Designed by local ultrarunner Joe Schemechel, this challenging 50K course tours all of the South Hills and showcases three decades of conservation and trail-building by the Prickly Pear Land Trust community. From Pioneer Park, take neighborhood roads for less than a mile to your first climb up Eagle Scout Trail. Enjoy the flowy lines of Archery Range and Easy Rider before circumnavigating Bompart Hill. Ascend Lime Kiln Road and South Hills Road to Eddye McClure West. Summit Mount Ascension and then descend 2006 Trail and Entertainment Trail to Davis Gulch Road. Climb Rodney Ridge twice, checking out the beloved Don’t Fence Me In Trail, Rent Money, and Pinchot. Descend to Oro Fino Gulch Road and then explore the beautiful Wakina Sky area. Ascend Helena Ridge Trail and enjoy miles of epic views. Curse Joe as you descend to the Le Grande Cannon on the northwest flank of Mount Helena and then climb to the summit of Mount Helena. Finally, descend with your hair on fire to return to Pioneer Park. 

Aid Stations: Davis Gulch Road (9 miles), Oro Fino Gulch (14 miles), Mini Ridge Trailhead (18 miles), Charlie’s Trailhead (24 miles) 
Cut-off: 1 p.m. at Mini Ridge Trailhead (18 miles)

Sorry, we are not offering a bag drop this year. 

Designed by local ultrarunners Martin Miller and Joe Schmechel, the 25K course explores the heart of Helena’s South Hills trail system, including Mount Ascension, Rodney Ridge, Wakina Sky, and Mount Helena. From Pioneer Park, take neighborhood roads for less than a mile to your first climb up Little Moab Trail. Climb to the saddle of Mount Ascension before flying down Entertainment Trail to Davis Gulch Road. Climb Rodney Ridge, descend to Oro Fino Gulch, and then explore the Wakina Sky area. Cross Grizzly Gulch and then ascend the Helena Ridge Trail for epic 360-degree views. Summit Mount Helena before a mindbendingly fast descent to Pioneer Park. 

Aid Stations: Oro Fino Gulch (6 miles), Mini Ridge Trailhead (9 miles)
Cut-off: 1 p.m. at Mini Ridge Trailhead (9 miles)

Designed by Martin Miller, the godfather of Helena ultrarunning, the 12K is a beloved (and cursed) classic that some folks call Martin’s Revenge. From Pioneer Park, run southeast through the neighborhood and climb Little Moab to the west flank of Mount Ascension. Stretch your legs on Archery Range Trail and descend to Davis Gulch Road. It’s a steep climb to the top of Rodney Ridge followed by a fun, fast descent on T.R. Trail. Don’t get too comfortable on mellow Waterline. Soon, you’ll have to ascend Rodney Ridge again on the beloved Don’t Fence Me In Trail. Finally, it’s mostly downhill via Acropolis Crest to Pioneer Park. 

Aid Stations: Porcupine Flats (1 mile), Davis Gulch (3 miles)

Designed by Martin Miller, the godfather of Helena ultrarunning, the 5K is a friendly introduction to the trails of Mount Ascension Natural Park. Half-trail race, half-road race, the 5K is beloved for its Eagle Scout Trail climb and thrilling descent down Pay Dirt. Enjoy Helena’s downhome vibes as you run, walk, or stroll the roads back to Pioneer Park just in time for an epic afterparty. 

Aid Station: Porcupine Flats (1 mile)