DON’T FENCE ME IN TRAIL RUN
- Date Sat 9th May 2026
- Time 7:00AM MDT
- Location Helena, Montana
- Price $38.53 - $144.33
- Races 6 races
- Distances Ultra, 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at the Don't Fence Me In Trail Run on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the beautiful Helena, Lewis and Clark region! This vibrant event is a celebration of community, connection, and the joy of trail running, attracting trail enthusiasts from all walks of life. Since its inception in 2000, the Don't Fence Me In Trail Run has showcased the stunning open lands and trails protected by Prickly Pear Land Trust.
Participants can choose from four exciting race distances, along with two noncompetitive walks, making it the perfect opportunity for everyone to get involved. Every stride you take not only contributes to your personal achievement but also supports a noble cause—preserving the breathtaking trails and open spaces we all cherish. Join thousands of fellow trail lovers for a day filled with fun, fitness, and a shared commitment to conservation. Lace up your running shoes, hit the trails, and be part of this unforgettable Helena experience!
Participants can choose from four exciting race distances, along with two noncompetitive walks, making it the perfect opportunity for everyone to get involved. Every stride you take not only contributes to your personal achievement but also supports a noble cause—preserving the breathtaking trails and open spaces we all cherish. Join thousands of fellow trail lovers for a day filled with fun, fitness, and a shared commitment to conservation. Lace up your running shoes, hit the trails, and be part of this unforgettable Helena experience!
Organiser's Description
The Dont Fence Me In Trail Run is so much more than a race its a grassroots celebration ofThe Dont Fence Me In Trail Run is so much more than a race its a grassroots celebration of community, connection, and Happy Trails. Don't Fence Me In was founded in 2000 by volunteers to showcase the open lands and trails protected by Prickly Pear Land Trust. We now offer an event for every trail lover, with four races and two noncompetitive walks. Plus, every stride you take and every dollar raised directly supports Prickly Pear Land Trust's mission to preserve and protect the breathtaking trails and open spaces we all cherish. Join the thousands who make this event an unforgettable part of the Helena experience.
LACE UP, HIT THE TRAILS, AND RUN FOR CONSERVATION
LACE UP, HIT THE TRAILS, AND RUN FOR CONSERVATION
Races
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50K Race
Incl. $9.33 Fee & DFMI 2026 Race Shirt
Sat 9th May 2026 (7:00AM MDT)
$144.33
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 Dont 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 Reeders Alley with your hair on fire to return to Pioneer Park. -
25K Race
Incl. $6.43 Fee & DFMI 2026 Race Shirt
Sat 9th May 2026 (8:00AM MDT)
$91.43
Designed by local ultrarunners Martin Miller and Joe Schmechel, the 25K course explores the heart of Helenas 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 Reeders Alley to Pioneer Park. -
12k Race
Incl. $4.40 Fee & DFMI 2026 Race Shirt
Sat 9th May 2026 (10:00AM MDT)
$54.40
Designed by Martin Miller, the godfather of Helena ultrarunning, the 12K is a beloved (and cursed) classic that some folks call Martins 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. Its a steep climb to the top of Rodney Ridge followed by a fun, fast descent on T.R. Trail. Dont get too comfortable on mellow Waterline. Soon, youll have to ascend Rodney Ridge again on the beloved Dont Fence Me In Trail. Finally, its mostly downhill via Acropolis Crest to Pioneer Park. -
12K Hike
Incl. $4.40 Fee & DFMI 2026 Race Shirt
Sat 9th May 2026 (10:15AM MDT)
$54.40
Hikers praise the challenging ups and downs of the 12K course designed by DFMI's founder, Martin Miller. From downtown Cruse Ave, hike 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. Its a steep climb to the top of Rodney Ridge followed by a rewarding descent on T.R. Trail. Dont get too comfortable on mellow Waterline. Soon, youll have to ascend Rodney Ridge again on the beloved Dont Fence Me In Trail. Finally, its mostly downhill via Acropolis Crest to Pioneer Park. -
5k Race
Incl. $3.53 Fee & DFMI 2026 Race Shirt
Sat 9th May 2026 (10:30AM MDT)
$38.53
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, half-road, the 5K is beloved for its Eagle Scout Trail climb and thrilling descent down Pay Dirt. Enjoy Helenas grassroots vibes as you run, walk, or stroll the roads back to Pioneer Park just in time for an epic afterparty. -
5k Dog Walk
Incl. $3.53 Fee & DFMI 2026 Race Shirt
Sat 9th May 2026 (11:00AM MDT)
$38.53
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, half-road, the 5K is beloved for its Eagle Scout Trail climb and rewarding descent down Pay Dirt. Enjoy Helenas grassroots vibes as you run, walk, or stroll the roads back to Pioneer Park just in time for an epic afterparty.
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120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, 59601, MT, United States
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DON’T FENCE ME IN TRAIL RUN
