Hurl Elkhorn
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Event Overview
The HURL Elkhorn is an ultramarathon and trail running event taking place in the Elkhorn Mountains near Helena, Montana. The event offers three race distances: 50 Mile, 50K, and 13.1 Mile. All courses are run entirely on trail surfaces with no pavement.
Course Details
The courses traverse remote, roadless backcountry in the Elkhorn Mountains.
- 50 Mile: The course features 37 miles of technical single-track trail, 13 miles of primitive or double-track jeep road, and 1 mile of maintained dirt Forest Service road. It includes approximately 13,400 feet of elevation gain and reaches a maximum elevation just under 9,000 feet.
- 50K: This course consists of 27 miles (45K) of technical single-track trail and 3 miles (5K) of primitive or double-track jeep road. It includes approximately 7,900 feet of elevation gain and a maximum elevation of 8,000 feet.
- 13.1 Mile: This course is run on 100% technical single-track trail. It includes approximately 3,300 feet of elevation gain and a maximum elevation of approximately 7,200 feet.
All trail sections are closed to motorized vehicles. Participants may encounter wildlife such as deer, elk, moose, bear, coyote, mountain goats, and cattle ("bovines").
Aid Stations & Logistics
Aid stations are provided along the courses. The longest distances between aid stations are 7 miles for the 50-mile race, 8 miles for the 50K, and 6 miles for the 13.1-mile race. All races start and finish at the Willard Creek Trailhead at the end of Forest Service Road 4014. Participants are advised to allow at least 45 minutes of driving time from Helena.
Packet pickup is scheduled for the day before the event at the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department. All finishers receive event merchandise, and ultra finishers (50-mile and 50K) receive a hand-drawn print of Elkhorn Mountain art. Post-race food and drinks are available in the finish area.
Important Notes
The event is described as remote and rugged. It operates with the support of volunteers, and its format may be subject to change or cancellation due to seasonal fire restrictions or smoke conditions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
