Little Blackfoot 30k, 15k

Saturday, July 19, 2025 ~ 8:00 am

Little Blackfoot Meadows trailhead

The Courses

NEW DISTANCE ADDED for 2025! Challenge yourself with a brand new 30k route or enjoy the ever-popular 15k course. Both races take place on very scenic out-and-back courses starting at the Little Blackfoot Meadows trailhead, near Kading Campground. See course description below.

LOCATION: End of Little Blackfoot River Rd (https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZgGXjFz9MG8P8GKw7).

DIRECTIONS: If driving from Helena, allow 45-60 minutes. Head west on Hwy 12 for about 20 miles, over MacDonald Pass. At the bottom of the pass and just before you reach Elliston, look for Little Blackfoot River Road on your left. There are also signs for YMCA Camp Child and Kading Campground. There is one fork in the road; stay right (there should be a race sign). Continue about 16 miles, following signs to Kading Campground or Kading Cabins. The last several miles are dirt, but the road usually is good all the way (4WD not necessary). Don’t turn into the campground — Continue to the end of the road, just past the campground. Please park along the road, NOT within the turnaround. Walk down the dirt trail past the turnaround until you see a small creek and BQuickRunning tents at the starting line.

COURSE: All runners will head up the trail together, tackling some short climbs and cruising through lush, scenic forest. After crossing the creek twice on wooden bridges, runners will continue straight up the trail to the turnaround point at Blackfoot Meadows. There, all runners will return on the same trail. The start line is the finish for 15k runners, but those in the 30k will be directed to turn onto the Kading Grade to climb a brand new route to the top. After enjoying the awesome view of the Continental Divide, they will return to the start/finish for the first-ever Little Blackfoot 30k!

A photo of a tree in front of a green meadow. The tree has a wooden trail sign labeled "Blackfoot Meadows"

There will be bagels, fruit, beverages (non-alcoholic as well as microbrews), unique prizes for overall and age-group winners, and even some raffle items donated by Helena businesses. This event is a blast — sign up with your friends!