Run for Your Life 5k & Kid's Run/Walk

Join us for the 12th Annual Run for Your Life, a Halloween-themed 5K and Kid's Run benefiting Help Center, Inc.'s 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention services. Help Center, Inc. has been here for our community for decades, offering hope, connection, and life-saving support.

This beloved community race raises awareness for suicide prevention, helps break the stigma around seeking mental health care, and inspires movement for the mind, body, and spirit. Choose the 5K along the scenic southside trail system and streets, the Kid's 1K Fun Run around the MSU Football Stadium, or our Virtual Run, any distance, anywhere.

Runners, walkers, rollers, strollers, and dogs are all welcome. Wear your best costume, bring your community spirit, and join us in making every step count toward hope.

Run for Your Life 5k Course

Both the 5k and Kid's run start/end at the Montana State University football stadium parking lot (near Gate 8 - on the East side):

 1 Bobcat Cir, Bozeman, MT 59718.

PLEASE NOTE: 5k route is SLIGHTLY longer than a 5k and is a mixture of trail and sidewalk/road.

Click Here for Responsive Course Map

Run for Your Life Costume Contest

Before choosing your costumes, please read:
Please use good taste and judgement in choosing costumes that are respectful to the diversity of our community. Costumes that play on ethnic or racist tropes, like caricatures of another ethnic group or promote harmful stereotypes including those on the basis of race, creed (religion), color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity are not appropriate. If you're thinking of using someone else's culture as a costume, steer clear. ​Please also be mindful that this event is a suicide prevention and mental health awareness event.  

Need some inspiration? Check out last year's winners! 

Looking for affordable and/or second-hand costume options? Check out Sacks Thrift Store, which benefits the Help Center as well! 

Costume Contest Categories:

Please go to the photo booth to have your photo taken inside gate 8 to be seen by our judges! New this year: Before you get your photo taken, you will REGISTER (very quick) to be in the costume contest. NOTE: Kid's Run participants should go to the photo booth before their race starts at 9:30am, as we will award the costume contest winners as they finish their run.

Adults
-Top 4 Overall Best
-Top 2 Most Creative/Funny

Kids
-Top 8 Overall Best
-Top 2 Babies/Toddlers

Dogs
-Top 2 Overall Best
-Top 2 Themed with human

Groups/Families
-Top 2 Overall Best

5k Race Finisher Categories

We will be awarding the following finisher categories for the 5k TIMED event:

Top 3 Female

Top 3 Male

Top 3 Non-binary

Fun Race Finisher Prizes

Fist dog across the finish line

First stroller across the finish line

If you do NOT want to be considered for a race finisher prize or you wish to update your gender in your registration, please go into your Run Sign Up account and update BEFORE race day:

1. https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/Bozeman/Run4YourLifeMT 

2. Login (top right head image)

3. Go to Profile (top right head image drop down)

4. Edit (blue logo, upper right)

5. Go to Gender and select Male, Female, Non-Binary, or Prefer Not to Say. NOTE: If you select Prefer Not to Say, you will NOT be eligible for race prizes.

6. Save

If your question is not answered here, please email us at r4yl@helpcenterinc.org

What is the schedule for the day of the race?
8:30am-9:50am: On site registration and packet pick for out of town participants
9-10:00am: Costume Judging (Go to the photo booth to register. Kid's Run--go BEFORE your race)
9:30am: Kid's Fun Run Starts
10:00am: 5k Starts
10:45am: Awards

When is Packet Pick-Up?
Friday, Oct. 24th, 11a-6:30p, 699 Farmhouse Ln., Bozeman  (Help Center, Inc.)
Pick-up your shirt (or cape)--only for those that registered by 10/10, race bib, in honor-of buttons/bibs, and your race swag!

Can a friend pick up my race packet?
Yes, of course 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 those participating from out of town. This will begin at 8:30am on Saturday for those individuals. Please plan to pick up your race packet at packet pick-up.

Can I register the morning of the race?
Yes, you can still register the morning of the race on Saturday, October 25. Registration on Oct 24 & 25 is $40.

Can I have my race packet shipped?
Race packet shipping is for our Virtual event participants ONLY. We will not be shipping the shirts until after Oct. 28th.

Do you have scholarships or ways for those who cannot afford the race fee to participate?
We want our race to be accessible to those who wish to participate. If you cannot afford the race fee, we have a pay-what-you-can option. Please email our Race Director at r4yl@bozemanhelpcenter.org to inquire.

What is your Cancellation/Refund Policy?
If we are unable to host the event, all registrations will automatically transfer to our VIRTUAL event. We will not provide any refunds or price differences. If you wish to defer to the following year, you can login to your account at www.runsignup.com. This must be completed by Oct. 15th. We will not cancel for weather, please be prepared and check the forecast.

What is a Virtual event?
That means you can sign up for Run for Your Life and YOU choose anytime and any course between Oct 19-26 to run, walk or even bike your 5k & 1k Kid's run. You can submit your time online (we will email instructions closer to the date) and share your photos on social media. You will still get a t-shirt and race packet and can choose to have it mailed to you if you cannot come to packet pick-up.

Restrooms
Public restrooms will be available inside the MSU Football Stadium entrance at gate 8. There will not be any available on the course.

Will you have food or drinks available?
We will have fruit and pre-packaged snacks like granola bars and fruit snacks. We will have coffee, tea, and hot chocolate available as well.

Will you have any aid stations?
One aid station will be available on the 5k route with water only.

Are dogs allowed?
Yes! Well-behaved dogs are allowed on-leash. Please provide your own poop bags. We will have multiple spots along the 5k course for poop bags. Don't forget their costume!

Can I bike the 5k or Kid's Run?
No, only runners, walkers, and strollers are allowed on the course. If you sign up for our virtual option, you are welcome to!

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 or anyone walking/running will need to register for the 5k. Anyone in a stroller does not need to register, but you are welcome to! It is a great way to support this event.

Can I run/walk alongside my child for the Kid's Run?
Yes, of course! You do not need to register yourself as the adult, please only register the child.

How far is the Kid's Run?
It is approximately half a mile around the stadium.

Can I run with earphones?
We strongly discourage using earphones/music while you run for your safety and those around you. 

Can I change my shirt size?
Unfortunately, no. 

Will I still get a shirt if I registered after Oct. 10th?
Only if we have extras available. You can check after you finish your 5k to see if we have any left. 

Course Safety
The course will be coned and marked, but will be open to traffic. There will be Certified Flaggers at some intersections. Please run/walk on the right side of the road. If you are on a sidewalk and another pedestrian approaches, please make a single-file line.

5k Course Waves
Due to our increasing participant numbers, we have timed waves for participants to self-select into. 

What is the age limit for the Kid's Run/Walk?
We welcome ALL ages for the Kid's run/walk!

Where can I park?
Please visit our Parking Information Page

What should I expect for weather?
Your guess is as good as ours! We have had warm fall days all the way to blizzards. No matter the weather, it is always a great event!

Special Accommodations
If you are in need of any accommodations to participate in the event, 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 the duration of the event and while on the MSU premises. If we see any pictures posted online that shows tobacco or alcohol use at our event, we will remove our association. We may also ask you to leave the event if our staff and event organizers see you using either.

Our Kid's 1k Fun Run goes around the perimeter of the MSU Football Stadium and finishes through the MSU Bobcat Head! Starts at 9:30am. Caregivers are welcome to run or walk along side the kids without registering.

Obstacle Course
We have a fun optional Obstacle Course for the kiddos to go through on the west end of the Football Stadium. All Kid's Run participants will start near entrance 8 of the MSU Football stadium and then can choose to take a side adventure and go through the obstacle course or just run/walk to the finish line. Warning: The obstacle course includes dangling spider decorations.

All Kid's Run participants finish through the MSU Bobcat Head!

Run for Your Life begins and ends at the MSU Bobcat Football Stadium (1 Bobcat Cir) in Bozeman, MT. Here is a CAMPUS MAP if you are unfamiliar.

Parking 

• You can park anywhere in the Bobcat Football Stadium parking lot or across Kagy in the Fieldhouse parking lot. Parking is free on the weekends (with the exception of handicap or 24 hour reserved spaces)

• 7th Ave. south entrance into stadium lot will be closed

 Please review the map below for parking and other notices before heading to the event:

A Legacy of Presence, Built Through Care.

Since 1971, Help Center, Inc. has stood as a quiet but steady presence in the Gallatin Valley—answering calls, walking alongside those in crisis, and offering life-saving support for individuals and families facing mental health challenges, suicidal thoughts, and moments of deep disconnection. What began as a grassroots phone line has grown into a lifeline—woven into the fabric of this region with compassion, trust, and deep responsibility.

Today, Help Center, Inc. is not only a 24/7 crisis line—it is a central hub of support for our community. From suicide prevention and postvention, to therapy, outreach, and resource navigation, our work is grounded in presence, dignity, and the belief that every person deserves to be met where they are, especially in their most vulnerable moments. This is our ongoing commitment. This is the legacy we carry forward.

Thanks to community support, Run For Your Life has raised over $674,000 for the Help Center over the past 10 years!

If you need support or are concerned about a loved one, please reach out. Help is available 24/7: Help Center's Local Number: 406-586-3333. We are also a 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline & Montana 211 Call Center.

Jase Cannon, Help Center, Inc. - Development, Communications, and Community Engagement 
Email:  r4yl@helpcenterinc.org 
Phone:  406-587-7511 (please try email first)

Run for Your Life is organized by a dedicated committee of community volunteers and Help Center staff. 

Race packet pick-up will be on Friday, October 24th from 11 AM - 6:30 PM at 695 Farmhouse Lane, Bozeman MT, 59715.

We are a bag-free race, so plan to bring your own to keep everything together.  

• 5k Participants: You will get all your race swag: Shirt (for those that registered by 10/10), race bib, running in honor of buttons/bibs, coupons, and more.

• Kid's Run Participants: The Kid's Run participants do not receive a bib. If you chose not to receive a giveaway (shirt, cape, etc.) during registration, you won't have anything to pick up. Feel free to come grab some sponsor swag and check out our merchandise!

• We will just need the names of those registered when you check in. You can pick-up for others if you wish. PLEASE communicate with each other if you do.

• You can also pick up your packet on race day (Saturday) at Gate 8 of the MSU Bobcat Stadium, starting at 8:30am.  But come early and expect a line. We strongly encourage you to pick up Friday.  

11th ANNUAL Run for Your Life: SATURDAY, Oct 25, 2025

Thank you for supporting the Help Center’s Annual Run for Your Life for suicide awareness & prevention. This is a fun run for a deep purpose. The Help Center, serving 13 counties in Southwest Montana, has been serving our community for over 53 years, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are available by calling (406) 586-3333. When you need help, the Help Center is there!

Please read the information below THOROUGHLY in preparation for race day. We will not be providing hard copies of this information at packet pick-up, so we recommend bookmarking or printing this page to have ready on race day. We know it's A LOT of information! We also recommend reading through our FAQ page.

We would love for you to share your Run for Your Life experience on social media! Use #run4yourlifemt and/or tag us @helpcenterincmt (Instagram and Facebook). Be sure your settings are set to public so we can see it! Follow the Help Center on social to see what your fellow participants are sharing and for race day photos and updates. 
Instagram
Facebook

VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS: Please visit your race day details HERE.

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION (5k & Kid's Run):

Schedule
Saturday, Oct. 25th, 2025
Kid’s Run: 9:30am (arrive NO LATER than 9:15am please)
5k: 10am (arrive NO LATER than 9:45am please)
Awards: 10:45am (Costume Contest and 5k winners)

Event Location
Start & Finish at MSU Bobcat Stadium (1 Bobcat Cir), Gate 8 (east side facing the Museum of the Rockies). 

Route
See the 5k Route HERE
See the Kid's Run Route HERE

Packet Pick-Up
Friday, Oct. 24th, 11a-6:30p, 699 Farmhouse Lane, Bozeman MT, 59715. You can pick up for others, you just need their names.

Race Day Registration & Packet Pick-Up
We will have Race Day Registration & late packet pick-up starting at 8:30am on race day inside Gate 8. We STRONGLY recommend registering from home to avoid lines and picking up your packet at Packet Pick Up on Friday. Registration will stop at 9:50am.

Safety
We kindly ask that if you are showing any signs of illness, you do not attend our in-person event.

Parking
You can park anywhere in the Bobcat Football Stadium parking lot or across Kagy in the Fieldhouse parking lot. Parking is free on the weekends (with the exception of handicap or 24 hour reserved spaces). Please note the south entrance on 7th St. will be closed, as it is where the runners leave and re-enter the stadium.

Costume Contest & Prizes
We have some great prizes this year for our top 5k finishers and Costume Contest Winners for both humans and dogs! If you want to be considered for the Costume Contest, be sure to go to the Photo Booth between 9am-10am to be seen by our judges. NOTE: Kid's Run participants should go to the photo booth before their race starts at 9:30am, as we will award the costume contest winners as they finish their run.  All the Costume Contest categories are on our website. Kid's will get a bag at the end of their race with a finisher ribbon and goodie bag! 

Support at Event
While this event provides vital funding to the Help Center and is a fun community event, it is also an opportunity to discuss and bring awareness to mental health and suicide prevention, which may be a difficult topic for some. Help Center Crisis Counselors will be available if anyone is in need of support. They will be wearing Care Bear shirts at the event. If you cannot find one, go to the Registration or Information table inside Gate 8 and a volunteer will help you.

Photo & Video
We love capturing the fun of this event! Please know we will have videographers and photographers at the race. If you do not wish to be on film/in photos please let a staff member know either at packet pick-up or when you arrive on Saturday morning.

Food & Drinks
We will have coffee, hot chocolate, fruit, and granola bars available before and after the race.

Clothing & Weather

• Wear your race bib number on your front outer garment.

• Costumes are encouraged (but not required). 

• Dress appropriately for seasonal weather conditions.

• Sorry, we do not have a place to store any items you wish to have at the finish line.

Restrooms
You can find restrooms for all genders located inside Gate 8. The porta-potties outside near the start area are for home football games and not our event.

Volunteers & Sponsors

• Run for Your Life has over 100 volunteers that make the event possible. Please thank them for the invaluable services they provide!

• Please thank and support our sponsors who have made this event possible!

Kid's Fun Run Details

Time
9:30am (PLEASE arrive no later than 9:15am)


Location
Our Kid's Fun Run starts near Gate 8 of the MSU Football Stadium. The route is approximately a half a mile around the stadium and finishes through the MSU Bobcat Head! Family members are welcome to run alongside their kids without registering. Strollers welcome! Every kid who completes the Fun Run will receive a treat bag and finisher medal at the end. 

You can view the course map HERE

Dogs are allowed on the Kid's Run on a SHORT LEASH to avoid being a tripping hazard and you must pick up after them.

Obstacle Course:
We will have a fun optional Obstacle Course for the kiddos to go through on the west end of the Football Stadium that will be some haybales, tires, beam, and a fun tunnel (may change based on weather conditions). All Kid's Run participants will start near entrance 8 of the MSU Football stadium and then can choose to take a side adventure and go through the obstacle course or stay on the route and finish without going through the obstacle course. CAUTION: The obstacle course had hanging decorative spiders if that is a concern for your child.

5k Details

Time
5k will start at 10am (PLEASE arrive no later than 9:45am)

Location
5k will start at the Arch near Gate 8 (east side) of the MSU Football Stadium. The full race course can be found HERE.


5k Waves & Start Times 
Due to our increasing participant numbers, we will be implementing timed waves for participants to self-select into. Please seed yourselves accordingly and be courteous to your fellow participants. Seed yourself based on what you think you will run, no matter if you have a stroller or dog with. We will have signs based on your pace per mile:

• 6:30 min./mile pace

• 7:00 min.

• 7:30 min.

• 8:00 min.

• 8:30 min.

• 9+ min.

• Walkers

Dog Safety:

• We are proud to invite dogs to participate in this fun race, so please help us keep it safe for all so we can continue to do so.

• Only well-behaved dogs that are ok being around other dogs and crowds, please.

• For everyone's safety, DOGS MUST BE ON SHORT LEASHES.  Please be aware of runners who might be trying to pass you and be sure your dog & their leash are not an obstacle. 

• PLEASE clean up after your dogs immediately and do not leave poop bags along the course. We will not provide bags, so please plan to provide your own.

• There will be a garbage within the first half mile and an aid station with a garbage at mile 1.5 that you can dispose your bags in.

Other Safety Concerns

• Bicycles and rollerblades are not permitted.

• The use of headphones is permitted but strongly discouraged. 

Along the course

• The course will be open until 12:00pm.  

• The course will be well-marked and we will have volunteers along the way to point you in the right direction.

• No roads or sidewalks will be closed to the public. Expect traffic and other pedestrians. If you meet another pedestrian, please create a single-file path to allow them to pass. Please share the road and trail!

• Certified Race Flaggers will be stationed on both S. 3rd crossings, please pay attention and follow their instructions to keep yourself and them safe. They will let you know when it is safe to cross and traffic is stopped.

Aid station

• Water and basic first aid supplies will be available at the water station, located between about half-way between 2k and 3k.

Bibs & Chip Timing

• If you signed up for the TIMED option, you will be provided with a computerized timing chip in your race packet along with your race bib. Your chip is assigned to you; do not exchange it, please.

• If you signed up for the UNTIMED option, please wear the bib provided to you.

• Please make your bib visible on your outer front layer. 

Race Prizes

• You can view our race finisher prize categories HERE.

Questions?
If you have any questions, please email us at r4yl@helpcenterinc.org. Please DO NOT call the Help Center, as we need to keep the crisis lines open.

If we are unable to host the event due to unforeseeable events, all registrations will automatically transfer to our VIRTUAL event. We will not provide any refunds or price differences. If you wish to defer to the following year, you can login to your account at www.runsignup.com. This must be completed by Oct. 15th. We will not cancel for weather, please be prepared and check the forecast.

Runners have the opportunity to run in honor of someone who has died by suicide or that has been affected by suicide. Running in honor of bibs and buttons will be available to all participants. We hope this will help bring our community closer in how we can support one another around this tragic issue that has touched everyone in our community.

VIRTUAL Run for Your Life: Race Day Details 
Run, Walk, or Roll: Anytime between Oct. 19-26

​Thank you for supporting the Help Center’s 10th Annual Run For Your Life and participating in our Virtual event! We appreciate your support in coming together, from near and far, for the Help Center and suicide prevention. The Help Center, serving 13 counties in Southwest Montana, has been in Bozeman serving our area for over 51 years, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Available 24/7 by calling (406) 586-3333. 

Please read the following details thoroughly:

Packet Pick-Up:

• If you DID NOT choose to have your race shirt shipped, please plan to pick up your race gear on Friday, Oct. 24th from 11a-6:30pm at 699 Farmhouse Lane, Bozeman MT, 59715.

• ALL Packet Pick-Up details can be found HERE.

Packet Shipping

• If you chose the shipping option during check-out, you will receive your shirts/capes and any merchandise you purchased. This year, we will be mailing these out AFTER the 28th. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Date

• Run, walk or roll Run for Your Life ANYTIME between Oct. 19-26. You choose the distance, when, and where!

Course

• You pick your course where you are! If you are in the Bozeman/Belgrade area, here are some ideas:

  • MSU Stadium/Southside (similar to our in-person route): 5k or 1k

  • In-Person 5k Route: You can do our race route on your own, just do not complete on Oct. 25th between 7am-1pm when the in-person event is happening. 5k and Kid's Run routes.

  • Bozeman Public Library: 5k or 1k

  • Gallatin County Regional Park: 5k or 1k

  • Belgrade: 5k or 1k

• You can also complete from a treadmill, bike, or any way that gets you moving!

Virtual Participant Prizes

We have some great prizes JUST for our Virtual Participants!

• Ways to Win:

  • Submit your time:  Anyone who submits their time online will be entered into a raffle to win a gift card. See below how to submit time.

  • Share a photo:

    • You can enter in one of 2 ways. Submit no later than 5pm on Oct. 28th ​

      • Post on social media: Post on Instagram -OR- Facebook and use #run4yourlifemt and/or tag the Help Center @helpcenterincmt

        IMPORTANT: Be sure your settings are set to public so that we can search for your photos AND be able to message you after the race if you won.​

        ​​​​-OR-

      • Email a photo along with your first and last name to r4yl@helpcenterinc.org.

Submit your Results

1. Submit your time or that you completed the event anytime before Oct. 28th at 5pm. 

2. Go to our RunSignUp Results Page & choose “Submit Virtual Results" button

3. Lookup your registration with your name OR email/DOB

4. Choose "Submit Virtual Results" under the event

5. If you are not signed in, it will ask to validate by email or last 4 digits of your phone. NOTE: It will not send you an email or text, only used to verify

6. Enter your time or select "I finished, but did not time my run". You can also upload GPX, FIT or TCX files

    

In Honor Of Bibs

• If you are running/walking in honor of someone, you can email us at r4yl@helpcenterinc.org and we will email you some bibs you can print at home.

• We will also have Running in Honor of buttons and bibs at packet pick up.

Share Your Experience

• Since we won't see you in person, we would love to have you share your Run for Your Life experience!

• Social Media: Share on social and use #run4yourlifemt and/or tag us @bozemanhelpcenter. (IMPORTANT: Be sure your settings are set to public if you want us to see it).

• Follow the Help Center to see what fellow virtual participants are sharing and see photos from our in-person event! Instagram & Facebook

• Run Site: ​Submit a photo on the Run for Your Life website. You can also upload after you submit your run/walk results.

• Please note that by sharing your photo you are giving us permission to re-share and use in future marketing.

Questions? Email us at r4yl@helpcenterinc.org. This is the best way to reach us and we strive to answer within 8 hours. Please DO NOT call the Help Center, in order to keep the crisis lines open.

Let's make this year's race unforgettable!