Trail Running in Montana
Montana has 25 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. Two months carry most of the calendar: July (10) and June (5) together account for 60% of races (15 of 25). No single city dominates the calendar. Bozeman leads with 3 races, followed by West Yellowstone (3), Butte (2), and Kalispell (2). The remaining 60% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
Trail-running races by month in Montana
Jul (10) · Jun (5) · Aug (4) · Sep (4) · Oct (1) · Nov (1)
Showing 24 of 25
Trail Running
The Yellowstone Trail Marathon and Trail Races
July 11, 2026
West Yellowstone, MT
Trail Running
2nd Annual Running of the Bulls Trail Race
Big Sky, MT
Trail Running
2nd Annual Running of the Bulls Trail Race
July 18, 2026
Big Sky, MT
Trail Running
The Yellowstone Trail Marathon and Trail Races
August 1, 2026
West Yellowstone, MT
Trail Running in Nearby States
Frequently asked questions
What is trail running?▾
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?▾
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?▾
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?▾
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.