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.
The Montana Marathon was the 276th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 391st largest in 2022.
This year 13.6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 10.1% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Montana Marathon the 182nd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 93rd highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.51 ranks it as the 100th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest course in Montana.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Montana Marathon a PR Score of 99.51. This PR Score ranks it as the 67th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Montana.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Montana Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 4208 feet (1282m) Min Elevation: 3131 feet (954m)
