Hell Creek Half & 50K

Hell Creek Half & 50k

The Hell Creek Half & 50k is a trail running event at the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail in Wilson State Park near Sylvan Grove, KS. The start and finish are at the Switchgrass trail head; GPS coordinates are N38°54.965 W98°30.549. The event offers two distances:

• 50k - about 32 miles via a 19-mile loop plus the half marathon loop
• 1/2 Marathon - single 13(ish) mile loop with an initial pavement section

All runs take place on single-track mountain bike trail that is rugged but entirely runnable and has very few trees. The course provides frequent views of Wilson State Park and Wilson Lake. Elevation change is approximately 3000 feet for the 50k and about 1300 feet for the half marathon.

The 50k is run as a longer loop followed by the half marathon loop. The course is marked with ribbons, flags, and wrong-way signs. Two staffed aid stations are located at the start/finish and at a location called Hell Hill. There is an unmanned water and Proxima C station near mile 5 and an additional water point near mile 13 on the Hell Creek Loop applicable to 50k runners. Drop bags are allowed at Hell Hill and at the start/finish.

Event rules include a 5:00 PM cutoff for both distances, no pacers, and crew assistance limited to the start/finish area. Runners must carry a means to hold water, minimum age is 16, and under-18 runners need a guardian waiver. Littering or cutting the trail results in disqualification. The event provides dri-fit shirts and finish awards, with a wooden finisher medal for the half marathon and a buckle for 50k finishers. Professional race photography is provided by Limping Deer LLC. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.