Hell Creek Half & 50K
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Hell Creek Half & 50k
The Hell Creek Half & 50k is a trail running event on August 29, 2026 in Sylvan Grove, Kansas, presented by Ultraverse Supplements. The start and finish are located at the Switchgrass trail head in the Hell Creek area at Wilson State Park.
Distances
- 50k roughly 32 miles with about 3000 ft of elevation gain and loss.
- Half marathon one loop of about 13 miles with roughly 1300 ft of elevation gain and loss.
All runs use the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail, a single-track route described as rugged but fully runnable, with few wooded sections and frequent views of Wilson State Park and Wilson Lake. The half marathon begins with an initial one third mile on pavement. The 50k follows a 19 mile loop that then joins the half marathon loop to complete the distance.
The course is heavily marked with ribbons, flags, and wrong-way signs. There are two staffed aid stations at the start/finish and at Hell Hill, plus an unmanned water and Proxima C station at mile 5 and another around mile 13 for 50k runners. Drop bags are allowed at Hell Hill and the start/finish. Runners must carry a means to hold water at all times.
Rules include no pacers, crew assistance only at start/finish, disqualification for cutting or littering, and a minimum age of 16 with a guardian waiver required for minors. There are no refunds or bib transfers; a credit schedule applies for cancellations with varying credit amounts depending on how far in advance the cancellation is made.
Swag for finishers includes a Hell Creek dri fit tank top and a wooden medal for half marathon finishers or a 50k finishers buckle. Prizes are awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each distance. Dogs may run and are eligible for a pup specific Hell Creek medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
