Frequently Asked Questions about the Montana Cup

Q: What is the Montana Cup?    A: The Montana Cup is a team-oriented cross country meet that pits teams from each of Montana's seven largest towns against each other for the right to claim the Montana Cup "traveling" trophy for one year. There is one cup for the top male team and one cup for the top female team.

Q: When is the Montana Cup?     A: The meet is always held on the Saturday or Sunday following the Montana High School cross country championships. The exact date for this year's meet will be listed at this site about September 1st.

Q:  Where is the Montana Cup?    A: The 2008 Montana Cup will be held in or near Helena.  The exact location and directions for finding it will be listed at this site about September 1st.

Q: How long are the Montana Cup races?  A:  The distance is always between 5K and 8K.  The exact distance of each Montana Cup is revealed on race-day.

Q: Which are the towns that have Montana Cup teams?    A: Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Helena, Great Falls, Kalispell, and Missoula are the only towns that have regional teams. See more information about your team's region.

Q: Can I run if I don't live in one of the seven towns?     A:  Yes, but you must represent one of the seven towns.  You will join the town that is nearest (as the crow flies) to your home. See more information about your team's region.

Q: Who can run in the Montana Cup?    A: Anyone can run, but there are a couple restrictions on who can be counted in team scoring and on who can win awards.  Specifically, those restrictions apply to non-Montana residents and to runners who are currently part of a college or university cross country team. These runners may compete but must register "unaffiliated".

Q: Are there age groups for teams?     A:  Yes, in addition to the open team category, there is also a competition for youth (19- years) and masters (40+ years) teams. The first place youth team claims the Cyppee Cup, and for the first masters' team takes the Masters' Cup.

Q: Who is a "Montana resident"?    A: For purposes of Montana Cup eligibility, Montana residents are defined as anyone living, working, or schooling within the state.

Q: What team will I be on if I'm from one Montana town, but I'm going to college in another town?    A: You may run for the town of your choice, but note that collegiate cross country team members are not eligible for scoring or awards.

Q: Who else is on my team and do we travel to the race together?   A: Each team has an organizer who you may contact for this type of information.  There is a separate organizer for each female and male team. The list of team organizers will be listed at this site about September 1st.

Q: How are team organizers chosen?   A: Team organizers are chosen on a volunteer basis, and the previous year's organizers retain the right of first refusal of the same position for the following year.  The Montana Cup host does reimburse entry fees to all team organizers who's teams finish at least five scoring runners.  Additional incentives for team organizers may be offered by the host city. If you are interested in organizing your Montana Cup team, apply below.

Q: Do males and females run in the same race?    A: No, but females do run the same course as do the males. There is only one race for each gender.

Q: How many people make up a team?    A: Each team must have at least five runners, but there is no limit to the number of runners who can represent a team. 

Q: How does team scoring work?    A: The individual places of each team's top five runners are combined.  The lowest team score wins.  Scoring ties are decided by the place of the each teams sixth runner. See Montana Cup rule number 10 for more detail about scoring.

Q: Do I have to wear a team uniform?    A: Yes, all runners must wear the official Montana Cup jersey that comes as part of the first-timer's entry fee.  You may not be counted in team scoring if you fail to wear your jersey in the race.  You may choose a reduced entry fee in subsequent years by racing in the same jersey again. You must supply your own shoes, shorts, etc. This year's entry fee prices will be listed at this site about September 1st.

Q: What is the entry deadline, or is there race-day registration?    A: Early registration is highly recommended, and the deadline for that is typically 10-15 working days prior to the race.  These days are needed to order and silk-screen team jerseys.  The exact early registration deadline for this year's Montana Cup will be listed at this site about September 1st. There is race-day registration but it does cost you more money, and you may not get a team jersey.

Q: When and where do I get my race packet with my race number and jersey?    A: Race packets will be distributed on race-day in the registration area.

Q: Should I race the Montana Cup in spiked racing shoes?    A: Often it is a bad idea to race the Montana Cup with spikes. Flat-bottomed shoes are usually safer, but each Montana Cup course presents unique challenges. It may be a good idea to bring a variety of shoes to pick from after you see the course. Some written warnings about the footing on this year's course will be listed at this site about September 1st.

Q: Are there individual or age-group awards?    A: Usually there are, but each year is different. This year's awards will be listed at this site about September 1st.

Q: What have been the oldest and youngest aged runners in past Montana Cups?    A: Montana Cup participant ages have ranged from 10 to 66 years.

Q: Are there prize drawings?    A: Each Montana Cup is different, but usually there are prizes that are given out by random draw to participants who attend the awards ceremony.

Q: Are there refreshments?    A: Each Montana Cup is different, but usually there are plenty of complimentary snacks and beverages available after the race and at the awards ceremony.

Q: When and where is the awards ceremony?    A: The awards ceremony is normally held at a site near the race as soon as the intricate task of team scoring is completed and verified. If directions are needed to locate the awards ceremony, they will be listed at this site about September 1st.

Q: Other than what is announced at the awards ceremony, where and when can I get official results?    A: The meet summary and comprehensive results are normally posted at this site within 24-hours after the meet. Race photos will also be posted here.

Q: How is the meet host chosen for each Montana Cup?   A: The meet host is chosen from a rotating schedule that includes each town that has a Montana Cup team.  The Montana Cup host does retain profits from the meet.  For more specific information see Meet Host Info.

Direct comments, questions, and requests to Montana Cup