The race starts at the Thompson Park 6th St., runs through the hills north of town, and back to the park. You can choose from a 2-mile, 4-mile, or 8-mile run. Note that the 8-mile race will start a 1/2 hour earlier, at 6:30 am.
Register before 6/20/2025 to make sure you get a T-shirt.
Packet pick up will be July 2nd from 11am-3pm & July 3rd - 11am to 3pm at the Laurel Chamber of Commerce (108 E Main). If at all possible, please pick up your packets at that time.
Packets can also be picked up on the morning of the 4th before the race at Thomson Park
This is a fairly flat, fast course on Thiel/River Rd and follows along scenic views of the Yellowstone River and it's wildlife.
Big Sky State Games road race competitors can compete in a 5k, 10k or 1/2 marathon. It is a qualifying sport for the State Games of America. All runners must be finished by 10 a.m.
NOTE: The 5k, 10k, and 1/2 Marathon are USATF State Championships for Montana
Start Times:
1/2 marathon: 6:30 a.m.,
10k: 7:30 a.m.,
5k: 7:40 a.m.
Early entry fee: 5k and 10k: $35, 1/2 marathon: $40
Late entry fee: 5k and 10k: $40, 1/2 marathon: $45
Day of Packet Pickup entry fee: 5k/10k: $45, 1/2 Marathon: $50
Click to View Course Map
Quitcherbitchen' Trail Run is for all levels of runners and walkers! Come test your skills on the trails of Phipps Park west of Billings. The 4, 6 & 8 mile courses will have your heart pumping and legs screaming...and you'll finish with an amazing sense of personal pride. The 2 mile course is no cake walk but perfect for first time participants who have limited trail running experience. All the courses are well marked and have plenty of helpful volunteers to keep you on track!
"Oh Hell Bell!" $600 Cash Give Away!
Get To The Top of the "Beast" and ring the "Oh Hell Bell!" will receive $20 CASH!
8 mile course: The first 5 females | 5 males
6 mile course: The first 5 females | 5 males
4 mile course: The first 5 females | 5 males
Walkers are welcome and will start in the last wave of either the 4mi or 6mi race (sorry no walkers in the 8mi race). There will be 1 water/aid stations along the course - HOWEVER this is a no-paper cup event in order to help protect the environment. Please bring your own hydration pack or water bottle.
RACE START TIMES
8 Mile: 7:30am*
6 Mile: 7:50am*
4 Mile: 7:40am*
2 Mile: 8:00am*
Refreshments and door prizes will be provided after the race.
Awards will be given to the overall top 3 men and women in each race.
PACKET PICK UP
When: Friday, July 31st, 2:00 - 6:00pm
Where: The BaseCamp
Address: 1730 Grand Ave, Billings MT 59102
** Out of Town Racers may pick up packets race day at the race site - 6:30am - 7:30am OR you may have someone pick up on Friday as listed above.
406 Race Series is proud to support local trails. $2 from every registration will go back to local trails for maintenance and education.
This year’s Quality of Life Run will take place on Saturday, August 8, returning to our original course from the Top of the Rims. The 5-mile race starting line will be located at Masterson Circle. From there, the course will proceed east on Highway 3 to 27th Street, then continue down to MSU-B, where the 2-Mile Race will begin. The finish line for all races will be at the cul-de-sac at N. 32nd Street and 6th Avenue North.
With the change in course and date, we hope to attract even more runners. The downhill route is ideal for athletes chasing personal best times and serves as an excellent tune-up race for the Montana Marathon in September.
The 2026 Quality of Life Run will be our 22nd annual Run and will benefit Off The Streets, a local Billings organization dedicated to helping some of our most at-risk neighbors—those experiencing chronic homelessness. Through their work, Off The Streets offers hope, the love of Christ, and practical support including stable housing, warm meals, and employment opportunities. Quality of Life is grateful to partner with Off The Streets for this meaningful event.
The Quality of Life Community Involvement Program was created by the Billings Association of REALTORS in 2004. The goal is to help raise awareness of and money for non-profits in the community that are working to improve the quality of life for our residents. The Quality of Life program has grown significantly since 2004, including the addition of a second event – The Quality of Life Casino Night, which will be held on April 16, at the Billings Depot. The recipients of our funds from the 2026 Quality of Life Casino Night will be the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Montana to supply and support their Family Room at St. Vincents NICU.
Following our Run in 2025, we are so proud to announce that to date, more than $1,000,000 has been raised for non-profits through these events over the past 21 years! We are so proud of this accomplishment!
The 9th Annual Healthy Tribes: Run on the Rims will take place on September 12th, 2026. The Run/Walk will be comprised of 3 events (2 mile, 5K & 10K). Everyone is welcomed to join, and it is a free event.
Kick off a crisp September morning at Pompey’s Pillar with the 2026 Rock the Run 5K and our newly added 1‑Mile Fun Run/Walk! The 5K is officially RRCA‑qualified, making it a great choice for competitive runners and community athletes alike. The 1‑mile option offers a relaxed, family‑friendly way to join the fun—perfect for walkers, first‑timers, and anyone who wants to support the Pillar at their own pace. Every registration helps preserve and promote the history and programs of Pompey’s Pillar National Monument. Lace up, enjoy the scenery, and be part of a meaningful community tradition.
In collaboration with the Montana Marathon, we're so excited to offer the 4th Annual LITTLE BUZZ RUN -- a fun run JUST FOR KIDS!
$2 of each registration will go back to CASA of Yellowstone County.
Who: Ages 3-11
What: Choose from a 1 mile, 1/2 mile or 1/4 mile closed race course
When: Friday, September 18 at 5:00 pm
Where: Pioneer Park - South of tennis courts.
Why: We love sharing our passion of running, health and fitness with kids! Plus, it's super fun!
PACKET PICK-UP: Race Day 4:00 - 5:00PM by the start line.
All little bees will receive:
Managed and Produced by: 406 Race Series
September is Suicide Awareness Month & Addiction Recovery Month. Jimmy was an avid prayer runner who ran for his recovery and it also helped him with his own silent struggle with his mental health. Run For Jimmy 5k / 1 Mile Walk is not only in remembrance to our beloved running brother but to raise awareness of suicide rate realities in our communities and how it is strongly tied to addiction struggles.
This event will be a chip timed 5k run and an untimed 1 mile walk. The event will take place in the nearest parking lot East of the Airport Roundabout of Billings, MT. Click our Location link for precise location.
There will be T-shirts available to handout at the day of the event on a first come first serve basis. There will be a race bib pickup day on Friday September 19, 2025 at the small shelter at South Park, Billings, MT from 12pm to 1:45pm. Bibs can also be picked up on the event day morning from 7:30am to 8:45am. Please come early to avoid long line wait on event day.
This year we are taking optional donations. Thank you!
#RunForJimmy #MentalHealthIsSacred #RunDNC
Opportunity Bank of Montana presents the 46th running of the Montana Marathon!!
The Montana Marathon course is one of the fastest and most scenic in the region, making it a favorite for runners chasing personal bests or a Boston Qualifier. Starting high on the rolling plains outside Billings in the small town of Molt, the route follows a gradual downhill descent (1,000' Net Drop) into the Magic City, showcasing wide-open skies, mountain views, and the beauty of Big Sky Country. This Point-to-Point race will have you picking up the 1/2 Marathon, 10K and 5K runners along the way; adding to the energy as you approach the finish line in downtown Billings.
o Shuttles Load up at 5:30AM. The Last shuttle will depart at 6:00AM
The Marathon starts at 7:00am
Marathon cut-off time: 6.5 hrs (16 min mile) Course Closes at 1:30 pm
Walkers are not allowed to start early.
Additional awards will be given by RRCA. YouTube Video of course: Montana Marathon Half Course
Please note there is NO parking at the Half Marathon start and racers will be required to take the shuttle.
o Half Marathon racers will be shuttled to the start line from Senior High School Parking lot.
The Half Marathon begins at 8:00AM
Course Closes at 1:30 pm
Check out the course on our YouTube Video: 10K Course
10K racers will be shuttled to the start line from Senior High School Parking lot.
o 10K Runners will begin loading at 8:30AM. The last shuttle leaves at 9:00AM.
Check out this flat course on our YouTube Video: 5K Course
5K Racers will need to drive to the start line. We have YMCA buses available to shuttle you back to your car after the race.
o Post-Race shuttles will go every 15 minutes from Senior High School Parking lot to Rose Park. First shuttle is at 10:45. The last shuttle back to Rose Park is at 12:00pm
Finisher Medals for all participants.
F/M Age Group Awards: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k
F/M Overall Awards: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k
IMPORTANT NOTES: For the safety of all participants:
Strollers are not permitted on the Marathon or Half Marathon Courses.
Dogs are not permitted on any of the race courses.
The course is marked well, but it is open to traffic.
There will be volunteers at most intersections.
Packet Pick-up Information -
Where: TBD
When: Saturday, September 19th
Times: 12:00 - 5:00pm
ONLY OUT OF TOWN Participants who did not make it to the packet pick up on Saturday will be allowed to pick up Race Gear on Race Day
Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K: | Time: 5:15am - 7:30am | Senior High School Parking Lot behind school
5K: Time: 8:00am - 9:00am | Rose Park by Pool Parking Area
PORTAPOTTIES
We understand the urge to go before, during and after a race. We want all of our runners to be comfortable along the course.
Portapotties will be available at these locations:
Bus loading area at Senior High School parking lot
The start of each race
Approximately miles 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24
Finish line at Pioneer Park.