The Montana Women’s Run has donated $62,410 to women’s health and fitness programs in the Billings community from funds raised this year.

“As the race continues to grow, we put some money back into the race to make it a better event, and we put the money into women’s and fitness organizations in the community,” said Renee Coppock with the Women’s Run board. “I think that further promotes women’s health and fitness organizations.”

This year’s funds were donated to the YWCA, Billings Clinic Foundation, Yellowstone Rim Runners, Rocky Mountain College Women’s Cross-Country Scholarship Program, Montana State University Billings Women’s Cross-Country Scholarship Program and Billings YMCA.

This year’s contributions brings the total that the Montana Women’s Run has donated to local organizations that promote women’s health and fitness to $440,210.

“People hear about it and they’re like, ‘Wow, you have a mission here and you’re able to help the community and not just an individual person,’” Coppock said.

Montana Women’s Run began in 1982 with 200 registrants and celebrated its 28th anniversary this year with a record-breaking 6,973 women participating.

The sponsors of the 2009 Montana Women’s Run included Billings Clinic, ExxonMobil, Stockman Bank, Y93.3 FM, and KTVQ TV. Next year’s race will be held on May 8.