Chilly start, beautiful day for Montana Women’s Run

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A few participants set their timers as runners break from the starting line at the beginning of the 5-mile event in the Montana Women's Run in downtown Billings on Saturday.

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Workers raise the starting line banner banner on Second Avenue North on Saturday before the 8 a.m. start of the 5-mile run/walk.

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Colorful balloons arrive in time to add to the festivities.

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A young runner gets some help pinning on her all-important bib.

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Bundled babies tucked in strollers may not remember the 2017 Montana Women's Run, but their moms and grandmothers will.

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A 5-mile runner receives some high-five support on Third Avenue North during Saturday's race.

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Bagpipers fill the air with special music for runners on Third Avenue North during Saturday's 5-mile run.

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Fans cheer on their favorite runners during the 2017 Montana Women's Run on Saturday.

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Two men take it easy and enjoy the sights of Saturday's Montana Women's Run.

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A well-wisher encourages runners as they pass the first milestone on their route.

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Members of a team representing Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, follow the route and the law during the Montana Women's Run.

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Coffee for one spectator and a blanket for the other help fight off a chilly breeze on Saturday morning.

Once the runners, walkers and strollers started moving, Saturday’s chilly breeze became an afterthought for participants in the 36th annual Montana Women’s Run.

The event, which started in 1982 in Pioneer Park, now takes over downtown Billings on the day before Mother’s Day. Participants in the 5-mile run/walk started at 8 a.m. and the 2-milers took off at 9 a.m.

A commemorative finisher’s necklace and colorful flowers greeted runners and walkers at the finish line. Refreshments and awards were handed out under Skypoint.

The Montana Women’s Run is the largest race in the state, and one of the largest women’s events in the region.

The run promotes health and fitness among women, especially women who would not otherwise exercise. Proceeds from the event benefit local women’s services, such as the Billings YWCA, the Billings Clinic Women’s Wellness Fund, MSU-B Women’s Cross Country Scholarship, Rocky Mountain College Women’s Cross Country Scholarship, and the Billings Family YMCA.

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