Mile Zero

Mile Zero: Delta Outdoor Festival

A weekend celebration of adventure, culture, and community. The event combines cycling, running, paddling, and birding experiences to showcase the Delta’s stunning landscape.

Mile Zero offers a wide array of activities for participants of all ages and abilities, including:

– Gravel and road cycling routes connecting to the Delta Heritage Trail and the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail from scenic beginner paths to challenging routes for advanced riders.

– The Low Road Marathon, offering a unique running experience through the heart of the Delta.

– Guided e-bike birding tours to Saint Francis National Forest and Mississippi River State Park during peak spring migration.

– A 600 Mile gravel biking odyssey that highlights the best of the Arkansas Delta and Crowley’s Ridge (free multiday event, register here: bikereg.com/helena600)

– Mississippi River State Park paddling and birding excursions.

– Community-centered activities including a bike block party, learn-to-ride sessions, bicycle giveaways, and community meals for local youth and their families.

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Formerly known as the Delta Grind, the event has been rebranded as Mile Zero to reflect a new chapter rooted more deeply in Helena’s identity, landscape, and long-term future.

The name Mile Zero draws inspiration from Helena’s position as a gateway to the Delta; where trails, rivers, history, and culture converge. The rebrand signals an intentional transition toward local stewardship, with the long-term vision of the event becoming a community-supported celebration led by the City of Helena, ensuring its sustainability for years to come.

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“Mile Zero is more than an outdoor festival — it’s a strategic step toward positioning Helena as a hub for recreation, culture, and community vitality,” said Ammen Jordan, Director of studioDRIFT. “By connecting trails, rivers, and public spaces, we are building an experience that strengthens the local economy and enhances quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

The festival supports studioDRIFT’s Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail Project, a long-term initiative to expand trail connectivity, foster sustainable outdoor recreation, and drive economic growth across the Delta.

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Join us for a rally-style celebration of cycling, culture, and community in the heart of the Arkansas Delta.

This unique event blends the best of gravel and road riding with the Delta’s vibrant soul — live music, local food, and cultural experiences that honor the region’s deep roots in music, history, and heritage. From mellow scenic routes to gnarly, gravel-grinding challenges, there’s a course for every rider — and now, new routes!

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The perfect mash-up of fun and folly!

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SCHEDULE

SATURDAY (4/11 @ Kelley Courtyard — 415 Cherry St)

MARATHON – RUNNERS

• 7 – 8am  Check In
• 8am Pre-run Meeting
• 8:15 Bus Departs
• 9am Start
• 1pm  – 5pm Food & Entertainment

ROAD & GRAVEL – RIDERS

• 8 – 9:30am  Check In
• 9:45am Pre-ride Meeting
• 10am Start
• 1pm  – 5pm Food & Entertainment

HALF MARATHON, 5K AND 1 MILE – RUNNERS/WALKERS

• 8 – 9:30am  Check In
• 10:10 am Start
• 1pm  – 5pm Food & Entertainment

 Friday Options (4/10)

• 3pm – casual group ride (start from 430 Cherry St.)
• 3pm – casual group run (start from 430 Cherry St.)

Sunday Opportunities (4/12) 

• Guided canoe outing on the Mississippi
• Guided birding outings

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SATURDAY ROUTE OPTIONS

CYCLING – ridewithgps

RUNNING & WALKING ROUTES – ridewithgps

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WHAT TO EXPECT

• RUNNERS & WALKERS
  • Marathon – explore Marianna before transitioning to sandy gravel roads through a state park and a national forest characterized by tall timber and cypress swamps, flanked by the unique geological rise of Crowley’s Ridge, all the way to historic Helena.
  • Half Marathon – savor downtown Helena, passing cultural landmarks and a levee overlook before transitioning to sandy gravel roads outside of town on your way to a magical destinations in the St. Francis National Forest.
  • 5k & Mural Mile – enjoy Helena and its beautiful River Park
• RIDERS
  • Some of the best riding in the heart of the Nation

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IMPORTANT INFO

• ALL ROUTES ARE UNMARKED – you MUST have a GPS app or written/printed directions
• ZERO WASTE EVENT – BYO bottle/hydration pack recommended. Water jugs on course.
• SELF SUPPORT RIDE – BYO tire repair, pump, tools, etc.
• Aid Stations will be provided and marked on map; bring cash for convenience store treats
• Rolling SAG for DNF only

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 LOOKING FOR LODGING OPTIONS, BIKEPACKING ROUTES?  CLICK HERE

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EVENT PARTNERS

This year’s event collaborators include the Helena Chamber, A&P, Thrive, and Mississippi River State Park.