There’s a particular kind of joy that comes from running a race that feels purpose-built for speed — where the terrain conspires with the scenery to produce something genuinely special. The Montana Marathon (formerly the Queen Bee Montana Marathon) in Billings, MT, is exactly that race. Now in its 46th year, this USATF-certified point-to-point classic on September 20, 2026, has quietly cemented its reputation as one of the fastest and most scenic fall marathons in the Mountain West — and if you haven’t put it on your race calendar yet, it’s time to fix that.

A Race Steeped in Montana Tradition

First held in 1981, the Montana Marathon is one of the oldest road races in the state. Originally branded as the Queen Bee Montana Marathon and affectionately known among locals as the QB, the event has been managed in recent years by the 406 Race Series and sponsored by Opportunity Bank of Montana. What began as a modest community race has grown into a full weekend festival of running, drawing competitors from across the country and all corners of Big Sky Country.

The race’s motto – Come Fly With The Hive – captures something real about the experience. There’s a warmth and eccentricity to the QB that bigger, more commercial marathons can’t quite replicate. Finisher medals are given to all distances: marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. The Half Marathon has been designated multiple times by the Road Runners Club of America as the Montana State Championship Race, adding a serious competitive edge to what is already a standout event.

The Course: Downhill Drama with a Scenic Punch

Let’s be honest about why runners keep coming back: the course is a rocket ship.

The marathon begins in the small town of Molt, elevated on the rolling high plains west of Billings. In those first ten miles, runners encounter gently rolling green hills and sweeping views of the open prairie under the enormous Montana sky. The atmosphere at this hour – early morning light, cool air, mountain silhouettes in the distance – is worth the entry fee by itself.

Then the descent begins.

The final 16 miles shed over 1,000 feet of elevation as the course tips toward Billings, dropping through the dramatic Molt hogbacks – a particularly steep section that falls some 700 feet in roughly three miles near the halfway point. This is where races are made and goals are either nailed or unraveled. After the dramatic descent, the course threads through residential neighborhoods including the Yellowstone Country Club area, hooks up with the Heritage Trail System, passes under Shiloh Road via tunnel, and winds down Poly Drive before reaching the finish at Pioneer Park’s Daylis Stadium.

With a 1,000+ foot net drop, the course is certified as a Boston Qualifier, and runners have proven it deserves that designation year after year. Thirteen aid stations are spaced throughout the marathon course, and all runners (except 5K participants) are shuttled to their respective start lines, making logistics seamless for competitors and crew alike.

Notable Winners and Course Records

The marathon’s competitive record reflects just how fast this course can be. The men’s open course record stands at 2:20:27, set by Matthew Adams in 2014 – a mark that also stands as a Montana soil record. On the women’s side, Mariah Bredal shattered expectations in 2024 with a stunning 2:43:30, claiming both the course record and the women’s Montana soil record.

Year after year, one name has dominated the men’s winner’s circle: Mark Messmer, who won in 2018 (2:27:54), 2019 (2:24:00), 2022 (2:21:36), 2023 (2:22:26), 2024 (2:21:33), and 2025 (2:21:13) – making him the most prolific champion in the race’s recent history. Before Messmer’s dynasty, greats like three-time winner Kiefer Hahn, Jason Delaney (2:26:12 in 2013), and Geofrey Terer (back-to-back wins in 2016 and 2017) helped establish the event’s competitive pedigree.

Among the women, Trisha Drobeck owned the mid-2010s, winning in 2012, 2015, and 2016, while Camille Herron – who would go on to become one of ultramarathoning’s most decorated athletes – made an appearance in 2014 (2:58:46). The 2025 women’s winner, Bailee Parker-Godfrey, crossed in 2:48:03 in what was another stacked women’s field.

What Makes It Special

Beyond the times and titles, the Montana Marathon delivers a race experience that feels genuinely alive. Pioneer Park’s finish area transforms into a mini-festival: music, door prizes, awards, and a vendor area where runners and their crews can decompress in the shadow of Billings’s rimrock skyline. New in 2026 is the Billings Running Crown Challenge – complete four local races during the season and earn a special extra medal at the marathon finish. There’s also a Little Buzz Run for kids, making it a true family weekend.

With a race capacity of 200 in the marathon and overall field sizes in the 1,000-5,000 participant range across all distances, the Montana Marathon hits a sweet spot: competitive enough to attract serious runners, intimate enough that you never feel like a number in a crowd.

For anyone chasing a BQ or a personal best in a spectacular setting – rolling plains giving way to a city finish under the Montana sky – this one belongs at the top of your list.

Race Details:

• Date: September 20, 2026
• – Location: Molt to Billings, Montana (Point-to-Point)
• – Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
• – Marathon Start Time: 7:00 AM MDT
• – Course Certification: USATF Certified Boston Qualifier
• – Net Elevation Drop: 1,000+ feet
• – Registration: runsignup.com | 406raceseries.com/montanamarathon