Hell Creek Half & 50K

Course

All runs take place on the single-track Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail at Wilson State Park near Sylvan Grove, KS. The trail is exposed with very few trees, runs beside Wilson Lake, and includes significant hills. The 50k has about 3000 ft of elevation gain and loss; the 1/2 marathon has about 1300 ft of gain and loss. The 1/2 marathon is one roughly 13-mile loop with an initial 1/3 mile on pavement. The 50k uses a roughly 19-mile loop plus the 1/2 marathon loop, making it closer to 32 miles in total.

• 50k - ~32 miles (19-mile loop + 1/2 marathon loop)
• 1/2 marathon - one 13(ish) mile loop with a 1/3 mile pavement start

Logistics

The course will be heavily marked with ribbons, flags, and wrong-way signs. There are two staffed aid stations at the start/finish and at "Hell Hill," plus an unmanned water/Proxima C station at mile 5 and another around mile 13 on the Hell Creek Loop (50k only). Restrooms are at the start/finish, a porta-potty will be near the other aid, and hot showers are available year-round at Big Bluestem campground about 3/4 mile from the start/finish.

The race has a cutoff at 5:00 PM. No pacers are allowed. Crew may assist only at the start/finish; drop bags are allowed at Hell Hill and the start/finish. Minimum racing age is 16; runners under 18 must provide a guardian-signed waiver. Race swag includes a dri-fit tank top for all entrants, a wooden finisher medal for the 1/2 marathon, and a 50k finishers buckle. Dogs may accompany runners and can receive a pup-specific medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.