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24th Annual Montana Women's Run |  More Images |
The Montana Women's Run is held annually on the Saturday before Mother's Day in celebration of the mutual pursuit of health and fitness. This is one of Montana's premier events for women and draws a crowd of more than 4,500 participants every spring. Most of the participants are walkers who come to enjoy the companionship and festive atmosphere of the occasion, but the event draws joggers and competitive runners as well. All entrants receive a long-sleeved T-shirt designed specifically for the Women's Run. Awards are presented for overall winners in each of two distances (2-mile or 5-mile), as well as awards for the top five finishers in each of 18 age group divisions in the two events. The day of the big event is actually a culmination of a series of events that define the Montana Women's Run.
The Getting Started Clinics, which begin in March, offer a framework in which women can gradually and safely prepare themselves for the event. Experienced volunteer walkers and runners share advice and offer support; many are enthusiastic about being able to 'give back' some of the benefits of exercise that they have come to know and appreciate in their own lives. These clinics are held weekly for eight Mondays before Mother's Day weekend. The Kids' run, another important event, is held on Tuesday preceding race day. Children are awarded prizes in each of 3 age groups and have an opportunity to win door prizes as well
Pasta Night, held on the eve of the Montana Women's Run, is a special evening for dining and anticipation. A motivational speaker helps participants affirm their efforts to improve and/or maintain their fitness and health habits. Door prizes are awarded, and a special Volunteer of the Year award is presented to someone whose hard work has benefited the event.
The countless hours of preparation by volunteers and sponsors comes to fruition on that Saturday. There are many scenes of fun and celebration throughout the morning. Women bring their mothers, their sisters, their babies and their friends. They share this morning of camaraderie, a common thread of accomplishment, the unique joy of being women together on this day before Mother's Day. Then the starting gun sounds, and soon hundreds of women populate the entire course. For many, conversation with a friend occupies the chosen distance, others are focused only on a point far down the road. Mothers stop, adjust a child's comfort in a stroller, loosen a too-warm jacket on a youngster, or, in some years, check for adequate warmth. There is energy generated by this crowd, a positive force that touches anyone open to the possibilities of health and personal accomplishment. As the awards ceremony closes and the crowd diminishes, many more goals are being set: 'Next year, I'll go faster. Next year, I'll be more fit. Next year I'll walk 5 miles. Next year, I'm bringing my friend. Tomorrow, I will continue to reshape my life with fitness and good health. My children will learn a healthy lifestyle from me. I can do this and more!' And they do.
Since 1994, The Montana Women's Run has returned over $136,000 to the Billings community for women's services. Recipients have included the Billings YWCA for its programs. children's Services, Domestic Violence Program, Employment & Training Center, Sexual Assault Services, Supported Living Program, Deaconess Billings Clinic for the Women's Wellness Fund and the Mammography Fund.
Directions: Montana Women's Run is located in downtown Billings. The center of festivities is the Courthouse Lawn at 2nd Avenue North and North 27th Street.
24th Annual Montana Women's Run
, Billings, MT 59106
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