Hell Creek Half & 50K
Sylvan Grove, United States • 29 Aug 2026
General Information
The Hell Creek Half & 50K takes place at Wilson State Park in Sylvan Grove, Kansas, on a Saturday in late August. The event is presented by Ultraverse Supplements.
Distances
The event offers two distances:
- 50K (approximately 32 miles)
- Half Marathon (approximately 13 miles)
The 50K has a cutoff time of 9.5 hours. The half marathon has a cutoff time of 9 hours.
Course Description
Both races are held on the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail. The trail is a rugged, single-track path that is fully runnable and has very few wooded areas. It is an "EPIC"-rated mountain bike trail. The course offers views of Wilson Lake and the state park.
The 50K race has about 3000 feet of elevation gain and loss. The half marathon has about 1300 feet of elevation gain and loss.
The half marathon is a single loop starting with about one-third of a mile on pavement. The 50K consists of a 19-mile loop, followed by a second loop on the half marathon course. The route is marked with ribbons, flags, and signs.
The start and finish area is located at the Switchgrass trail head near the Switchgrass Restroom parking lot.
Aid Stations and Rules
There are two main aid stations: the start/finish area and "Hell Hill." Both provide a variety of typical ultra food, water, soda, and Proxima C Endurance Fuel. There are also unmanned water and drink stations on the course.
All runners must carry a water container. Pacers are not allowed. Crew access is only permitted at the start/finish line. Drop bags are allowed at Hell Hill and the start/finish.
Runners must be at least 16 years old. Those under 18 need a waiver signed by a guardian. A Kansas State Park day or annual pass is required to enter the park.
Swag and Awards
All participants receive a Hell Creek dri-fit tank top. Half marathon finishers get a custom wooden medal. 50K finishers receive a 50K finisher's buckle. Dogs that run with participants receive a special 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.