Every June, Helena’s streets come alive with energy and purpose as runners, walkers and supporters gather for the annual Governor’s Cup, one of Montana’s favorite community traditions.
With support of friends and family, participants of all ages take part in the mile, 5K, 10K and half marathon races, as well as youth events that bring hundreds of students to the starting line. The excitement and camaraderie of race day are matched only by its impact: In 2026, the community raised over $96,000 for The Caring Foundation of Montana®.
What makes the Governor’s Cup much more than a race? The answer is simple. Every step taken and every dollar raised helps fuel the Caring Foundation of Montana’s Care Van® program, a resource for access to preventive health care statewide. For more than a decade, the Care Vans, supported by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles, bringing access to health services and resources to communities, especially in rural and frontier areas where it’s often limited.
The program works with community organizations and health agencies to deliver immunizations, dental, vision and other health screenings and education to thousands of Montanans every year. Since its inception, the Care Van program has helped to provide more than 40,000 vaccines and facilitated thousands of screenings, reaching people of all ages regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
“The Governor’s Cup is more than a celebration of fitness. It’s a movement that matters for the health of Montana,” says BCBSMT President Lisa Kelley. “By supporting the Governor’s Cup and the Caring Foundation, we’re working to expand access to preventive health care for more Montanans, wherever they live. This is at the heart of our mission to lift communities and create a healthier future for all.”
