Helena's Don't Fence Me In Trail Run brings in nearly 2,000 runners

Almost 2,000 participants flooded the hills and streets of Helena on Saturday during the 2026 Don't Fence Me In Trail Run.

The event started in 2000 as a means to raise awareness for the Prickly Pear Land Trust, the host organization, before it grew into the fundraiser and multi-race event it is today.

Hundreds of racers began their day at 7 a.m. with the 50K race. More started at 8 a.m. for the 25K race, and others participating in the 12K and 5K races started just after 10 a.m.

During the race, dust from the South Hills glowed in the morning sunlight.

Racers rounded corners swiftly and thanked volunteers monitoring the courses.

Jeff Mogavero, 32, of Missoula won the 50K race and Bozeman's Zach Perrin, 31, of Bozeman won the 25K race.

Mogavero averaged a 7:35 mile in the 50K race and Perrin clocked a seven-minute mile pace in the 25K race.

After the race, Prickly Pear Land Trust hosted a cooldown party with tunes and local food trucks, including Heleburger, Habana 406 and Aloha Poke Bowl.