Don't Fence Me In Trail Run

Twenty-five years ago, a race was born in the heart of Helena. The Don't Fence Me In Trail Run began as a grassroots effort to showcase the work of Prickly Pear Land Trust. With a few passionate volunteers and a shared love for Helena’s trails, the first race was launched as both a challenge and a celebration. What started as a small event of 50 runners, now attracts over 2,000 participants and volunteers. The Don't Fence Me In Trail Run has become a cherished Helena tradition, making this run an enduring symbol of community and conservation.

50K - This course tours all of Helena's South Hills and includes two summit climbs and three ridges.
25K - Explore the west side of Mount Ascension, traverse Rodney Ridge and Waking Sky, and then climb the Helena Ridge to Mount Helena.
12K Race and Walk - Enjoy the South Hills’ highlights on a tour of Mount Ascension and Rodney Ridge.
5K Race and Dog Walk - This course is a family and dog-friendly introduction to Mount Ascension.

50K Course

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.