We are Treasure State Runners, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit made up of four Montana women and running partners, dedicated to supporting the Helena community and sharing our love of running. Our goal is to embrace our passion and do something exceptional with it.

In 2021, an out-of-town friend and fellow runner visited Helena. She had hopes of running a half-marathon, but the timing wasn’t working out. Our little group organized an unofficial run for her, complete with a crêpe paper finish line, custom shirts, and a route showcasing Helena. While on the run, our friend suggested we organize a race as a fundraiser for a local charity. None of us had ever considered this before; we were race runners not race directors. However, the seed was planted and the idea grew. Within 9 months, we had formed the 501(c)(3) Treasure State Runners and started organizing the first Just for the Helena of It race. The 13.1 mile route we ran that day became the base for the Just for the Helena of It half marathon course. 

In October of 2022, we launched Just for the Helena of It. We were inspired, and driven to create a race that we as runners would want to attend. Our first event included both a half marathon and 5K race to benefit The Friendship Center. We were strongly supported by our local community and thrilled by the interest we received nationally. With over 350 registered runners from 13 states, our 2022 event raised $17,000. 

Our inaugural year empowered us to do more. We began to envision Just for the Helena of It as an annual event for the running community to look forward to each year. We partnered with the Governor’s Cup to create the Queen City Crown race series, and attended as many local races as we could. In October 2023, our second Just for the Helena of It event brought over 550 registered runners from 17 states, added a new 10k race, and raised $24,000 for The Friendship Center. 

Feeling like the race was gaining momentum, in 2024 we added Girls Thrive as a second beneficiary. That October, nearly 700 runners attended Just for the Helena of It and we were able to raise and donate $35,000 to The Friendship Center and $5,000 to Girls Thrive, bringing our three-year donation total to $81,000.

As Just for the Helena of It continues to grow, so do our aspirations. We know we can count on support from returning runners, sponsors, and volunteers, and we are excited to see it grow in size and scope. Through the growing pains, learning curves, the exit of a founding director and the addition of another coordinator, it has been the dedication and zeal of all involved that has made Treasure Sate Runners a success. We will continue supporting our community to the best of our abilities, and look forward to sharing our love of running for many years to come.