The Augúst - Montana's Second Oldest Footrace

The Augúst is a flat 5K trail race in Helena, Montana, held at Spring Meadow Resources on Broadwater Avenue in late summer. It begins in the evening, with check-in available an hour before the start. Registration typically opens in May. This race is Montana's second-oldest footrace, yet it maintains a low-key atmosphere; the entry fee remains $10, with proceeds benefiting local high school cross-country programs. The course follows the Tenmile Park trails and is predominantly dirt with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for a late-summer speed assessment rather than a demanding endurance event. The race originated as the City Cross Country Meet, where seven or eight high school runners paid 50 cents to compete at Lamborn Hill under Helena High coach Bill Gilbert. It continues to attract participants of various ages and skill levels, and its history is intertwined with local families: Dave Roberts participated in the first running, later achieved victory, and two of his sons also became winners.