Mount Helena Run
The 48th Mount Helena Run will take place Saturday, September 21, 2024. Click here for RunSignUp registration.
At last year’s race, we had 74 runners and near-perfect conditions. A sincere thank you to all of the volunteers who helped out, and the runners who braved the mountain! Results are available on the competitive timing website here.
This 5.6 mile (9 kilometer) course starts on historic Last Chance Gulch in downtown Helena. It quickly changes from urban running to mountain trail running in Mt. Helena City Park. The course takes runners to the top of Mt. Helena, 1,300 feet above the starting line, and offers outstanding views of the City of Helena, Prickly Pear Valley, and Elkhorn and Belt Mountains. The course then descends back to the finish area on Last Chance Gulch.
Course Maps
Mount Helena Run Course Map (Older Topo)
Mount Helena Run Course Map (Newer Aerial)
Course Description
The race starts on the Walking Mall near The Base Camp, in front of Birds & Beaseleys. Proceed south on the Walking Mall, turn right and cross Park Ave. Up Reeder’s Alley, right on Benton. Left on Adams, up Adams all the way (through the gate) to the Mount Helena trailhead. Keep going straight onto the 1906 trail, veer right after about 1/4 mile onto Prairie trail, all the way to the ridge. Left on West End trail, and then a quick right onto Backside trail. Left on Hogback trail to the top of Mount Helena. Keep going over the crest of Mount Helena onto 1906 trail, all the way back to the Mount Helena trailhead. From there, retrace your steps back to the start/finish.
Race Start & Packet Pickup
The Race start is on the Walking Mall, in front of Birds beaseleys. Packet pickup is from 9am – 10am immediately preceeding the race.
Results and History
Mount Helena Run History (Curt Synness)
Mount Helena Run History (David Curd)
Mount Helena Top Five Times (Records)
Questions?
Contact info@vigilanterunning.org for more information about the race.