
The mission of Treasure State Runners is to fundraise through footrace events in the Helena area for nonprofits who foster the importance and pursuit of physical, mental and emotional health.
We are the Treasure State Runners, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit comprised of Montana women dedicated to supporting the Helena community and sharing our love of running. Through our nonprofit, we support local charities who champion women, children, and the importance of healthy relationships, bodies, and minds. Our goal is to embrace our passion and do something exceptional with it.
In October of 2022, we launched Just for the Helena of It. Over the past 3 years, the Helena community has showered this event with love and support. Registrations have grown from 350 participants in 2022 to nearly 700 in 2024. This past October our USATF certified half marathon course drew runners from 17 states, the District of Columbia, and Alberta, Canada. 16 businesses sponsored the 2024 race, and more than 100 volunteers generously donated their time and enthusiasm to ensure the safety and success of the runners. The post race celebration at the finish line included 3 local food trucks, booths by 14 local businesses, as well as raffle giveaways generously donated by over 35 Helena businesses and individuals.
All of this generosity allowed us at Treasure State Runners to raise $40,000 with our 2024 Just for the Helena of It event. From this total, $35,000 was donated to The Friendship Center and $5,000 to Girls Thrive. They will be able to use these funds at their discretion, to best serve their mission and the needs of the Helena community. Over the 3 years that Treasure State Runners has organized this race, we have raised a total of $81,000 for local Helena charities.
With such intense community support, this race has become something truly incredible while simultaneously providing a platform for our beneficiaries: The Friendship Center and Girls Thrive.

The mission of The Friendship Center is to be a safe haven for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Friendship Center seeks to empower our community to flourish in relationships free from violence. All services are free and confidential, and they serve all victims and survivors – including men, women, and children of all ages.
Girls Thrive envisions a world where girls grow up with confidence and understanding of their potential to overcome barriers, as well as become strong, healthy, community-minded women. Girls Thrive is on a mission to inspire girls to empower themselves through a variety of physical activities and educational lessons designed to promote self-confidence, self-esteem, and positive body image.
As Just for the Helena of It continues to grow, our goals will grow as well. Treasure State Runners’ long term goal is to be able to host several events each year. The goal of these running events will be to bring awareness and raise money for local charities that provide tangible services to individuals in Helena that enable and support a stronger and healthier community.