Devil's Backbone

Distances: 50 mi, 50 mi relay
http://www.math.montana.edu/~thayes/Runs/Runs.html
This is an old school ultra. It is a mostly self-supported race on a rugged but extremely scenic course. Just head up to a 10,000' peak then follow a rolling ridge 25 mi to the Windy Pass Forest Service Cabin where you will be thrilled to see a few people at your one aid station and get stocked up. (One of the main reasons they have the relay is so they can have the help schlepping stuff in and out of the aid station. Plan accordingly if you enter the relay.) Then just turn around and head back. Love, loved, loved, loved that trail. It crossed above several cirques which I looked out over and I thought 'wow, I bet the view out here is fabulous on days on days that aren't completely fogged in.' Even though the race is held in the height of summer, be prepared for any kind of weather. Though very well organized don't expect anything elaborate. No, I mean this is a really low fuss race. Take for example these actual pre-race instructions: 'The timer is in the relay. If there are any really fast guys here you could make it back before her. Just in case, we'll leave a sheet of paper here for you to write your own time down.' Only a very small number of racers are allowed entry, most of those who sign up are somewhat local, so the whole race has the feel of a family reunion. This race is worth your effort.

Don't Fence Me In Trail Run

Distances:5k, 5k dog walk, 12k, 30k
http://www.pricklypearlt.org/eventscalendar/detailedinformation.asp?ID=1628
I've done the 12k in 2007 & 2008 and the 30k in 2009, 2010 & 2011. The 12k race hits the most popular trails in the Mt. Ascension and Rodney Ridge areas of Helena's South Hills. It's a hilly course, but none of the hills are much longer than a 1/2 mile or so. Which makes it a challenging course, but by trail race standards, not overwhelmingly so. The course was well-marked and the single track trail well-maintained, which makes it a good trail race for those new to trail running. The 30k was added in 2008 and has become very popular. I would particularly recommend it as an intermediate step for anyone considering their first ultra. The 30k course became notably more challenging in 2010 when it was modified to include trips up and down both Mt. Ascension and Mt. Helena. It also runs for several miles on the Helena Ridge Trail- one of most scenic trails in town by my book. Generally, the atmosphere at the race is very relaxed, attracting the full array of serious racers, not-so-serious runners, and people mostly interested in supporting the land trust. However, the 30k became much more competitive in 2011 when the race was made part of the LaSportiva trail series. All-in-all a very fun day.

South Hills Annual Trail Series Race 4- Goat Grind

Distance: 4 mi
http://www.bquickrunning.com/trailseries/home.html
This is a tough one out in the Elkhorn Mtns. You run through a horse pasture, then down a steep road, across a very sketchy bridge, up a steep hill to a loop of rolling, technical single track, back down the steep hill, across the sketchy bridge, up the road and then finally down a short hill to the finish. This race really calls on all your trail running skills- uphilling, downhilling, technical footing, and your ability to stay on course. The trail series in general is a great place to hang out with the Helena running community and this last race is especially good because the awards for the series get handed out after this one at the post-race pancake breakfast. It is usuall pretty cold, so have plenty of extra layers to put on after the race.
*disclaimer: I have helped put on this race in the past, though for the last few years my help was limited to typing up the results*

South Hills Annual Trail Series Race 2- Goats In The Dark

Distance: 3.1 mi
http://www.bquickrunning.com/trailseries/home.html
This is a night race, which intimidates a lot of people. I think it's a fun twist to run in the dark. Your brightest headlamp will be helpful, but the course is well marked with glow sticks, so if you stay alert you shouldn't have any problems. It starts out running down a road for maybe a 1/3 mile before it gets on single track trail at the Tubbs trailhead. Do your best to establish an accurate position before you turn onto the trail, because passing is difficult. Most everyone has seemed to be pretty polite about stepping aside if someone comes up behind them who is moving faster. You return to the road about 1/4 mile from the finish so you have space to open up for a finishing sprint. There is a right turn about 1/2 way through the race which someone missed every year until 2010 when the race director took the overdue step of posting a volunteer there. There is usually a post-race gathering with beer and snacks at the race director's house.
*disclaimer: I have helped put on this race in the past, though for the last few years my help was limited to typing up the results*

Mt. Helena Classic

Distance: 5.6 mi
http://vigilanterunning.org/mthelena/home.shtml
This race up Mt. Helena has been around since 1975 so it is definately a classic. I enjoyed it, but it is TOUGH. The race starts downtown, winds through a few neighborhoods to the Mt. Helena trailhead, then up the Prairie Trail, Backside Trail, and Hogback Trail to the summit of Mt. Helena. Then down the 1906 Trail to Mt. Helena trailhead, retrace your steps through the neighborhoods back to downtown. You will see some technical footing on the Backside and Hogback Trails and at the top of the 1906 Trail. The main challenge of this race is in the 1300 foot climb, but coming down the hard-packed 1906 Trail can also be a bit tough on the ol' knees. In 2008, the sponsorship of the local outdoor store was a nice addition.

Beartooth Run

Distances: 4.2 mile, 8.4 mile
http://www.beartoothevents.com/

Despite its long history the event didn’t draw many runners. Both races are point to point, finishing at the Vista Point scenic pull-out. The races start at the same time, with the shorter one starting at about the midpoint of the longer one, farther on up the switchbacks. Buses shuttle racers from the Lake Fork parking area to the starting lines. The buses are exclusively for one race or the other so make sure you know which is which! Plastic bags are provided to carry warm, dry clothing to the finish.

The course is all uphill with a 4% average grade and middle and back-of-the-pack runners can run most of it. Elevation gain is about 2000 feet for the 8.4 mile race. With the finish line at over 9000 feet elevation, you will likely notice the elevation (and the amazing views!) before the race is over. The number of water stations was more than adequate. (I don’t believe any offered snacks.) Due to the early start, the course lies almost entirely in the shade. It was a cool with no wind at the start and most people went with bare arms or shoulders. However, with the big change in elevation and exposure, unexpected winds could make it miserable for slower runners looking at a couple hours on the course without enough clothing.

Motels in nearby Red Lodge are pricey this time of year; therefore, many people camp at one of the nearby campgrounds.
****reviewed by a guest reviewer****

HURL Elkhorn Endurance Runs

Distances: 50 mile, 50k, 23k
http://vigilanterunning.org/elkhorn/home.shtml

The 50k was my first ultramarathon and it may have turned me on to this ultra corner of the racing world. It had a great family atmosphere. The volunteers at the 6 aid stations were very friendly and helpful. There is about a mile and a half of dirt road at the beginning and end of the race, but everything else is singletrack. Although the course is adequately marked, this is not a heavily used trail, so stay alert for flagging and other trail markings as you cross the meadows. There are a lot of substatial climbs and descents in the course- almost 7000' of elevation gain/loss in the 50k and nearly 11,500' in the 50 mile. The 23k was added in 2010 to provide an option for carpool buddies, spouses, etc. The intent is to keep the 23k small and entries for it are likely to be limited so it doesn't overwhelm the ultras.

XTERRA Wild Horse Creek Triathalon

Distances: long course (1200 yd swim, 16 mi mtn bike, 6 mi run), short course (600 yd swim, 7 mi mtn bike, 3 mi run), long course relay
http://www.bigskytri.com/

Hyalite Canyon was a great venue for an off road triathalon. The short course racers did one loop of each route, while the long course folks did two. The run course was on a fairly technical trail with a number of short steep climbs and descents. Since I'm a mostly lousy mountain biker, I found the bike course more technically challenging than the run course. Course marking was good, but there were a few spots on both the bike and run courses which may have benefited from having a volunteer there as well.

I generally enjoyed this event, but I had two complaints. First there was the problem of some early finishers loitering around the finish line and blocking the start of the run course for racers still coming out of the bike-run transition. Also, a race this long should have food available to finishers. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but a few bagels or some fruit would have been very welcome and all I saw was water and a few abandoned gel packets.

Wulfman's Continental Divide Trail Run

Distance: 14k
http://buttespissandmoanrunners.com/Butte%20Races/CDT-14K/cdt_14k.htm

This fantastic trail run has become quite popular since it started in 2008. In 2010 it filled in May, so it's best to register early. This is a point-to-point race along the a newly constructed section of the Continental Divide Trail. The race switches directions every year, heading south in even years and north in odd numbered years. Since it is all single-track, it is too narrow for the standard mass start. So the race is run in a time trial format with one runner starting every 10 seconds, fastest runner starts first, then the 2nd fastest and so on down the line to the person with the slowest predicted finish time. The course is rolling with two notable hills. Both climbs are longer, but less steep than those on the Prickly Pear 12k course. If you are running southbound, you know you're at the top and can start a steady, switchbacking downhill to the finish when stunning views of snow-covered peaks appear in the distance. Sadly the views are behind you when running northbound. This is definately a course where running the trail in advance will benefit you. Expect distance markers every kilometer and one aid station about half-way through. The trail is in good shape without too much technical footing.

I've found this an exceptionally well organized event, particularly given the challenges of a point-to-point race. I would prefer if the slowest runner was started first, working up the fastest. This would lead to more passing, but I think the trail was wide enough and the runners polite enough to handle it. It would also allow more time for the timing crew to get from the start to the finish. I highly recommend this race for new trail runners and old veterans alike.

Pengelly Double Dip

Distances: about 13 miles, about 6 miles, 1 mile
http://www.runwildmissoula.org/rwm/pengelly.html
Another particpant mentioned that he had a love-hate relationship with this race. To love: all on trails, great views, friendly atmosphere. To hate: HILLS!! Almost all of this race is spent going up or down a hill, some of them quite steep, so brush up on your power hiking skills. The course starts near the University and heads up to the "M," then goes around the south side of Mt. Sentinel and up to a saddle on the ridge. From the saddle, (here's where you get your 'dips') you go east up the ridge to a peak, back to the saddle, then west up the ridge to the top of Mt. Sentinel, back to the saddle, and finally all the way back down the north side to the start area. 'Single dippers' turn off before the saddle so they don't properly get any dips, though that trip up to the 'M' at the beginning still makes it a hilly course.
I've run this in 2008 and 2010 and noticed a big improvement in organization between the two years. Aid stations were better stocked, they made course maps available, and it was generally easier to get information. It would, however, be nice for the race to start punctually. In 2010, the awards took place in the evening at a local brewhouse. So if you're traveling from out of town, you may want to plan to spend the day in Missoula and swing by the awards before heading home. This event seems to be growing and the Double Dip is limited to 200 entrants, so this blogger recommends early registration.

Big Butte Run

Distances: 1 mile, 5k, 11k
http://buttespissandmoanrunners.com/Butte%20Races/Big%20Butte/big_butte.htm
I did the 11k in 2007 and 2009. The only overlap between the 11k and the 5k is the finish. Starts at the World Museum of Mining up a steep hill on single track trail. Before the end of the first mile, you've gotten onto a dirt road that is rolling with a slight downhill grade. About halfway through you turn onto a paved road for about a 1/4 mile then turn up a different dirt road which is rolling with a slight uphill grade. There is another steep hill right before the finish back at the World Museum of Mining. It's mostly low key, but since it's probably the first "trail run" of the year in Montana, it can get competitive. The check-in and awards were originally held outdoors, which could be quite cold. Moving those indoors was a nice improvement. Not a bad early season race.

St. Patrick's Day Race

Distances: 3 mile, 6 mile
I did the 3 mile in 2010 and the 6 mile in 2007. This race attracts a decent field despite its poor organization. For example, in 2010, the race started 40 minutes late because they didn't have enough busses- 1/2 an hour after the race was supposed to start an empty bus came to the 3 mile start, picked up ONE person too dumb to figure out the bus system and took them to the 6 mile start! There's no drop bags to bring warm-up clothes from the start to the finish, so that was a long time to be waiting in the cold. In addition, there was only 1 porta-potty at the start for several hundred runners. The course is fairly scenic with a steady downgrade, making it a fast course. Both races start in the hills west of Anaconda then run into town and finish on the main street. Participants in the 6 mile should expect weaving through the walkers in the 3 mile for the last 2 miles. It would be nice if they could make some effort to keep the 3 milers on one side of the road so the 6 milers can run through. If the race organizers can update their race to accomadate it's increasing popularity, it would be a nice way to start off the Montana running season.

South Hills Annual Trail Series Race 3- Goat Pursuit

Distance: 6.6 mi
http://www.helenarunningclub.com/trailseries/home.html
My favorite of the whole trail series! But then I might be biased because this is the first race where I was able to set a course record, and it still stands. The race starts at the far end of the Mt. Helena Ridge Trail and runs toward town to the Dump Gulch Trail head. The first mile or so is a climb to the ridge and then it's downhill almost the whole way to the finish. The unique thing about this race is that it is run in a time trial format. Slowest person starts first, then every 30 seconds the next faster person starts. I like the fact that there is always someone ahead of you to pass. Cross your fingers for good weather because both the 2008 and 2009 races were snowy. My hat is off to the runners who started first in 2008 who had to break trail through a foot of untracked powder!
*disclaimer: I have helped put on this race in the past, though last year my help was limited to typing up the results*

Missoula Marathon

Distances: marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay
http://www.runwildmissoula.org/
Race participation increased by about 50% between 2008 and 2009, which is a testament to the good reputation this race has earned over it's 3 years. The marathon course is notably flat with one modest hill around mile 13, followed by a modest downhill around mile 14. The half-marathon starts on a side road off the marathon course. The half-marathon is slightly uphill until it joins with the marathon course near the bottom of the mile 14 downhill. Traffic was allowed on the race course, but due to the very early morning start time (6 AM), most traffic was race related. Aid stations were consistently located every 2 miles and were stocked with both water and energy drink. All aid stations also had porta-johns. It would be good to see two or three aid stations in the last half of the race carry some minor 1st aid supplies. A bit of vaseline, band-aids, or ibuprofen can make a marathon finish much more comfortable, especially for new marathoners.

Governor's Cup

Distances: 5k, 10k, 1 mile
http://www.govcup.bcbsmt.com/
I joined the planning committee for this race in 2009, so I am going to try to refrain from future updates of this race. But there have been so many changes I did want to acknowledge those.
For the 2008 race the race directors finally asked for advice from local runners, which was a big first step in overcoming the race's organizational problems. The nonsensical old system of charging extra to FedEx people their t-shirts and race numbers has been replaced with a standard pre-race packet pickup. More importantly, they started using chip timing at the finish. This resulted in a dramatic decrease in reports of inaccurate times and places.
I ran the 10k in 2006 and 2008 and the half marathon in 2007. The 10k is a little hilly for a road race, but it does have a downhill finish and I'm personally fond of the sections that pass the capitol building. The 5k has a lot of participants, but most aren't racing. I saw plenty of water stations in the 10k, but in 2008 the volunteers just had the cups of water on the table rather than handing them to runners. The addition of some on-course entertainment in 2008 was also nice.
In 2009, the half-marathon and marathon were discontinued. Many members of the Helena running community were disappointed with this as it was the only marathon or half-marathon in town. I did not participate in this decision but I do support it. I would rather see a well-organized 5k/10k than have resources spread between 4 or 5 poorly organized races. Hopefully someone will step up to start a new marathon/half soon.

Snow Joke Half-marathon

Distance: half-marathon
http://www.cheetahherders.com/snowjoke.html
Running Snow Joke is a great way to encourage yourself to get your winter mileage in. Given the time of year there is potential for ugly weather, but one perennial runner has assured me the weather is usually good. I'd recommend you hedge your bets and bring the extra layers anyways. The course starts by heading north on Hwy 83 for 5 miles of long rolling hills- should be clear of snow. Then you turn left onto a well used dirt road . Watch your footing when you turn off the highway, you're coming off a downhill and the turn can be icy! This portion of the course is flatter, but expect packed snow and ice. Depending on the year yaktrax may be helpful. The most notable hill is a gentle uphill starting at mile marker 12 until you get back on Hwy 83, about 1/4 mile from the finish. There are two aid stations, I think both had water and HEED. Since it isn't hot out this was plenty. The staging area is the elementary school gym, so there is a warm place to stretch and an opportunity to clean up post-race in the (child-size?) locker room showers. It is reasonably well organized with a low-key atmosphere- this is off-season racing after all.

Wolf Creek Canyon Relay

Distance: 28 mile relay for 4 runners
http://wolfcreekrelay.com/documents/Wolf%20Creek%20Canyon%20Relay06.pdf
The relay follows a the Missouri River along a frontage road off I-15 from Wolf Creek to Hardy. It is modestly scenic, but the atmosphere, rather than the course, is why most teams do it. The first leg tends to be a little chilly because it is well-shaded. The second leg is known as the hilly leg. The third leg is sort of moderate in both distance and hilliness. The fourth leg is pretty flat, but slightly longer than the others and tends to be a bit windy. There are bathrooms ast start and finish, but not in the exchange zones. Fortunately, there are several fishing access sites along the route that have pit toilets. Be extra careful parking at the exchange zone between legs 3 and 4! A few feet past the exchange on the right hand side of the road there is a culvert hidden in the weeds. Every year someone tries to park there, one wheel goes into the culvert and either rolls, or almost rolls, their vehicle. The finish is at a diner where you can buy a beer or a burger while you wait for the awards to start. The awards are worth sticking around for because of the random prize drawings. Unlike most races they don't give running paraphernalia, but rather prefer to give tools, office supplies and small kitchen appliances. The website I listed above was last updated in 2005. The leg descriptions are accurate and you can enter with this form, but if you need current info you'll have to get in touch with Carl whose contact info is on the race entry.

Homestake Pass 5-miler

Distance: 5 miles, 1 mile kids' run
Location: Butte, MT
http://www.homestakelodge.com/events1.html
This is the most competitive trail race I have been to in Montana. The competition is probably drawn in by the pairing of a great trail and a modest cash prizes for the top 3 overall. The course is a single loop on cross country ski trail. The route was full of tough rolling hills ranging in length from 200 ft to 1/3 of a mile. With such stiff competition the start was particularly tough because the whole field went out so fast, and the runners were still closely packed when, less than 1/4 mile into the race, we had to negotiate a hairpin right turn on a mild downgrade. The trail surface was in great shape and it was plenty wide for passing. Since it's a ski trail, the course winds over a relatively short area- so fans willing to walk a little should be able to see most of the race and watch all the excitement unfold. After the race there is a BBQ on the deck of the lodge, which offers a lovely view of aspens in fall color (in case you missed the scenery during the race). Thumbs up for the creative prizes for all participants in the kid's race. The race is put on a by a private cross-country ski lodge that just opened for business in 2006 or 2007. I really appreciate that the owners are willing to open up their lodge and allow us runners to play on the trails, and I know they can't do the race if it loses money. That said, at $25 the race is a little on the expensive side and I would appreciate if, in a few years after the race and lodge are better established, they could lower the entry fee or at least not adjust it for inflation. Also, the race organizers were a little slow in posting results.

Madison Marathon

Distance: marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay
http://www.madcoedc.org/marathonresults2008.htm
The organizers believe this is the highest road marathon in the Northwest. Whatever the case, it must be right up there (pun intended), lying between 8500 and 9500 feet in elevation. Hoping to make this an annual event and a destination marathon, they did well with the inaugural (2008) race: good pre-race communication with (very useful!) directions to the start and mile-by-mile course descriptions; late weather updates, mile markers on the course and temporary signage on race morning, marking the road up to the start. The event included a half marathon, a full marathon and a marathon relay. Both distances were out and back, with the HM turning around at the marathon midpoint, at around 9350 ft in elevation. Plenty of rolling hills happened on the way out so it wasn't all just downhill on the way back. There were door prizes, shirts, an after-race BBQ and beer.

The race lies entirely along a narrow, gravel or dirt Forest Service road in the Gravelly Range, southwest of Ennis, MT, amidst beauty rivaling that of the Beartooth. Runners shared the course with a few motorists and four-wheelers, all of whom were polite and respectful of runners' safety. It is also possible that runners might share the road with moose, cattle, bears and other wildlife. Aid stations were provided along the route. The race begins at Clover Meadows campground, so camping is an alternative to making the long, bumpy drive on the morning of race day.

Given the race's exposed topography, it's probably a safe bet that the wind --which pounded runners pretty good --blows hard most of the time. Ironically, though the draw of the event is its high elevation, the wind will likely be the real challenge. In any case, this is a unique and beautiful race that's worth the trip.
****reviewed by a Helena Running Club guest reviewer****

Two Bear Marathon

Distance: marathon
http://www.twobearmarathon.org/
I have run this race twice, 2006 and 2007. It is hands down the finest marathon course I have ever run. The first 15 miles is trail and gravel roads through the Stillwater National Forest located outside Whitefish, MT. The remainder of the course follows around Whitefish Lake. Everything about the race is great, time of year, location, race personnel, course, after race party, nice tech race shirts and handsome finisher’s awards. If you are looking for a fun and beautiful race course that is professionally put together, try the TwoBear.
****reviewed by a Helena Running Club guest reveiwer****