Events in Helena, Montana | 2026-2027

DON’T FENCE ME IN TRAIL RUN [dfmi.run] [Register at runsignup.com]

Sat, May 09, 2026 at 7:00 AM

Description

The Don’t Fence Me In Trail Run is so much more than a race – it’s a grassroots celebration ofThe Don’t Fence Me In Trail Run is so much more than a race – it’s a grassroots celebration of community,...

The Don’t Fence Me In Trail Run is so much more than a race – it’s a grassroots celebration ofThe Don’t Fence Me In Trail Run is so much more than a race – it’s a grassroots celebration of community, connection, and Happy Trails. Don't Fence Me In was founded in 2000 by volunteers to showcase the open lands and trails protected by Prickly Pear Land Trust. We now offer an event for every trail lover, with four races and two noncompetitive walks. Plus, every stride you take and every dollar raised directly supports Prickly Pear Land Trust's mission to preserve and protect the breathtaking trails and open spaces we all cherish. Join the thousands who make this event an unforgettable part of the Helena experience.

LACE UP, HIT THE TRAILS, AND RUN FOR CONSERVATION

5k 12k 25k 50k Run Trail Walk

100 S Last Chance Gulch, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Unravel The Scratchgravels XC [runsignup.com]

Sat, May 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Description

Experience the longest running XC race in Montana!

Unravel The Scratchgravels XC is back to showcase the amazing single track trails surrounding Helena, MT and kickoff the summer riding season in...

Experience the longest running XC race in Montana!

Unravel The Scratchgravels XC is back to showcase the amazing single track trails surrounding Helena, MT and kickoff the summer riding season in Western Montana. Experience the technical climbs, fast descents, and breathtaking views in this Montana classic. For 2026 the 2nd half of the course has been updated to include the southern connector trail that was built in 2024. This update adds more flow and technical sections, with a fantastic view of the Helena Valley! From the 3.5 mile short loop to the 24 mile Expert full race (with over 3400 feet of climbing!) there is a perfect day of racing for everyone.

Proceeds from Unravel The Scratchgravels XC support the Helena Cyclones NICA youth mountain biking team and Montana Bicycle Guild trail work program.

Helmets are REQUIRED to be worn by all participants while on the course.

Racers in the Expert Category will be allowed hand-ups for water and nutrition during the race only in the marked zone. This will be located in the trailhead area before the course turns on Echo Lane towards the end of the lap.

This is a XC Mountain Bike race and flat handlebars are REQUIRED for all racers. With that being said, the Scratchgravel Hills area is a great place for any kind of bike. We would highly encourage everyone to take some time before or after the race to explore all of the great trails Helena has on offer.

6 Miles 11 Miles 17 Miles 22 Miles Gravel Mountain Biking Run Trail

Echo Lane Trailhead, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
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Queen City Crown [runsignup.com]

Sat, Jun 13, 2026 at 7:00 AM

Description

Start and end your summer race season with half marathons in beautiful Helena, Montana. The Queen City Crown is a two-race series comprised of:

Governor's Cup Half Marathon, Helena, MT - June 13,...

Start and end your summer race season with half marathons in beautiful Helena, Montana. The Queen City Crown is a two-race series comprised of:

Governor's Cup Half Marathon, Helena, MT - June 13, 2026
Just for the Helena of It Half Marathon, Helena, MT - Oct. 18, 2026

Both races must be completed in the 2026 calendar year to be eligible for results and awards. Runners must register for and pay applicable entry fees for each of the individual races. It is free to sign up for the Queen City Crown.

To register for the Governor's Cup Half Marathon visit - https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/Helena/govcupmt

To register for the Just for the Helena of It Half Marathon visit - https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/Helena/JustForTheHelenaOfIt

Runners must register for the Queen City Crown prior to the Just for the Helena of It race on Oct. 18, 2026.

Prize money for top men and women finishers will be based on the fastest cumulative time of both races. Prize money is $100 for 1st place, $50 for 2nd place, and $50 for 3rd place.

Non-cash prizes will be awarded by random drawing of all Queen City Crown finishers. Drawing to be conducted following the 2026 Just for the Helena of It half marathon.

26.2 Miles Run

Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Governor's Cup [govcupmt.com] [Register at runsignup.com]

Sat, Jun 13, 2026 at 7:30 AM

Description

The Governor's Cup is looking forward to welcoming runners to Helena on June 12-13, 2026. Make plans now to come to Montana's capital city, enjoy one of the state's longest-running events, and do a...

The Governor's Cup is looking forward to welcoming runners to Helena on June 12-13, 2026. Make plans now to come to Montana's capital city, enjoy one of the state's longest-running events, and do a little exploring while you're here.

Established in 1974, the the Governor’s Cup caters to families, recreational runners and elite athletes looking for a great way to exercise their competitive spirit and celebrate the benefits of a health lifestyle in Helena, Montana. Staged in the picturesque backdrop of the Treasure State’s capital city and its surrounding countryside, the Governor's Cup features the half marathon, 10K, 5K and mile run.

1 Miles 3.11 Miles 6.22 Miles 13.1 Miles Run

100 S Last Chance Gulch, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Moonlight on Mt Ascension Trail Run [hurlelkhorn.com] [Register at ultrasignup.com] - Facebook

Fri, Jun 19, 2026 at 8:00 PM

Run Trail Ultra

Mount Ascension City Park, Helena, Montana, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

HELENDURO 2026 [montanaenduro.com] [Register at ccnbikes.com]

Sat, Jun 27, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Cycling

Helena, Montana, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Montana Women's Triathlon [mtwomenstri.com] [Register at runsignup.com]

Sun, Jul 19, 2026 at 7:00 AM

Description

MTWTri is a user friendly multisport event in Helena. It starts at the city pool in Memorial Park. The pool is a 50 meter outdoor pool with no deep water. The swim is a 500 meter swim which equals 10...

MTWTri is a user friendly multisport event in Helena. It starts at the city pool in Memorial Park. The pool is a 50 meter outdoor pool with no deep water. The swim is a 500 meter swim which equals 10 lengths of the pool. The lane is yours until you're done. No pressure. The bike course is a flat 10 mike bike ride through Centennial Park to Ten Mile Park and back. Expect short gravel sections, packed dirt, and paved city trails. There will be help on the course for mechanical problems. The 3 mile run/walk is mostly in Centennial Park cruising on trails past the carousel and back through the tunnel to the park where you can wave your buddies on and have others cheer for you. Do it yourself, do it with your friends, get a three generation team, talk your Mom into signing up.

The goal of the Montana Women’s Triathlon is to empower women to healthy lifestyles through sport. We aspire to bring together a community of women who support and encourage each other through the entire process of training to participating in a multisport event. This event is for women of all ages and abilities. We encourage individual participation as well as team participation. The event supports organizations that share our passion - Girls Thrive, Helena Cyclones, Helena Regional Sports Association/The ARC

15.5 Miles Gravel Run Swim Trail Triathlon Walk

Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

The Augúst - Montana's Second Oldest Footrace [vigilanterunning.org] [Register at runsignup.com]

Fri, Aug 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Description

58th running of "The Augúst - Montana's Second Oldest Footrace." 5k trail run - flat & fast! Starts at 7:00 PM at Spring Meadow Resources Pavilion (2850 Broadwater Ave). $10 entry fee for youth...

58th running of "The Augúst - Montana's Second Oldest Footrace." 5k trail run - flat & fast! Starts at 7:00 PM at Spring Meadow Resources Pavilion (2850 Broadwater Ave). $10 entry fee for youth (0-19), $20 for adults (20+). Fundraiser for local high school cross-country teams. This is the ultimate, minimalist, no frills race – who needs t-shirts, awards, or door prizes, when you can have fast times, accurate results, friendly volunteers, loads of tradition, and a warm feeling for supporting a worthy cause?

Contact: Patrick Judge, 406/459-5838, info@vigilanterunning.org

“au-gúst - adj. marked by majestic dignity or grandeur” - Webster

5k Run Trail

2850 Broadwater Ave, Helena, Montana, 59602, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Goats In The Dark [bquickrunning.com] [Register at ultrasignup.com] - Facebook

Fri, Aug 28, 2026 at 9:00 PM

5k

LeGrande Cannon Blvd And Silverette St, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Mount Helena Run [vigilanterunning.org] [Register at runsignup.com]

Sat, Sep 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Description

A 9k (5.6 mile) trail race. 1,300 feet of elevation gain/loss. About 1.5 miles on roads, 4+ miles on single track. Burn out your lungs busting up Mount Helena and see if your quads have anything left...

A 9k (5.6 mile) trail race. 1,300 feet of elevation gain/loss. About 1.5 miles on roads, 4+ miles on single track. Burn out your lungs busting up Mount Helena and see if your quads have anything left for the charge back down to historic Last Chance Gulch in the heart of downtown Helena. Views of the City of Helena, Prickly Pear Valley, and the Elkhorn and Big Belt Mountains.

Packet Pickup is from 9:00 am - 10:00 am before the race. Race Start is at Birds & Beaselys on the Walking Mall

Register before September 1 for reduced race fee!

Join us for the 50th annual running of this Helena classic on September 26, 2026!

*No dogs and no strollers please.

5.6 Miles Run Trail Walk

Last Chance Gulch And Broadway, Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Helena Sun Run [vigilanterunning.org] [Register at runsignup.com]

Sat, Oct 03, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Description

A 5 kilometer run/walk (timed) and 1 mile (untimed) run/walk starting and ending at Smith Elementary School (2320 5th Ave). The purpose of the event is to support clean energy and awareness of...

A 5 kilometer run/walk (timed) and 1 mile (untimed) run/walk starting and ending at Smith Elementary School (2320 5th Ave). The purpose of the event is to support clean energy and awareness of climate solutions in Montana's capital city. This year’s event will help raise funds for a solar photovoltaic array at Smith School.

The un-timed 1 mile event starts at 10:00 a.m., and the timed 5k starts at 10:30 a.m.

On-site packet pick-up opens at 9:00 a.m.

Sun Run swag available to the first 300 to register. Registration is FREE for kids 12-and-under!

1 Miles 5k Run Walk

Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Just for the Helena of It [runhelena.com] [Register at runsignup.com]

Sun, Oct 18, 2026 at 12:00 AM

Description

Just for the Helena of It is a fall running event in Helena, MT put on by the Treasure State Runners, a local non-profit organization. The mission of Treasure State Runners is to fundraise through...

Just for the Helena of It is a fall running event in Helena, MT put on by the Treasure State Runners, a local non-profit organization. The mission of Treasure State Runners is to fundraise through footrace events in the Helena area for nonprofits who foster the importance and pursuit of physical, mental and emotional health.

This year's half marathon, 10k, and 5k routes will highlight the beautiful town of Helena, MT and the surrounding area. 5k participants will be treated to a course full of our Montana big sky. The half marathon and 10k routes weave an out-and-back through Helena's most historic and scenic areas. The kids only fun run is a short and easy to follow loop adjacent to the finish line celebration. Can't join the fun in person? Participate from afar with one of the virtual options. Check out our website for course maps and more details. An after-race event will be held at the finish line. The fall weather in Montana can be unpredictable, so please come prepared to join the festivities in rain, shine, or snow!

This event has been strongly supported both nationally and locally over the past four years, raising a total of $121,000 for Helena charities. Join us in 2026 and help us reach out goal of raising $40,000 + for The Friendship Center and $10,000 + for Girls Thrive. Lace up your running shoes to support these amazing local nonprofits!

1 Miles 3.1 Miles 6.2 Miles 13.1 Miles Fun Run Run Virtual

2715 Country Club Ave., Helena, Montana, 59602, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Crossroads Fitness Turkey Trot [vigilanterunning.org] [Register at runsignup.com]

Thu, Nov 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Description

Now in its 5th decade, the annual Helena Turkey Trot is a fun run / fundraiser to celebrate the holiday and support local charities. Join us Thanksgiving morning at Crossroads Sports & Fitness (1013...

Now in its 5th decade, the annual Helena Turkey Trot is a fun run / fundraiser to celebrate the holiday and support local charities. Join us Thanksgiving morning at Crossroads Sports & Fitness (1013 Dearborn Ave, 406-442-6733) to help support groups like Helena Food Share (2017 & before), Shodair Children's Hospital (2018-19), Girls Thrive (2022), Impact Montana (2023), and Helena Vigilante Runners / Helena Novas Youth XC/TF (2024-26)!

The 2026 race will take place Thursday, November 26 at 10:00 am. Runners have a choice of 1k (one small clockwise loop), 5k (one big clockwise loop), or 10k (two big clockwise loops). The courses are all very flat and fast, although some years traction is advisable. Note that this is an un-timed fun run event.

After the race bagels and fruit will be served. Random drawing for turkeys and pies! DRAWING AT 11:00am. Must be present to win.

1k 5k 10k Fun Run Run

Helena, Montana, 59601, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

13 running, walking, and fun run events in Helena, Montana

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Local Clubs & Organizations