DON’T FENCE ME IN TRAIL RUN
About the Event
The Don’t Fence Me In Trail Run is so much more than a race – it’s a grassroots celebration ofThe Don’t Fence Me In Trail Run is so much more than a race – it’s 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
Ready to test your limits? The DON’T FENCE ME IN TRAIL RUN brings a highly anticipated Ultra, 25K, 12K, 5K to Helena on May 9, 2026. Expect a fantastic route right in the heart of Montana.
Races Offered
Trail running
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.
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.
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.
12K Hike
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. It’s a steep climb to the top of Rodney Ridge followed by a rewarding 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.
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, half-road, the 5K is beloved for its Eagle Scout Trail climb and thrilling descent down Pay Dirt. Enjoy Helena’s grassroots vibes as you run, walk, or stroll the roads back to Pioneer Park just in time for an epic afterparty.
5k Dog Walk
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 Helena’s grassroots vibes as you run, walk, or stroll the roads back to Pioneer Park just in time for an epic afterparty.
About Helena
DON’T FENCE ME IN TRAIL RUN takes place in Helena, Montana, United States. The local timezone is America/Denver.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
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