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, climb Eagle Scout Trail, circumnavigate Bompart Hill, and then ascend Lime Kiln Road to Eddye McClure West. Summit Mount Ascension and then descend Entertainment Trail to Davis Gulch Road. Explore the Rodney Ridge area, including the beloved Don’t Fence Me In Trail, Rent Money, and Pinchot. Descend to Oro Fino Gulch Road and then climb Dazed and Confused to beautiful Wakina Sky. Ascend Helena Ridge Trail and enjoy miles of epic views. Curse Joe as you descend to the Le Grande Cannon area 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. 

Designed by local ultrarunner Joe Schemechel, the 25K course explores the heart of Helena’s South Hills trail system, including Mount Ascension, Rodney Ridge, Wakina Sky, and Mount Helena. Start in Pioneer Park, climb Little Moab Trail, and explore Mount Ascension Natural Park on the 2006 Trail and Entertainment Trail. Descend to Davis Gulch Road and climb Rodney Ridge on the T.R. Trail. Cross Oro Fino Gulch Road, explore the Wakina Sky area and then ascend the Helena Ridge Trail for epic 360-degree views. Summit Mount Helena before a mindbendingly fast descent to Pioneer Park. 

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, take Deford Trail and Eagle Scout Trail to the west flank of Mount Ascension. Stretch your legs on Archery Range Trail and then 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 a fast descent down Acropolis Crest to Pioneer Park.

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.