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DON’T FENCE ME IN TRAIL RUN

DON'T FENCE ME IN TRAIL RUN

Saturday, May 9, 2026
HELENA, MONTANA

50K Race

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 Prickly Pear Land Trust. From downtown Cruse Ave, 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 East. Summit Mount Ascension and then descend 2006 Trail and Entertainment Trail to Davis Gulch Road. Climb Rodney Ridge, 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 Le Grande Cannon on the northwest flank of Mount Helena and then climb to the summit of Mount Helena. Finally, descend Reeder’s Alley with your hair on fire to return to Pioneer Park.
Open to ages 18+.
Start Time:
7:00am MDT
End Time:
3:00pm MDT
Registration Limit:
250 spots left.
Registration:
Registration Opens January 1, 2026 at 12:00am MST
Price:
$150 $135.00 Race Fee
Registration:
Price increases to $150.00 after March 1, 2026 at 11:59pm MST

25K Race

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 downtown Cruse Ave, take neighborhood roads for less than a mile to your first climb up Eagle Scout 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 mindbending descent down Reeder’s Alley to Pioneer Park.
Open to ages 14+.
Start Time:
8:00am MDT
End Time:
1:00pm MDT
Registration Limit:
400 spots left.
Registration:
Registration Opens January 1, 2026 at 12:00am MST
Price:
$100 $85.00 Race Fee
Registration:
Price increases to $100.00 after March 1, 2026 at 11:59pm MST

12k Race

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 downtown Cruse Ave, run southeast through the neighborhood and climb Eagle Scout Trail 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.
Start Time:
10:00am MDT
End Time:
1:00pm MDT
Registration Limit:
450 spots left.
Registration:
Registration Opens January 1, 2026 at 12:00am MST
Price:
$60 $50.00 Race Fee
Registration:
Price increases to $60.00 after March 1, 2026 at 11:59pm MST

12K Walk

Start Time:
10:15am MDT
End Time:
3:00pm MDT
Registration Limit:
100 spots left.
Registration:
Registration Opens January 1, 2026 at 9:00am MST
Price:
$60 $50.00 Race Fee
Registration:
Price increases to $60.00 after March 1, 2026 at 11:59pm MST

5k Race

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.
Start Time:
10:30am MDT
End Time:
12:30pm MDT
Registration Limit:
500 spots left.
Registration:
Registration Opens January 1, 2026 at 12:00am MST
Price:
$40 $35.00 Race Fee
Registration:
Price increases to $40.00 after April 5, 2026 at 11:59pm MDT

5k Dog Walk

Start Time:
11:00am MDT
End Time:
1:00pm MDT
Registration:
Registration Opens January 1, 2026 at 12:00am MST
Price:
$40 $35.00 Race Fee
Registration:
Price increases to $40.00 after April 5, 2026 at 11:59pm MDT

Prickly Pear Land Trust is a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.  

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