Big Dipper Last Chance Half-Marathon

The family-friendly Last Chance 5k and 10k helps to support Helena High School and Capital High School cross-country teams. The race starts at 5:00 PM to coincide with a fun late-summer block party on historic Last Chance Gulch. 

Runners are bused from downtown Helena to the starting line, which is on Helena's west side. (See instructions below for downtown parking and shuttle departure times.)  

5k and 10k Course: You'll head uphill from University St to access LeGrande Cannon Blvd, where you'll travel east on the pedestrian path with expansive views of the Helena valley on your left. There is an aid station at about the 1.5-mile mark. Shortly before you reach the eastern terminus of LeGrande Cannon Blvd you'll drop down into Helena's historic mansion district and pass Hawthorn School before heading uphill again for a few blocks. The route then descends into historic Reeder’s Alley and crosses Park Ave to access the downtown Helena walking mall at Pioneer Park. From there you'll run through the shady blocks of the walking mall to finish near Big Dipper Ice Cream. The 10k will add a little more scenic running through the westside and a beautiful out and back up the historic South Park and Grizzly Gulch. (See a course map on our website.)

All race finishers get a free scoop of Big Dipper ice cream, and other refreshments including water, Powerade, and fruit will be provided. Join the after party next door at Ten Mile Creek Brewery, with live music and food vendors on the walking mall. Finishers age 21 and over get a free beer with a race number.

Packet Pickup, Parking, and Shuttle info:

Pick up packets on race day, Saturday, August 25th, from 1:30PM – 4:00 PM at Big Dipper Ice Cream, located at the intersection of 6th Ave and Last Chance Gulch (on the walking mall). We recommend you park at the Jackson Street Parking garage, but other on-street parking can be found nearby.  A shuttle bus will pick up runners near Big Dipper Ice Cream at 3:50 PM and 4:20 PM – don’t be late!

Fees: The registration fee is $25 for the 5k and $35 for the 10k plus a small service fee charged by RunSignUp. Chip timing by Competitive Timing. Please wear your bib clearly on the front of shirt. Race shirts are guaranteed for those who register by August 1st, 2019.