Don't Fence Me In Trail Run 2027

About Don't Fence Me In Trail Run

The Don't Fence Me In Trail Run was started in 2000 by volunteers Kris Larson and Martin Miller to raise money and awareness for Prickly Pear Land Trust, the nonprofit that protects trails and open space around Helena. The 2026 race, held May 9, drew close to 2,000 participants across four running distances (50K, 25K, 12K and 5K) plus a 12K hike and a 5K dog walk. The 50K course was designed by local ultrarunner Joe Schemechel and tours the South Hills trail network the land trust has built over more than two decades.

All courses start and finish near Last Chance Gulch in downtown Helena before climbing into the South Hills. Every dollar raised goes directly to Prickly Pear Land Trust's work protecting trails, wildlife habitat, agricultural land and open space around the Helena valley. The 50K is limited to runners 18 and older and the 25K to age 14 and up, while the 5K and dog walk draw families and casual walkers, so pace and crowd size vary widely by distance.

What happens

• 50K course designed by local ultrarunner Joe Schemechel, touring the full South Hills trail network
• 12K hike and 5K dog walk options alongside the four running distances
• All proceeds go directly to Prickly Pear Land Trust's conservation work
• Close to 2,000 runners, hikers and dog walkers took part in 2026

Tips

• The 50K is limited to ages 18 and up; the 25K requires runners to be at least 14.
• Courses start and finish downtown near Last Chance Gulch, so plan for downtown parking and street closures that morning.
• Pack for changeable Helena weather; the South Hills trails have little shade in May.