Don’t Fence Me in Trail Run

Helena, United States • 9 May 2026

Event Overview

The Don’t Fence Me In Trail Run takes place in Helena, Montana. It is a community event celebrating open lands and trails, founded by volunteers in 2000. The event directly supports the Prickly Pear Land Trust's mission to preserve trails and open spaces.

Distances & Activities

The event offers several race distances and non-competitive activities:

  • 50K Race: A course covering the South Hills.
  • 25K Race: A route exploring ridgelines and Mt. Helena.
  • 12K Race
  • 5K Race: A route on Mt. Ascension.
  • 12K Hike: A non-competitive hiking option.
  • 5K Dog Walk: A non-competitive walk where participants can bring their dogs.

Event Details

The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026. Packet pickup is available the day before at a local brewery. On the day of the event, there is a schedule of staggered starts for the different distances. Post-race activities include a beer garden and live music. The event operates under a special use permit on public lands managed by the Forest Service and the City of Helena. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

UTMB 20K UTMB 50K
50 km
50k Race
25 km
25k Race
12 km
12k Race
12 km
12k Hike
5 km
5k Dog Walk
5 km
5k Race
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

A community 5k at Blackfoot River Brewing in Helena on April 18, 2026, part of the Montana Brewery Running Series. The untimed route starts and ends at the taproom and includes a craft brew at the finish plus BRS swag.

Trail running event in the Scratchgravel Hills near Helena, Montana on May 23, 2026, offering 50K, 25K, 10K and 5K distances plus a kids race on rocky and single track trails with shuttle access to the trailhead.

A 12 hour night trail run on Helena's South Hills featuring a 100% singletrack figure 8 around Mount Ascension and Rodney Ridge, limited to 75 runners and supported by volunteers and an aid station.

Trail race near Elliston and Helena, Montana offering 15K and 30K out-and-back courses; the longer route climbs Kading Grade to the Continental Divide before returning.