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

Join the excitement at the Don't Fence Me In Trail Run on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the beautiful city of Helena, Lewis and Clark. This beloved event is a cherished tradition that showcases the stunning open lands protected by the Prickly Pear Land Trust. With various race distances, it invites participants of all skill levels to lace up their running shoes and embrace the invigorating trails.

More than just a race, the Don't Fence Me In Trail Run is a vibrant community gathering that celebrates the spirit of conservation and the great outdoors. As you take part in this exhilarating experience, you'll be joining thousands of passionate runners and volunteers, all dedicated to preserving the breathtaking trails and open spaces we hold dear. Don't miss out on this unforgettable celebration of nature and community—mark your calendars and run for conservation!

Organiser's Description

THE HELENA TRADITION RETURNS!

The Don't Fence Me In Trail Run is the original Helena trail tradition! This race was born from a grassroots effort to showcase the stunning open lands protected by the Prickly Pear Land Trust. What began as a small event is now a major community gathering, bringing together thousands of passionate participants and volunteers.

This isn't just a raceit's a celebration. Every stride you take and every dollar raised directly supports the 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!

Races

  • 50K Race

    Incl. $9.33 Fee & Don't Fence Me in Race Shirt 2026

    Sat 9th May 2026 (7:00AM MDT)

    $144.33

    OPENS 01 JAN 26
    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

    Sat 9th May 2026 (8:00AM MDT)

    $91.43

    OPENS 01 JAN 26
    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

    Sat 9th May 2026 (10:00AM MDT)

    $54.40

    OPENS 01 JAN 26
    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 Walk

    Incl. $4.40 Fee

    Sat 9th May 2026 (10:15AM MDT)

    $54.40

    OPENS 01 JAN 26
  • 5k Race

    Incl. $3.53 Fee

    Sat 9th May 2026 (10:30AM MDT)

    $38.53

    OPENS 01 JAN 26
    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 Helenas downhome 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

    Sat 9th May 2026 (11:00AM MDT)

    $38.53

    OPENS 01 JAN 26

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Location

120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, 59601, MT, United States

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