Saturday, Aug 2, 2025

HURL Elkhorn

Elkhorn Mountains

Helena, MT 50 Mile, 50 K, 13.1 Mile

Registration Opens Fri. Nov 22, 2024 @ 12:00 AM MT

HURL Elkhorn 50 Miler

THIS IS A TOUGH EVENT. Spectacular Montana backcountry, 37 miles of very technical single track trails, 13 miles of primitive/double track jeep road and 1 mile of maintained dirt Forest Service road. Approximately 13,400 feet of elevation gain and maximum elevation of just under 9,000’. Big climbs, big descents, big Montana views. No pavement, just Elkhorn Mountains dirt, rocks, forests, meadows, rocks, a historic ghost town and cemetery, rocks, a mountain lake, cold, clear creeks to splash through, and rocks.

We have yet to have a finisher tell us they've run a tougher 50 mile course. This course takes runners into and through roadless, remote, back country, and removes you from the top of the food chain. All trail sections are closed to motorized vehicles, and vehicle access to the primitive road sections is very difficult. You may see Deer, Elk, Moose, Bear, Coyote, Mountain Goat, and other wild critters on race day. They will be watching you. You will encounter bovines. There are 8 well stocked aid stations on the course (unless a bear gets into our supplies), the longest distance between aid stations is 7 miles.

HURL Elkhorn 50K

Spectacular Montana backcountry, 27 miles (45K) on very technical single track trails and 3 miles (5K) of primitive/double track jeep road. No pavement, just Elkhorn Mountains dirt, plenty of rocks, forest, meadows and cold, clear creeks to splash through. Big climbs, big descents, big Montana views. This course takes runners into and through roadless, remote, back country, and removes you from the top of the food chain. All trail sections are closed to motorized vehicles, and vehicle access to the primitive road sections is difficult. Add in approximately 7,900 feet of elevation gain and maximum elevation of 8,000’ and this is one scenic and challenging 50K. You may see Deer, Elk, Moose, Bear, Coyote, Mountain Goat, and other wild critters on race day. They will be watching you. You will encounter bovines. There are 5 well stocked aid stations on the course (unless a bear gets into our supplies), the longest distance between aid stations is 8 miles.

HURL Elkhorn 13.1 Miler

Spectacular Montana scenery on 100% technical single track trail. No pavement, just dirt, rocks, forest, and meadows, along with several creek crossings. This course takes you into and through roadless, remote Montana back country, and may remove you from the top of the food chain. All trail sections are closed to motorized vehicles. Add in approximately 3,300 feet of elevation gain along with maximum elevation of approximately 7,200’ and this scenic and challenging course provides a glimpse of what running a mountain trail ultra is like, only shorter. You may encounter a variety of wild critters on race day. The 50 mile and 50K runners will probably have chased off any elk, but moose and bears can show up anytime, anywhere. You will encounter bovines. There are two aid stations along the course, the longest distance between aid stations is 6 miles.

More Details at HURLElkhorn.com

Packet Pickup: Friday August 2, 2024 at the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department between 4 and 7 (1192 Highway 282 in Montana City). Course briefings at 4:15, 5:15 and 6:15 PM.

Race Start: 50M-5:00 am, 50k-7:00am, 13.1M-8:00 am on Saturday August 3, 2024.

Directions: All races start and finish at the Willard Creek Trailhead at the end of Forest Service Road 4014. Camp there before the start! Just don't bring a tow-behind trailer. Allow at least 45 minutes driving time from Helena. Be sure to check-in 15 minutes before the race starts.

Everyone will receive some SWAG, all ultra finishers receive a print of Elkhorn Mountain art hand-drawn by a local runner, plus other raffles and awards. The HURL Elkhorn experience is your best finisher's award. Once you finish, we encourage you hang out in the finish area, enjoy post-race food and drinks and share your race experience other runners.

Disclaimer

This is a remote race through rugged terrain that hinges on the safety and happiness of our volunteers. Depending on seasonal fire restrictions and/or smoke conditions, there is always a chance that the race could be changed to a self-supported format or cancelled. We will announce any change or plans or required special procedures via UltraSignUp for registrants and our social media.

Event's current local time: 1:00 PM MT

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