HURL Elkhorn Endurance Runs

Held annually on the first Saturday in August, the HURL Elkhorn Endurance Runs takes place in the remote, rugged, and wild Elkhorn Mountains near Helena, Montana in Jefferson County. Spectacular Montana scenery, breathtaking climbs, technical descents, miles of challenging single track trail, primitive roads, dirt, rocks, forests, meadows, and cold, clear creeks to splash through. NO PAVEMENT. Enjoy all of the above on this remote, back country run through the rugged and beautiful Elkhorn Mountains. We invite you to come to Montana for a run you won’t soon forget.

The HURL Elkhorn 50 Miler IS A TOUGH EVENT. Spectacular Montana backcountry, 37 miles of very technical single track trails, 13 miles of primitive/double track jeep road and 1 mile of maintained dirt Forest Service road. Approximately 13,400 feet of elevation gain and maximum elevation of just under 9,000’. Big climbs, big descents, big Montana views.

We have yet to have a finisher tell us they’ve run a tougher 50 mile course. This course takes runners into and through roadless, remote, back country, and removes you from the top of the food chain. All trail sections are closed to motorized vehicles, and vehicle access to the primitive road sections is very difficult. You may see Deer, Elk, Moose, Bear, Coyote, Mountain Goat, and other wild critters on race day. They will be watching you. You will encounter bovines. There are 9 well stocked aid stations on the course (unless a bear gets into our supplies), the longest distance between aid stations is 8 miles.

The HURL Elkhorn 50K features spectacular Montana backcountry, with 27 miles (45K) on very technical single track trails and 3 miles (5K) of primitive/double track jeep road. Add in approximately 7,900 feet of elevation gain and maximum elevation of 8,000’ and this is one scenic and challenging 50K. There are 6 well stocked aid stations on the course (unless a bear gets into our supplies), the longest distance between aid stations is 8 miles.

The HURL Elkhorn 13.1 Miler is on 100% technical single track trail. This course takes you into and through roadless, remote Montana back country, and may remove you from the top of the food chain. Add in approximately 3,300 feet of elevation gain along with maximum elevation of approximately 7,200’ and this scenic and challenging course provides a glimpse of what running a mountain trail ultra is like, only shorter. You may encounter a variety of wild critters on race day. The 50 mile and 50K runners will probably have chased off any elk, but moose and bears can show up anytime, anywhere. You will encounter bovines. There are two aid stations along the course, the longest distance between aid stations is 8 miles.

All finishers receive a print of Elkhorn Mountain related art, drawn each year by a local runner. You’ll also get a technical T-shirt with your entry fee. Once you finish we encourage you to hang out in the finish area, enjoy post-race snacks, share your race experience other runners, and cheer in the 50K and 50 mile finishers.