Ridge Rumble 12k

2024 was the final year for the Ridge Rumble! Thanks to all runners and volunteers as well as our premier sponsor, Ascent Bank, for making this event great. We also greatly appreciate Blackfoot River Brewing, The Bagel Company, and Lehrkind’s Distributing for their in-kind support of BQR’s summer races.

2024 results are posted below and at UltraSignup. You can also see photos by Darice Henry and Lindsey Gilstrap HERE!

Race Format and Distance

Runners who have participated in BQuickRunning’s South Hills Annual Trail Series (or “SHATS”) will be familiar with this race, which now takes place earlier in the fall for more pleasant weather!

The 2023 and 2024 races were extended to approximately 7.5 miles (12k), finishing in historic downtown Helena.

To Register

Sign up online at UltraSignup.com. Price: $65. Race-day registration also is available! Bring $65 in cash to sign up at the packet pickup table at Heritage Park between 9 – 10 am.

Parking, Packet Pickup and Carpooling Info

Parking and packet pickup: There is on-street parking on Park Avenue across from the public library, or you can use the large lot that stretches from Heritage Park to Brooklyn Pizza / Blackfoot River Brewing. (Please don’t park IN the library’s lot.)

You’ll pick up your packet in Heritage Park from 9:00 – 10:00 am. Heritage Park is the small, grassy area directly across the street from the library building and adjacent to Reeder’s Alley and the Pioneer Cabin. (Note – this is also where the race finish line will be.)

Carpooling up to the trailhead is encouraged! It takes 15-20 minutes to drive there (see course info, below) and parking is limited. Discuss amongst yourselves who can take runners from packet pickup (Heritage Park) to the trailhead, and who is willing to shuttle the drivers back up to the top after the race.

Pre-race briefing at 10:45 am at the Mt. Helena Ridge trailhead — see below.

The Course

The race starts at the Mt. Helena Ridge trailhead, located at 5051 Prospector Gulch Rd, about 5.5 miles southwest of (and uphill from) Helena. Here’s a link on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/noM7s3Rmn6QTBsFo6.

Runners will climb up some gentle switchbacks to ridge. After the initial climb, simply follow the trail for about 5 rolling but mostly downhill miles, at which point you’ll be directed to turn right onto Dump Gulch trail. You’ll then go up and over a tough little hill, but then it’s literally downhill from there — but watch for flagging or you might miss a left turn to merge onto McKelvey Trail!

When you reach the Dump Gulch Trailhead at Grizzly Gulch Rd, you’ll continue left (downhill) on pavement for one fast, final mile back to Heritage Park in Helena’s historic downtown. Click here for course map

Awards ceremony to be held at Blackfoot River Brewing after the race! Runners who show their race bib will receive one complimentary beverage.

* * * * * SERIES PRIZES * * * * *

Run AT LEAST THREE of BQuickRunning’s four Summer 2024 events to be eligible for a South Hills Annual Trail Series (SHATS) prize! Eligible races are listed below: