Get ready to experience the breathtaking beauty of Big Sky Country at the AIDSPIRIT USA Marathon on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in Harlowton, MT. This inspiring event offers distances for every runner, including a full 26.2M marathon, a 13.1M half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K. Starting in the picturesque foothills of the Little Belt Mountains with epic views of the Crazy Mountains, the full marathon course is predominantly a fast, "leg-saving" downhill run over 25 miles of compacted gravel, designed to be "super shoe friendly" with a calcium chloride-treated hard pack. The full marathon features a gradual descent of just over 1000 feet, making it a prime opportunity for a personal best.

While largely downhill, all distances culminate with an exciting "butt-kicker finish" up Graves Hill through Chief Joseph Park on Boomer Trail, leading directly to the vibrant finish line in historic downtown Harlowton. Runners can expect well-stocked aid stations approximately every three miles for the full marathon, offering water, Hammer Gels at key points, and Powerade/Gatorade. Typical race day conditions in early September are ideal, with highs around 76°F and lows around 44°F, and only a 6% chance of precipitation.

More than just a race, the AIDSPIRIT USA Marathon is a powerful fundraiser for AIDSPIRIT USA, a non-profit dedicated to providing a safe home, food, clothing, medicine, and education for orphaned children in Uganda. Adding to the unique experience, participants are rewarded with a complimentary hand-crafted pint from Gally's Brewing Company at the finish line, alongside refreshments, food, medals, and music. Full and half marathon entrants are also automatically entered into a drawing for a roundtrip vacation to Rome, Paris, or Cancun, making this a truly unforgettable race with a profound purpose.