Big Dipper Last Chance Half-Marathon

Both the 5k and 10k races start at 5pm on University Street on Helena’s west side, near St. Andrew School. NOTE: Runners are bused to the starting line from downtown Helena; see info above.

All runners follow the same course for the first 1.5 miles You’ll head uphill from University St to access LeGrande Cannon Blvd, and then will travel east on the pedestrian path with expansive views of the Helena valley on your left. Shortly before reaching the eastern terminus of LeGrande Cannon Blvd, you’ll drop down into Helena’s historic mansion district. At this point the 10k runners will do a loop on University Blvd and Floweree St before rejoining the 5k course. Both courses pass Hawthorn School and then head up Howie St, over the hill perviously known locally as “Thrill Hill.” Runners then descend into historic Reeder’s Alley.

At the bottom of Reeders’ Alley, 5k runners will head straight across Park Ave (there will be a crossing guard to stop traffic) to enter the Helena walking mall at Pioneer Park. From there, it’s just a few shady blocks to the finish line near the Bullwhacker statue and Parrot Confectionery.

10k runners will be directed to turn right onto Park Ave for a 1-mile out-and back on the newly reconstructed road. At the Orofino Gulch/Grizzly Gulch junction, the course takes a right onto Grizzly Gulch Rd for approximately 1/2 mile to the parking area of the Dump Gulch Trailhead, which serves as the turnaround. The 10k course retraces its steps to the old Federal building, across from the Reeders’ Alley entrance. From there, runners will follow the same shady finishing sprint as the 5k course on Helena’s walking mall, finishing near the Bullwhacker statue and Parrot Confectionery. (Want to read about the bullwhacker statue? Click here for an article in the Helena Independent Record!)