Hell Creek Half & 50K

General Information

The Hell Creek Half & 50K takes place on the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail at Wilson State Park near Sylvan Grove, Kansas. The start and finish is at the Switchgrass trail head (Hell Creek area).

Course Description

Both distances are run on the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail, described as easy-to-follow, rugged, runnable single-track with few trees. The course offers views of Wilson State Park and Wilson Lake. The Half Marathon is one loop of approximately 13 miles, starting with about a third of a mile on pavement. The 50K consists of a 19-mile loop followed by the half marathon course loop, totaling approximately 32 miles. The course is heavily marked with ribbons, flags, and signs.

Elevation statistics show around 1300 ft of gain/loss for the half marathon and about 3000 ft for the 50K.

Aid Stations

There are two main aid stations: the start/finish and "Hell Hill." Both are stocked with typical ultra food, water, soda, and Proxima C Endurance Fuel. There is an unmanned water/Proxima C station at mile 5. Another unmanned station is around mile 13 on the Hell Creek Loop for 50K runners only.

Rules and Logistics

• The cutoff time for both races is 5:00 PM.
• Pacers are not allowed.
• Crew assistance is only permitted at the start/finish line.
• Drop bags are allowed at Hell Hill and the start/finish.
• A Kansas State Park day or annual pass is required for entry.
• The minimum age to race is 16; runners under 18 need a guardian-signed waiver.
• Runners must carry a means to hold water at all times.
• There are no refunds or bib transfers.

Participant Items

Half marathon finishers receive a dri-fit tank top and a custom wooden finisher's medal. 50K finishers receive a dri-fit tank top and a finisher's buckle. Dogs that run with participants receive a pup-specific medal. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.