Trail Running in Montana
Montana has 16 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. No single city dominates the calendar. West Yellowstone leads with 2 races, followed by Billings (2), Missoula (2), and Whitefish (2). The remaining 50% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
Showing all 16
Trail Running
The Yellowstone Trail Marathon and Trail Races
West Yellowstone, MT
Trail Running
The Yellowstone Trail Marathon and Trail Races
August 1, 2026
West Yellowstone, MT
Trail Running
Montana Brewery Running Series 2026 Ugly Sweater Run
December 6, 2026
Missoula, 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.