5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathons

  • 5k races
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    About 5k races

    A 5K is the shortest of the common running event distances, consisting of 3.1 miles (5 kilometers).  These events can either be competitive or social, depending on the particular event you are looking into running.  5Ks are the most popular of road running events because of their relatively short distance which allows not only the seasoned runners to run, but novice runners, joggers, and newcomers as well.  5Ks are also something fun for families to do together.

    How did we choose the best 5K races in Montana?

    We checked what races in Montana runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event.  Feedback left by runners who participated in the races in Montana was also considered.  Other factors include how long the course has been around, the race swag and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.

    Most of the 5K races in Montana are fundraisers for local charities or non-profit organizations.  There are currently 190 5K race events in the state of Montana, with most of these events being held between April and October.

    What are the best 5K races in Missoula?

    Missoula, Montana is filled with natural beauty, making it an ideal location for a 5K race and spectators standing close to the race.  Some of the most popular 5K races in Missoula include the Missoula 5K and the RiseUp 5K.  The Missoula 5K is part of the Missoula Marathon event sponsored by Run Wild Missoula, which is responsible for organizing over a dozen race events a year.

    What are the best 5K races in Billings?

    Some of the best 5K races in Billings include the Big Sky State Games Road Races, the Heart and Sole Run and the Montana Warrior Run.

    What are the best 5K races in Bozeman?

    Reach Inc. Race for Independence and the Sweet Pea Run are popular 5K race events in Bozeman. Both of these 5K races take runners on trails and offer runners beautiful mountain views. These races are often run in harder terrain and require runners to have proper hydration supplies, backpacks, GPS and more.

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  • 10k races
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    About 10k races

    A 10K is one of the most common running event distances, consisting of 6.2 (10 kilometers).  These events can either be competitive or more for fun, depending on the particular "box" or bracket you feel fit into.  They are twice the distance of the 5K and still relatively short in distance.  Fewer runners tend to participate than the 5K, but these events still get a lot of not only seasoned runners but novice runners and joggers in attendance.

    How did we choose the best 10K races in Montana?

    We checked what races in Montana runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event.  Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered.  Other factors include how long the course has been around, the race swag and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.  According to Running in the USA, there are 68 10K races in Montana with most of these 6.2-mile races being held in April, June, and July.

    What are the best 10K races in Helena?

    The Montana Warrior Run and Montana's Governor's Cup are a few of the popular 10K races in this Capital City.

    What are the best 10K races in Bozeman?

    Many of the 10K races in Bozeman offer runners beautiful mountain views and give them opportunities to enjoy Main Street in Downtown Bozeman. Some of the best 10K races in this city include Reach Inc. Race for Independence, Huffing for Stuffing Thanksgiving Day Run and the Sweet Pea Run.

    What are the best 10K races in Billings?

    Billings is another major city in the state of Montana.  Some of the best 10K races in this city include the Heart and Sole Run and the Montana 10K.  The Montana 10K is part of the Montana Marathon event.

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  • Half marathons
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    About Half marathons

    A Half Marathon event consists of running 13 miles (21 kilometers) and as the label suggests, is half of a standard Marathon of 26 miles.  The popularity, participants of the half marathon distance, and its events have significantly grown since the early 2000s and they continue to do so, with massive events popping up all over the states.  The growth rate of participants for the half marathon distance is currently higher than that of the full.  According to Running In the USA, there are 35 half marathons in the state of Montana. Most of these half marathons take place in June, July, and September making it ideal for minimal clothing.

    What are the best half marathon races in Bozeman?

    The Bozeman Half Marathon and the Run to the Pub Half Marathon are two of the best half marathon races in Bozeman.  Another local race that attracts runners is the Frank Newman Half Marathon.  All of these races offer runners downhill courses with scenic mountain views.

    What are the best half marathon races in Montana's major cities?

    Billings Montana is Montana's largest municipality and is home to the popular Montana Half Marathon.  Missoula and Great Falls follow in size.  The Missoula Half Marathon, sponsored by Missoula's local running club Run Wild Missoula, is the best half marathon in this great Montana municipality. Great Falls is home to the popular Kickin' Asphalt Half Marathon, which offers runners scenic trail views as they run along the Missouri River.

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  • Marathons
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    About Marathons

    Marathon events consist of 26 miles (42 kilometers) and the courses are typically laid out through roads. Starting in the Olympics in the early 1900s, marathons have quickly picked up in popularity and in 2017 there are currently more than 800 events being held in North America, and that number is consistently growing & tracked.

    Over 90% of these marathons are being held in the United States, with 7%  being held in Canada.  About 72% of these marathons are certified, which means they are Boston Marathon Qualifiers. September and October are the most popular months for running events, with over 100 in each month.

    How did we choose the best Marathon races in Montana?

    We checked what races in Montana runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the races in Montana was also considered.  Other factors include how long the event has been around, the runner perks and Finisher's Medals, what runners thought of the event and how scenic the 26.2-mile course is.  Four of the marathons described above are Boston qualifiers.  These Boston qualifiers include the Montana Governor's Cup Marathon, the Missoula Marathon,  the Montana Marathon, and the Bozeman Marathon.

    What are the best marathons in Bozeman?

    The Frank Newman Spring Marathon is a popular local marathon in Bozeman and has been a Big Sky Wind Drinkers marathon running tradition.  The most popular marathon in Bozeman is the Bozeman Marathon, offering runners spectacular scenery & sunshine as they run through the Gallatin Gateway Valley.

    What are the best marathon races in Montana's major cities?

    Billings Montana is Montana's largest municipality and is home to the popular Montana Marathon.  Missoula and Great Falls follow in size.  The Missoula Marathon, sponsored by Missoula's local running club Run Wild Missoula, is the best marathon in this great Montana municipality.  Helena, Montana's capital city, is home to the Montana Governor's Cup Marathon.  With a mostly downhill, fast course, this is one of the races in  Montana that is guaranteed to give runners a PR.

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