Sentinel Hill Climb
Missoula, United States • 6 May 2026
Event details
The Sentinel Hill Climb is scheduled for May 6, 2026 in Missoula, Montana. The event is limited to 250 runners. There are no refunds, deferrals, or bib transfers. Packet pick-up, a kids run, staged race waves including an elite wave, and an awards ceremony are part of the event schedule.
Course and distances
The race starts at the base of Mount Sentinel in the "M" parking lot on the University of Montana campus and finishes on the summit of Mount Sentinel. The course follows the ‘M’ trail for the first third and then the Northwest ridge trail to the summit.
- 1.6 miles - 1,970 feet of elevation gain
- 0.6 miles (Kids Run) - 600 feet of climbing
Prizes, timing and finish services
Chip timing is provided by Competitive Timing. Finish-line items include products from Hammer Nutrition and Big Dipper Ice Cream for participants. Overall first place male and female each receive $100 cash; eligibility for overall cash prizes requires starting in the elite wave and overall top results are based on gun time. A $50 premium is awarded to the first male and female to the “M” (finishers must complete the race to be eligible). Age group winners receive a Big Dipper gift card. Age groups are: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
Logistics and volunteers
Parking is available in the ‘M’ Trail Parking Lot and is limited; surrounding lots require a University parking pass. Volunteer roles include parking, packet pick-up, and aid stations. Volunteers receive a $15 Runner’s Edge gift card and post-race Big Dipper ice cream. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.