
Race for a Reason
June 2, 2022, updated 6/9/22, 6/15/22
by maria weidich
In this inclusive guide to racing local, we've got the details on runs, walks, and strolls of all kinds in and around Billings, MT. Races are organized by month, find your right racing fit!
JUNE 2022
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Montana Firefighters Memorial Run
- Friday, June 10 @ 7:00pm | Montana State Firefighters Memorial | Laurel, MT
The Details
Runners, walkers, families and battalions - all are welcome to take part in the final year of the Montana Firefighters Memorial Run. Choose from the 3-Alarm Fire 5K or 1-Alarm Fire Mile distance that start and end at the Montana State Firefighters Memorial in Laurel, MT.
This fun run was designed to raise funds for the Montana Firefighters Memorial, and the work is nearly complete! This will be the fourth and final run, where all proceeds continue to benefit Memorial Park, which surrounds the memorial honoring firefighters killed in the line of duty throughout Montana as far back as 1895.
Packet Pickup
Wednesday, June 8 @ 5:00-7:00 pm
- A Haus of Realty, 20 Montana Avenue | Laurel, MT
Thursday June 9 @ 5:00-7:00pm
- Stewart Title, 223 Shiloh Road, Suite 10 | Billings, MT
Friday, June 10 @ 5:00-6:00 pm
- A Haus of Realty, 20 Montana Avenue | Laurel, MT
Learn more on the Race Facebook Page www.facebook.com/mtfirefightersrun.
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY, STROLLER FRIENDLY, FINAL YEAR
Kids Dash n’ Pedal
- Saturday, June 11 @ 12:00pm | Millice Park | Billings, MT
On your mark, get set, GO! Grab those bikes, trikes and trainers and bring out the littles for this closed-course duathlon just for kids!
The Details
There will be two courses and two age divisions:
- Mini Dash n’ Pedal (Ages 3-5)
- Bike ¼ mile. Run 100 yards.
- Dash n’ Pedal (Ages 5-10)
- Run ¼ mile. Bike 6/10 mile. Run 100 yards.
Packet Pickup
Saturday, June 11 (Race Day) 11:15am
- Millice Park, 32 29th Street West | Billings, MT
Racers will start in smaller waves according to ability. And if they can keep up, parents are allowed to run along with their kiddos if they wish!
HELMETS ARE REQUIRED
The 406 Race Series is proud to support CASA of Yellowstone County. CASA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advocate for a safe and permanent home for abused and neglected children in Yellowstone County. Donations can be made to CASA through the Kids Dash n’ Pedal registration page.
To learn more and register visit 406raceseries.com
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Heart and Sole Run
- Saturday, June 18 @ 7:45am | Billings, MT
All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate in the 43rd Annual Heart & Sole Race in Billings, MT. Pick your path: 10K, 5K, or 2-Mile routes available.
The Details
The 10K kicks off at St Francis Catholic School (2202 Colton Blvd.) while the 5K and 2-Mile races begin at St. Vincent Healthcare at Grandview Park. You must provide your own transportation to the starting line, but return shuttles are available at the finish between 8:30am-11:00am.
Children in strollers are not required to register to participate, but they are asked to remain in their strollers for the entire race.
Bonus: the 5K distance has been chosen as the Road Runners Club of America Western Regional Championship race!
All racers will finish at Dehler Park where the Montana Active Life Festival awaits! This fun expo event promoting a healthy lifestyle features music, over 40 interactive booths, kids events, and good ol’ family fun. The festival runs from 8-11am and is FREE and open to the public.
Proceeds for the Heart and Sole Run benefit Billings YMCA Annual Campaign and Billings TrailNet for improving the Billings trail system for all.
Packet Pickup
Thursday, June 16 @ 2pm-6pm OR Friday, June 17 @ 10am-6pm
- SCHEELS Training Room, 1121 Shiloh Crossing Blvd | Billings, MT
Saturday, June 18 @ 6:30am-8:00am (OUT-OF-TOWN ATHLETES ONLY)
- Mansfield Health Education Center/St.Vincent Healthcare, 2900 12th Avenue N | Billings, MT
Learn more at heartandsolerace.org
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY, STROLLER FRIENDLY
Tails and Trails Pet Fun Run
- Saturday, June 25 @ 8:00am | ZooMontana | Billings, MT
Hosted by the Billings Jaycees, this 7th Annual Tails and Trails 5K Fun Run is a great way to support our pet community! Two legs? Four legs? All are welcome! Leash up your best walking or running buddy and let’s hit the trail!
The Details
Pre- and post-race festivities at ZooMontana are welcome to all. The parking lot will be filled with local pet vendors, pet demonstrations, and fund recipients.
Please make sure your pets are friendly to both other dogs and strangers. Must be leashed during the entire event.
This non-qualifying event is designed to help support Billings’ animal community. Since its inception, Tails and Trails has donated over $10,000 to local animal and rescue shelters. The hosts are determined to shed light on those awaiting adoption and encouraging animal owners active with their pets. Looking for a fur-ever companion? Or do you have some spare time to volunteer - check out your local shelter.
Learn more at the Tails and Trails Facebook Page www.facebook.com/billingstailsandtrails.
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY, DOG FRIENDLY, STROLLER FRIENDLY
Bash Dash 5K Huntley 6/25
- Saturday, June 25 @ 8:00am | Huntley Project Museum | Huntley, MT
Come celebrate the 50th birthday of the Huntley Project Museum in Huntley, MT!
Come for the run, stay for the breakfast burritos!
Learn more and register at runsignup.com/Race/MT/Huntley/BashDash5K
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY
406 Adventure Race/Big Sky State Games Triathlon
- Sunday, June 26 @ 8am | Lake Elmo State Park | Billings, MT
Due to the flooding in Carbon County and surrounding areas, the 406 Adventure Race venue has changed to Lake Elmo State Park in Billings, MT.
The 406 Race Series is thrilled to partner with Big Sky State Games by adding a Triathlon event in conjunction with the 406 Adventure Race Duathlon. Pick your path! Beginners and adventure junkies alike will find the event just for them.
The Details
Multiple Distances!
- Triathlon Long Course: 800M Swim, 26.2K Bike, 10K Run
- Triathlon Sprint Course: 400M Swim, 26.2K Bike, 5K Run
- Triathlon Long Course Team
- Duathlon Long Course: 1.2 Mile Run, 26.2K Bike, 10K Run
- Duathlon Spring Course: 1.2 Mile Run, 26.2K Bike, 5K Run
- Duathlon Long Course Team
- 406 Adventure Race 5K Run Only
Race as a Team!
- Teams can consist of two or three members.
- Team Captain signs up and pays for the team.
- The other one or two team members must sign up AFTER the Team Captain, using the team password created by the Team Captain.
- The other team member(s) will NOT be charged.
All transitions will be held within Lake Elmo State Park Parking/Boat Ramp area. Transition area is open 6:30-7:45 am.
Added BONUS: Medal winners in the Triathlon and Duathlon events will be invited to the State Games of America in Des Moines, Iowa in July!
Packet Pickup
Saturday, June 25 @ 10am–12:30pm
- Scheels Training Room, 1121 Shiloh Crossing Blvd | Billings, MT 59102
Race Day packet pickup is strongly discouraged.
The 406 Race Series is proud to support Eagle Mount Billings by accepting donations for the organization through the 406 Adventure Race registration page. Eagle Mount Billings’ mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities through recreation and create opportunities for our participants to “Embrace Life without Limits." Since its inception in 1988, hundreds of participants have enjoyed activities like skiing, swimming, golf, bicycling, horseback riding, and more!
For course descriptions, maps, and race-day logistics, visit 406raceseries.com.
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Racin’ for Rescues 1K
- Sunday, June 26 @ 11:00am | Shiloh Conservation Area | Billings, MT
The Details
Run, waddle, walk or wag! Come on down to Shiloh Conservation Area for a ½ mile stroll around the pond.
Meadowlark Brewery will provide all two-legged participants (ages 21+) with a post-race brew! Root beer and water will also be available.
And don’t forget the pooch! All participating dogs will receive a wag-bag, errr swag-bag courtesy of Dee-O-Gee.
Racin’ for Rescues benefits Billings Animal Rescue Kare (BARK), a local animal shelter. Find your fur-ever friend at barkshelter.org
To learn more and sign up visit runsignup.com/Race/MT/Billings/BARKRacinforRescues
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY, DOG FRIENDLY, STROLLER FRIENDLY
JULY 2022
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Chief Joseph Uphill Run
- Monday, July 4 @ 6:30am | Thompson Park | Laurel, MT
The Details
The 25th Annual Chief Joseph Uphill Run on July 4th offers a 2-mile, 4-mile, or 8-mile run through the hills of Laurel. The race starts and ends at Thomson Park. Register by June 30th to guarantee your T-shirt size.
Packet Pickup
Saturday, July 2 @ 11:00am–4:00pm
- Laurel Chamber of Commerce, 108 E Main Street | Laurel, MT
Sunday, July 3 @ 9:00am–4:00pm
- Laurel Chamber of Commerce, 108 E Main Street | Laurel, MT
The Chief Joseph Uphill Run benefits the SOW Ministries Summer Food Program, Laurel Public School Food Pantry, and Homeless Kid Bag Program.
Learn more at runsignup.com/Race/MT/Laurel/ChiefJosephUphillRun
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY, STROLLER FRIENDLY
Relay for Life
- Friday, July 8 @ 6pm | West High School | Billings, MT
The Details
Aloha! The 2022 Yellowstone Relay for Life is excited to “Lei Out Cancer” together! Held at Billings West High School, the community is welcome to walk around the luminaria-lined track. The first lap of the evening is traditionally reserved for local survivors. Next, caregivers will be invited to join in.
The event is FREE and open to the public. Food trucks will be on site and your finest Hawaiian attire is encouraged! Prizes awarded to the best costumes!
Want to help raise money for the American Cancer Society? Raise at least $100 as a Hope Club Member and earn a free T-Shirt. Grand Club Members who raise $1,000 and All Stars who raise $2,500 are also awarded fundraising incentives.
Be sure to stay for the Closing Ceremony and inaugural After Party! Show off your best moves at the silent disco, or take it easy as you watch Moana on the Jumbotron. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.
Relay for Life benefits the American Cancer Society, a volunteer driven non-profit organization whose mission is “Save Lives, Celebrate Lives, and Lead the Fight for a World Without Cancer”.
Learn more at yellowstonerelay.org
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY, STROLLER FRIENDLY
The Beartooth Run
- Saturday, July 9 @ 8:00am | Beartooth Pass | Red Lodge, MT
The Details
Topping off at over 10,000 feet, the 53rd Annual Beartooth Run is one of the highest road races in the country! Come run on the top of Beartooth Pass in a 5K or “10K at 10K” course. Take in the stunning vistas and the famed rock spire, The Bear’s Tooth.
Packet Pickup
Friday, July 8 @ 4:00pm–7:00pm
- Red Lodge Ales, 1445 Broadway Ave N | Red Lodge
Race Day packet pickup is also available for out of town racers.
The Beartooth Run supports the Carbon County Search and Rescue. With the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Red Lodge’s backyard, even the most experienced outdoors people can run into trouble. When things go wrong, the volunteer-based Carbon County Search and Rescue are there to help.
Learn More at redlodgeevents.com
FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY, NO DOGS OR STROLLERS ON THE RACE COURSE
Island X Adventure Run
- Saturday, July 9 @ 9:00am | ZooMontana | Billings, MT
The Details
This isn’t just any run - it’s an Adventure Run! Go over, under, and through natural and created obstacles on this 5K course. Water is involved, so don’t be afraid to get a little wet! Island-themed costumes are highly recommended!
Following the 5K run/walk there is a FREE 400m Kids Run.
Run solo or form a team! Prizes awarded for the best Island Stylin’ Team, Fastest Team, and Biggest Team. Register by June 15th to guarantee your T-shirt size.
Packet Pickup
Friday, July 8 @ 12:00pm-6:00pm
- The Family Tree Center, 2520 5th Avenue S | Billings
Saturday, July 9 @ 8:00am-8:45am
- ZooMontana, 2100 S Shiloh Road | Billings, MT
All proceeds go to The Family Tree Center whose mission is to provide education and support to prevent child abuse and neglect, as well as enhance the well-being of all families in Yellowstone county and surrounding regions.
Learn More at runsignup.com/Race/MT/Billings/IslandXAdventureRace.
FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY, NO PETS OR STROLLERS ON THE ADVENTURE RACE COURSE.
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Soaked Fun Run
- Friday, July 15 @ 5:15pm | Pioneer Park | Billings, MT
The Details
What better way to cool off on a hot summer’s day than the Big Sky State Games non-timed, two-mile Soaked Fun Run! Did we mention you might get wet?! No matter your age or pace, all are welcome to run through the foam stations, down the slip n’ slide, through the sprinklers, and dodge the water guns. You can’t not laugh your way through the course.
Participants start in waves and everyone makes their way to the finish line at Daylis Stadium. The Big Sky State Games Opening Ceremonies follow, kicking off Montana’s 37th Annual Olympic-style sports festival. Food trucks, interactive booths, and music will be on site.
Packet Pickup
Thursday, July 14 @ 3:00pm-6:00pm
- Transwestern Building #2, 490 N 31st Street | Billings, MT
Out of Town Racers:
Friday, July 15 @ 3:00pm-5:30pm
- Pioneer Park (SE Corner near the Tennis Courts) | Billings, MT
Learn More at bigskygames.org/
FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY, NO PETS OR STROLLERS ON THE RACE COURSE.
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Big Sky State Games Road Race
- Saturday, July 16 @ 7:00am | E Lauralee Lane | Laurel, MT
This is your chance to take part in the 37th Annual Big Sky State Games! Choose from three road race distances: 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon. The Start and Finish take place on Wilcox Lane just off Thiel Road in Laurel. Runners make their way along the Yellowstone River on River Road in this out-and-back course.
As a Big Sky State Games event, this is a qualifying sport for the State Games of America.
Packet Pickup
Friday, July 15 @ 5:30pm-7:00pm
- Big Sky State Games Opening Ceremonies
- Daylis Stadium, 401 Grand Avenue | Billings, MT 59101
Learn More at bigskygames.org/sports/roadrace/
FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY, NO PETS ON THE RACE COURSE.
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY
AUGUST 2022
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Rim Runner Mile
- Sunday, August 7 @ 8am | Lockwood High School | Lockwood, MT
The Details
This track race hosted by the Yellowstone Rim Runners is fun for the whole family! Choose a timeslot and that will be your competition! As with all Rim Runner events, runners and walkers of all speeds are welcome.
If you’re not already a Yellowstone Rim Runner Member, now’s a great time to join the largest organized group of runners in Billings. Member benefits include The Free 3 (free entries to three summer Yellowstone Rim Runner races), 15% off at Time Out Sports, and $1 off pints at Canyon Creek Brewing after group runs.
Learn more at rimrunners.org
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY
The Nitty Gritty Off Road Race
- Saturday, August 20 @ 7:30am | Red Lodge Mountain | Red Lodge, MT
The Details
Off road - need we say more? The Nitty Gritty Off Road Race promises one nitty, gritty, uphill, dirt road and single track trail run starting at the base of Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort. Rally the troops and form a six, three, or two runner relay. Or, if you’re gritty enough, tackle the Hot Lap, Half Marathon, or Full Marathon solo.
Red Lodge Events is known for hosting Low Key, High Elevation pursuits. The Nitty Gritty Off Road Race embodies this perfectly. While the terrain is tough, everything else about it is lowkey. Dogs are welcome and snacks and libations will be provided.
BYOBS - Bring Your Own Bear Spray (required for every participant).
Packet Pickup
Please arrive 45 minutes before your start time for registration and a pre-race meeting.
- Teams: 9:00am
- Solo Full Marathon: 7:30am
- Solo Half Marathon: 11:00am
- Hot Lap: 2:30pm
The Nitty Gritty Off Road Race is so low key, it’s delighted to allow four-legged running companions to participate, on or off leash. As such, Nitty Gritty has partnered with the Beartooth Humane Alliance, assisting the people and critters of Carbon and Stillwater counties. Founded in 2006, the Beartooth Humane Alliance has helped hundreds of pets find forever homes, taught school children lessons on kindness and compassion, and assisted in spaying and neutering thousands of animals in our region.
Learn more at redlodgeevents.com
TAGS:
DOG FRIENDLY
Race for the Minds
- Sunday, August 21 @ 9am | Two Moon Park | Billings, MT
The Details
This inaugural fun run was created to support those living with Dementia or Alzheimers in our community and beyond. Choose to run/walk the 10K, 5K or 1-mile course at Two Moon Park in the Billings Heights.
Packet Pickup
Race for the Minds gives to the National Council of Dementia Minds, a nationally recognized non-profit whose mission is to support and educate those living with or caring for those with neurocognitive disorders.
Learn more at https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MT/Billings/RacefortheMinds
TAGS:
FAMILY FRIENDLY, STROLLER FRIENDLY
SEPTEMBER 2022
Quitcherbitchen Trail Run
- Sunday, September 11 @ 8am | Phipps Park | Billings, MT
The Details
Calling all trail runners - this one’s for you! Come test your skills on the dirt trails of Billings’ Phipps Park. Both novice and experienced runners will find the race for them. Choose from a 2-mile, 4-mile, or 6-mile course – all of which will have your heart pumping!
Don’t forget about the Oh Hell Bell Cash Giveaway! The first (15) 6-mile racers and (15) 4-mile racers to reach the top of “The Beast” and ring the Oh Hell Bell will receive $25 CASH! Not a gift card; real, cold hard cash!
Hosted by The 406 Race Series, they promise great swag, amazing finisher gifts, and wicked fun.
In an effort to keep this beautiful park clean, there will be no-paper cups at the water/aid stations on the race course. Please bring your own hydration pack or water bottle.
Packet Pickup
Saturday, September 10 @ 9:30am-12:30pm
- Black Dog Coffee House/Roots Garden Center
- 2147 Poly Drive | Billings, MT 59101
Out of town racers may pick up their packets on Race Day between 8:30am-9:15am.
The Quitcherbitchen Trail Run was created in memory of Jeff Dykeman. Jeff was fatally injured in Billings on October 24, 2018 while working on a construction project for the Montana Department of Transportation. Jeff loved spending time outdoors with his family and especially liked to run with his wife, Missy and their dog Lillie. The QTR benefits the American Traffic Safety Services Foundation in honor of Jeff. This organization offers educational programs, youth camps, and secondary education scholarships to children and spouses of family members injured or fatally injured in a roadway construction zone.
Look for more details coming soon on these races:
- Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities 9/3
- Rim Runner Trail Trek 9/7
- Whistle Pig Adventure Race 9/10
- Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer's 9/10
- CASA 0.5K Run 9/10
- Out of Darkness Yellowstone Valley Walk 9/18
- Saturday Live Fun Run 9/24
OCTOBER 2022
NOVEMBER 2022
Look for more details coming soon on these races:
- Run, Turkey Run!
- Red Lodge Events Turkey Trot
DECEMBER-MAY
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