The HURL Elkhorn Endurance Runs, Montana's oldest trail ultra, invites runners to a truly rugged and unforgettable experience in the wild Elkhorn Mountains near Helena, MT, on August 1, 2026. This "tough event" offers distances of 50M, 50K, and 13.1M, renowned for their spectacular Montana backcountry scenery and challenging, technical terrain with absolutely no pavement. Expect a relentless journey across dirt, rocks, forests, meadows, and numerous cold, clear creek crossings, promising big climbs and descents that reveal expansive mountain views. The 50-mile course alone boasts approximately 13,400 feet of elevation gain, reaching nearly 9,000 feet, while the 50K features around 7,900 feet of gain and the 13.1M a challenging 3,300 feet, providing a glimpse into true mountain trail running.

Runners frequently encounter a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, bears, and bovines, as the course truly takes you into a remote, roadless wilderness, removing you "from the top of the food chain". Despite the remote nature, runners can rely on well-stocked aid stations along the course, with the 50M offering up to 9 stops and the 50K and 13.1M having 5-6 and 2 aid stations respectively. Aid stations provide Hammer Heed, gels, and real food favorites like watermelon and pretzels, with some even supplied by horsepack or hikers. The race maintains a low-key, friendly, and laid-back atmosphere, focusing on providing authentic Montana backcountry memories rather than hype.

All races begin and conclude at the Willard Creek Trailhead, about 45 minutes from Helena, with primitive camping available on a first-come, first-served basis for tents and pickup campers. Typical race day conditions in early August include highs around 88°F and lows around 56°F, with a minimal 3% chance of precipitation, though runners should always be prepared for rapid weather changes in the mountains. Finishing this course, which many consider one of the toughest, comes with the unique reward of a hand-drawn Elkhorn Mountain art print for ultra finishers, alongside race swag and post-race food.