The Montana Women’s Run is celebrating 45 years in 2026. Last week, the organization unveiled their t-shirt design which is always eagerly anticipated each year by thousands of women. This year’s design was created by Jim Hein, who over the past 26 years has created 22 of the official t-shirt designs. T-shirt deadline this year is April 20. The Montana Women’s Run will feature a 2-mile race and a 5-mile race on May 9, the Saturday before Mother’s Day, in downtown Billings. Major sponsors of the Run are Billings Clinic, AVA Law Group, Par Montana, First Interstate Bank, Graphic Imprints, Q2 Television and The Planet 106.7.  Check out details at womensrun.org.

Heins and his brother have been creating art through their business, Heins Creative, since 1998.

The Montana Women’s Run website (womensrun.org) features some of the past designs for t-shirts. T-shirt deadline this year is April 20. Everyone who signs up gets a t-shirt, the deadline is only to guarantee having a t-shirt available by race –day.

The Montana Women’s Run will again feature a two-mile race and a five-mile race on May 9, the Saturday before Mother’s Day, in downtown Billings. Options are also available for Virtual 2 Mile and Virtual 5 Mile races for those who cannot attend in Billings on race day. A Kid’s Run will be held on May 5.

The Montana Women’s Run was started in 1982 to promote health and fitness for women of all ages through exercise and education and to encourage an active lifestyle. Although originally not directed at being a fundraising event, after several years the Run started generating enough revenue to incorporate the donation of funds to community, women and children’s organizations which advance health and fitness. In 2025, the Montana Board of Directors, which has been led for many years by Renee Coppock, announced that over the years, because of almost 5000 annual participants, they have contributed close to $2 million — $1,927,500 — to local organizations.

Besides signing up to participate in this year’s run, everyone is encouraged to submit a nomination for the Pat Jaffray Inspiration Award. The award is given each year to a woman who has been a novel inspiration to others in how she lives and supports others. It is given in memory of Pat Jaffray, who for many years was very involved in the Montana Women’s Run as a volunteer and most especially cheerleader and inspiration to all. Details are available on the website. Nominations must be submitted by April 20.

Getting Started Clinics are also an annual part of the Montana Women’s Run. It’s a chance to meet with other women and to get into shape prior to the big day. The Getting Started Clinics – anticipated to begin on Monday, April 13 – – at Pioneer Park, will be launched this year in recognition of the anniversary celebration by a special event hosted by Scheels Sporting Goods. Look for up –to- date details on the website.

The major sponsors of the Montana Women’s Run are Billings Clinic, AVA Law Group, Par Montana, First Interstate Bank, Graphic Imprints, Q2 Television and The Planet 106.7. Many other local businesses also sponsor the many aspects of the Montana Women’s Run, all of which can be explored on the website.