Race: Crazy Mountain 100
Runner: Ben Brones
Race Date: 07/27/2023
Location: Montana
Results: Finish
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- The station crews. The crews where fun and pro. Some stations where supplied by horses.
- The Course is challenging and rewarding.
- Good grub at the finish. Elk, beef, moose no joke.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
More water crossing then I thought. Should of brought more socks.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Cows – the last 20 some odd miles are on a working ranch. It’s open range grazing land. So cows on course.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I was not fast. But I kept making the cut offs. Running through the night didn’t bother me as much as I thought.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Respect for the Crazy Mountains. I got up and over the first pass with no issue. I thought ‘ This is easy’. Once I got across the basin to start the next hill climb thunder, lighting, hail, and wind came down. It’s the highest part of the course and totally exposed. I was scared! I kept reciting a mantra that was basically asking the mountains for mercy! I got to the top and the storm moved on. I gave thanks for the mercy I was given! Awaxaawipppiia is what the Crow call the range- it means Angry Moutain.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Carry Lube in easy to get to pockets. I needed to lube a sensentive area on the go.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The altitude did get some runners.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very pretty
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Very
Ibex station to Cow camp1 big up and down with technical trail. Cow Camp to Half moon. Big up and down with technical trail. This section it a out and back. Cow Camp to Sun light. Big and down. The down is very technical and impossible to run. Sun light to Crandle – about the only gimmie. Crandle to Forest lake- you can run fast, but your feet are getting wet. Forest lake to Honey- its’s hot and exposed, and up
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
The bus was on time for the shuttle. We started on time. Stations crews knew what they where doing. The Med staff where good.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
It took me 35 hourse. The winner did it in 22.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
The race opens up in December. Its first come first served. They ask that you have a difficult race under your belt beforehand.
Hotels – there are no hotels nearby – maybe a post office.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Nothing special.
Weather and typical race conditions
Be ready for anything!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
An InReach is good back up. Lube. Change of socks and shirt.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
NO. Aid stations are about the only spots. Some of the stations are accessible by truck or horse. Cell service is hit or miss at best.
How’s the Swag?
Good. Yeti mug, a good shirt
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10/10.