If your question is not answered here, please email us at r4yl@helpcenterinc.org.
What is the schedule for the day of the race?
8:30 to 9:50am: on-site registration and packet pick-up for out-of-town participants. 9:00 to 10:00am: costume judging (sign up at the photo booth; come early, around 9:00am is best). 9:30am: Kids' Fun Run starts. 10:00am: 5K starts. 10:45am: awards.
When is packet pick-up?
Friday, October 16, 2026, 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM, at 699 Farmhouse Lane, Bozeman (Help Center, Inc.). Pick up your shirt or cape (register by September 17 to guarantee your size), race bib, in-honor-of buttons and bibs, and your race swag.
Can a friend pick up my race packet?
Yes, and we encourage it. They just need your name. Please communicate with anyone you pick up for.
Can I pick up my packet race morning?
We encourage this only for out-of-town participants. It begins at 8:30am Saturday. Otherwise, please pick up on Friday.
Can I register the morning of the race?
Yes, you can register the morning of the race on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Day-of registration is $40.
Can I have my race packet shipped?
Race packet shipping is for virtual participants only. We ship shirts by the end of October.
Do you have scholarships or a way for those who cannot afford the race fee?
We want the race to be accessible. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a pay-what-you-can option. Email our Race Director at r4yl@helpcenterinc.org to inquire.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
If we cannot host the event, registrations transfer to our virtual event. We do not provide refunds or price differences. To defer to the following year, log in at www.runsignup.com by Thursday, October 15, 2026. We do not cancel for weather.
What is a virtual event?
You sign up for Run For Your Life and choose your own time and course, anytime from October 10 through October 17, 2026, to run, walk, or bike the 5K or 1K Kids' Run. Submit your time online (we email instructions closer to the date) and share photos on social media. You still get a t-shirt and race packet, and can have it mailed if you cannot come to packet pick-up.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are inside the MSU Football Stadium at Gate 8. There are none on the course.
Will you have food or drinks available?
We will have fruit and pre-packaged snacks like granola bars, plus coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
Will you have any aid stations?
One aid station is on the 5K route, with water only.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are allowed on-leash. Please bring your own poop bags; we will have spots along the 5K course to dispose of them. Do not forget their costume.
Can I bike the 5K or Kids' Run?
No, only runners, walkers, and strollers are allowed on the course. If you sign up for the virtual option, you are welcome to bike.
Can I run with a stroller?
Yes. Please seed yourself accordingly.
If my child is in a stroller for the 5K, do they have to pay?
No. The adult running or walking must register for the 5K. Anyone in a stroller does not need to register, though you are welcome to as a way to support the event.
Can I run or walk alongside my child for the Kids' Run?
Yes. You do not need to register yourself; please only register the child.
How far is the Kids' Run?
Approximately half a mile around the stadium.
Can I run with earphones?
We strongly discourage earphones or music while you run, for your safety and the safety of those around you.
Can I change my shirt size?
Unfortunately, no.
Will I still get a shirt if I registered after September 17?
Only if we have extras. You can check after you finish your 5K.
Course safety
The course is coned and marked but open to traffic. Certified flaggers are at some intersections. Please stay on the right side of the road, and form a single-file line if a pedestrian approaches on a sidewalk.
5K course waves
Due to increasing participant numbers, we use timed waves for participants to self-select into.
What is the age limit for the Kids' Run/Walk?
We welcome all ages for the Kids' Run/Walk.
Where can I park?
Please visit our Location & Parking page.
What should I expect for weather?
Your guess is as good as ours. We have had warm fall days and blizzards. No matter the weather, it is always a great event.
Special accommodations
If you need accommodations to participate, please email r4yl@helpcenterinc.org or call 406-587-7511.
Is tobacco or alcohol allowed?
Run For Your Life is a tobacco and alcohol-free event for its duration and while on MSU premises. If we see photos posted online showing tobacco or alcohol use at our event, we will remove our association and may ask you to leave.
