Moonlight on Mt Ascension Trail Run

8:00 PM start. Run all night, sleep all day. Moonlight on Mt. Ascension — the only event of its kind in Montana — returns to Helena on Friday, June 19, 2026. Start at 8:00 PM, finish at 8:00 AM. 12 hours. 100% singletrack figure‑8 loop (11.57 miles, 2,645 ft gain per loop) on Mount Ascension and Rodney Ridge. Run as many loops as you can. Limited to 75 runners. Deer, black bear, and mountain lion have been seen on these trails. And rocks. Plenty of rocks. It's a HURL event — we can't make it easy on you.

Course Details:

• Mount Ascension City Park and Helena's South Hills trails
• Modified figure‑8 loop covering Mount Ascension and Rodney Ridge areas
• 100% singletrack — no doubletrack, no fire roads
• 11.57 miles per loop, 2,645 ft elevation gain per loop
• Rocky trails — typical Montana terrain. "No sleep running!"
• Limited to 75 total runners — intimate, small‑field event

Wildlife & Hazards:

• Even though this event takes place just outside the City of Helena, this is Montana
• Deer, black bear, and mountain lion have been seen along these trails
• Bring bear spray? Not specified — but wise to carry (check race rules)
• Headlamp mandatory (obviously — it's a night run)
• Additional mandatory gear? Not specified — check race website

What's Included:

• Timing (manual lap counting? chip? check race website)
• Finisher award for distance achieved (likely recognition for completing certain milestones)
• Aid station at start/finish (since loop course)
• Water, electrolyte, and typical ultra snacks
• Medical support on site
• Bag drop at start/finish
• Post‑race breakfast? Not specified — likely coffee and food at finish

Logistics:

• Location: Mount Ascension City Park, Helena, Montana
• Parking available at the park (arrive early — limited spaces)
• No Friday packet pickup? Not specified — check race website
• Check‑in likely opens around 7:00 PM (one hour before start)
• Mandatory gear check before start
• No pacers? Not specified — check rules (small race, likely not)
• No dogs allowed (wildlife concern)
• Crew allowed? Not specified — likely minimal support due to remote singletrack

Weather & Preparedness:

• June nights in Helena: can be cool (40‑50°F) or mild (60s). Bring layers.
• Rain possible — be prepared with waterproof jacket.
• Elevation: Helena is approximately 4,000 ft; loops climb to higher ridgelines (likely 5,500‑6,000 ft).
• Headlamps: bring extra batteries or two lights (one backup).

Registration & Refunds:

• Registration closes Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT
• Limited to 75 runners — expect to sell out
• No refund policy likely (typical for small, low‑cost ultras — check with HURL)

Top Performances (Total Loop Distance — Men):

• Jeff Garmire — 65.5 miles (2023) — course record (approx 5.66 loops)
• Pete Behrends — 61.5 miles (2024)
• Scott Darios — 57.5 miles (2022)

Organizer: Helena Ultra Runners League (HURL).