
Low: 50°F  (10°C)

Race Start Conditions

54°F  (12°C)
Humidity: 60%

Clear
SW 8 mph

PR Score

97.55

Course Score

97.98






Montana Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Montana Marathon was the 248th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 243rd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 3.6% of Montana Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 13.6% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Montana Marathon ranked 342nd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 107th in 2024. In Montana, it ranked 4th in 2025 and 1st in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Montana Marathon has a Course Score of 99.51, ranking it as the 107th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest marathon course in Montana.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Montana Marathon a PR Score of 99.51. The PR Score ranks the Montana Marathon as the 70th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in Montana.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Montana Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Montana for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Montana Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed107th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd fastest marathon course in Montana
Top 24% Nationally#2 of 4 in Montana
PR Potential70th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in Montana
Top 16% Nationally#2 of 4 in Montana
Boston Qualifier Rate342nd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 4th highest BQ percentage in Montana
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 72% Nationally#4 of 4 in Montana
Race Size248th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd largest marathon in Montana
Based on 2025 results
Top 42% Nationally#2 of 6 in Montana

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 4208 feet (1282m)
Min Elevation: 3131 feet (954m)

Elevation Gain: 520 feet (158m)
Elevation Loss: 1351 feet (411m)


Montana

Course updated 06/22/2026




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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 1 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Small Marathon, Good Organization, PR/BQ Potential

Full Review:

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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by Martha at Marathon Training 50 About 2026