Why do I do these crazy things STILL? I question myself each time I attempt one of these things, but the urge to travel and run is an addictive thing. Plus, it's always nice to have a goal to aim for. I decided to run the 2017 Montana marathon in Billings, Montana due to the fact that one of the marathons I used to do during that time period decided to switch race days to October 2017 instead of keeping it in September 2017. Since my birthday fell on race day itself this year, I felt the need to fly to Billings, Montana to celebrate my birthday and to pick up another state for my 50 states marathon goal - round 2. With that said, I arrived 3 days before race morning to get acclimated. The Montana marathon has the marathon event as well as the half marathon and the 10 event as well. I chose the big one, as I know I've done it many times already at other race destinations across the USA. Billings Montana is just another stop along the way. The Montana marathon is a small intimate marathon that had about less than 300 run the marathon and maybe 1,000 run the half marathon and 10km combined. That kind of shows you the level of intimacy that the Montana marathon offers to runners of all calibers every year. Packet pick up in 2017 was held at the local YMCA branch, located on 32nd Street, off of Grand Ave and Division Street intersection. It was a small affair, boasting a table with fantastic volunteers to hand out race bibs to participants. I was literally in and out of there within 5 minutes. It was fast enough to where I didn't know what to do with myself for 1 hour, since I had allotted an hour or so for an expo, not just packet pick up. Parking for the packet pick up was across the street at the private parking garage. Race registration is done typically online, but you can do race weekend registration too. It is best to register as soon as you can to get the best deals possible. Prices can range from $60 to $100, so do be prepared for that. Often times, the half marathon event is cheaper than the marathon event, but if you want mega bragging rights, the marathon might be the one for you! Online registration always needs a major credit card upon payment, so best bet is to do that as soon as you can. As far as race day parking goes, best bet is to park at the finish line and they will bus you up. My only major gripe about this year's event is that they only have had one shuttle bus to the start. I did the early start and just arrived at the bus location at 4am, only to see the shuttle bus leaving the area. I was SO thankful to meet up with other marathoners who were doing the early start. One of which gave me a lift in their private vehicle. I'm thankful for that. I guess it was perfect timing, other wise, I would have been stuck there at the finish line and no marathon for me. I get that it was a small marathon, but come on. Have at least 2 shuttle buses! The start is at a community center 26.2 miles away west on Molt Road. We ran east towards Billings, along with a sort of long mile out and back stretch on Buffalo something Road. At 5:30am, it was pitch dark, so it would be advisable to have lights on you for safety. The course itself was 16 miles on Molt Road, which was a stretch of road that had a bunch of car speeding on a Sunday morning. The last 10.2 miles weaved around residential areas, finishing up nearby Billings Senior High School football stadium. The 16 miles on Molt Road was quiet hilly, but thankful that the race day temps was in the mid 40's, so that was a little bit fun. Thank you to all the volunteers! 4.5 stars for the overall experience in eastern Montana. I didn't see mile markers until 13.1, which was disheartening. Most of the markings were on the asphalt. I use these to make sure I'm not losing it, if you know what I mean. Nice race, scenic and intimate. It's an option to do if you are in Montana or chasing 50 states marathons / half marathons. Run more! Support local! B+ read more

Montana Marathon - Races & Competitions Near Me - Billings, Montana