Hell Creek Half & 50K

Event overview

The Hell Creek Half & 50K is a trail running event at Wilson State Park on the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail near Sylvan Grove, KS. Two distances are offered:

• 50k : consists of a 19-mile loop plus the half marathon loop, overall closer to 32 miles.
• Half marathon : one loop of about 13 miles, with an initial 1/3 mile on pavement.

The course is single-track and exposed, with limited tree cover and frequent views of Wilson Lake. Elevation change is significant: the 50k has about 3,000 ft of total gain and loss, while the half marathon has about 1,300 ft.

Course, aid, and logistics

The course is heavily marked with ribbons, flags, and wrong-way signs. There are two staffed aid stations at the start/finish and at a location called Hell Hill. An unmanned water and Proxima C station is located at mile 5, and another unmanned or staffed station appears around mile 13 on the Hell Creek Loop for 50k runners. Proxima C Endurance Fuel is used as the carbohydrate and electrolyte beverage at aid stations.

Restrooms are available at the start/finish and porta-potties near the other full aid. Hot showers are available year-round at Big Bluestem campground about 0.75 mile from the start/finish.

Rules, swag, and awards

There is a cutoff at 5:00 PM for both races. Pacers are not allowed. Crew may assist only at the start/finish. Drop bags are allowed at Hell Hill and the start/finish. Minimum age is 16; runners under 18 need a guardian-signed waiver.

All entrants receive a dri-fit tank top. Half marathon finishers receive a wooden medal; 50k finishers receive a 50k buckle. Awards are given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female in each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.