The Rut 50k Race Report – Michael Adams

September 27, 2023

Race: The Rut 50K

Runner: Michael Adams

Race Date: 09/17/2023

Location: Big Sky, Montana

Results: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/12456#resultSetId-405241;perpage:50

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

Very well organized and plenty of help at aid stations. The spectators are very supportive as well many as a lot of ultra fans are either family or have done them in the past and fully realize when you are doing and the effort it took to subjugate yourself to such a thing. Staffing for packet pickup was knowledgeable about drop bag local, times of events and the like.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

You can get a tattoo of “The Rut” logo- so that’s a thing here.
No UTMB points – keep on looking
No W.S. qualifier. . . Actually disappointed with the race directors here on these last two points.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I liked the fact that the community of ultra runners seems to be 100% behind this race. There is not a whole lot of races like this one here in Montana with this much vertical starting at an already high elevation. There are plenty of places to stay at in and around BigSky and its in an area that is a little more scenic than the rest of Montana! So much so that you can see mountain goats, bears and foxes like I saw, and other wildlife if you are lucky enough to get to spend some time around the area and take it all in.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Base elevation is 7500ft so be ready to get your extra lung out. This is a multi day event with a party at the end so you can have your whole weekend, in one weekend, race, relax and fun! Plenty of things to do like zip line, downhill bike riding, hiking. You can do it all here its amazing, plan accordingly.
Local stores have a decent amount and variety of food stuffs. No worry about where you will get groceries in BigSky. There is no sales tax in Montana, however it is a resort town so the prices might be on par with a large city.

They do mean vertical climbing. There are some switch backs and a few scree fields are in the race, careful with the foot placement.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Training at high altitude and/or getting too much vert in is the name of the game in training. Get really good, really comfortable, with climbing at altitude.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The aid stations get more frequent the closer to the end you are. There is one drop bag location which is roughly half way through the race.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The course is amazing from up high! You can see the whole valley and mountain side(s)

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

This is one of the tougher courses out there in my opinion. With the vertical and starting altitude you’d be hard pressed to find a comparable race.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Well-oiled machine. They know what it takes to run multi day mountain running event with a family friendly party at the end!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

The competition is tough. Unless you are truly dedicated to winning this one; you have become trail running vertical gain food timing guru, you most likely wont win and will probably be hard pressed to get an age group award.

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.

Plan months out, like six months out or more I’d say, maybe even more. Otherwise you will be hard presses to get a hotel, condo, camp site near the race start. You definitely don’t have to stay at the hotel or rent a condo in order to race. I was lucky enough to get into a cancellation in a resort condo room through Air B&B! However there is free parking and I did see a few people in their conversion-van(s) camping out the night before/ two nights before. There are also lots of camp sites between Bozeman and Big Sky were you can camp out in a tent or camper/conversion as well.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Miles apart between aid stations, roughly 5-8 miles apart at the beginning and shorter after the half way mark. They have a wide selection of things and have heed and scratch lab products. The usual gummies, pickles, chips, soda, water, gels and what not. Like most races its cupless so keep that in mind. Should be a problem as long as you have our hand held or pack held water container.

Weather and typical race conditions

Varies check the reports starting a week out. Its in the mountains so anything is possible.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

They have mandatory gear: headlight, rain fly/shell, space blanket. I wasn’t checked for such things, the 1st time I ran the race I was checked. So hit or miss on the gear check.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Its a viewer friendly course for sure. Where they dont want you to go they have signs so no wondering if you are supposed to be somewhere or not. Its a ski slope so you can get a ticket and take lifts to couple different spots and spectate and cheer on your crazy ultra running family member/friend!

How’s the Swag?

Standard-Shirt for all. More stuff available at the packet pick up and event happenings. Finisher award and age group award(s). Top 3 male and female get a cash prize.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

8 out of 10.

Minus two for the lack of building and/or qualifying race for other bigger races such as UTMB and Western States; I’m sure they have their reasons. Its a thing for people to try something such as a race like this to test their legs out for a larger race such as Mont Blanc. That factor just isn’t there. So either this has to be your goal race, or just one race among at least one other if your chasing a larger dream.

Crazy Mountain 100 Race Report – Ben Brones

August 12, 2023

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.

Pengelly Double Dip Half Marathon Race Report – Jeff Matranga

June 7, 2023

Race: Pengelly Double Dip Half Marathon

Runner: Jeff Matranga

Race Date: 06/03/2023

Location: Missoula, Montana

Results: Towards the back of the pack

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/routes/2964603220500385350

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

Spectacular scenery on the route, going up one side of Mt. Sentinel, then up to University Peak and “the Beacons.”
Great camaraderie.
Well organized.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

For me, the cutoffs were a bit close, e.g., the first cutoff was for 90 minutes to go 6.1 miles and up about 2,000 vertical feet.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Being offered a margarita at the aid station at the highest altitude of the race – but no complaints! 🙂

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I made the cutoffs, which I was not sure I could do.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

See above. If the cutoffs seem close for you, make up time on the relatively level portions.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Prep that much more for the cutoffs.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Making the cutoffs.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes! Spectacular!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes, but worth it.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very well organized, done by the same folks who bring you the Missoula Marathon, which has been designated best marathon a couple different years, partly if not largely because of it being so well run.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes.

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.

This year (2023), it did not fill up. Missoula is an amazing town to visit, very fun. Also home to Adam Peterman.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

They were absolutely fine.

Weather and typical race conditions

Weather was fine, starting in the mid-50s, threatening to rain but it did not. Getting up above the clouds added to the beauty, the atmospherics.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Cupless event, but there were 3 aid stations, which was plenty.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

If friends want to climb up Mt. Sentinel or parts of it, great. If not, the start and finish line is at a nice athletic-type field next to the University stadium, alongside the Clark Fork River.

How’s the Swag?

A little different – instead of a T-shirt, they gave Sayso sunglasses with the name of the race on the temple.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5 out of 5 stars, but I would encourage the directors to extend the cutoffs a little to be that much more inclusive – though I am aware it is a balancing act, balancing inclusiveness with safety and volunteer logistics.

Whitefish Trail 50k Race Report – Ron Kelly

October 11, 2022

Race: Whitefish Trail Legacy Run 50K

Runner: Ron Kelly

Race Date: 10/01/2022

Location: Whitefish, Montana

Results: 18/125; 1st in 50+ age group

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7896289513

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

Location/accessibility, runnable trails, beautiful scenery

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Probably human (me!) error but I did get off course a couple of times. Though fairly well marked there are a couple confusing spots and I think they could have done a better job or had race volunteers in certain areas of the course.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Nothing weird. Prepare for any type of weather. This year was sunny and fairly warm. Ran the same race in 2019 as my first ever ultra and the top of the mountain was blizzard like conditions.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Took it really easy the first 4-5 miles of flat section before the long climb started. Felt like I ran a smart race throughout from a pacing perspective. Enjoyed the beauty of the course and the clear, sunny day. Perfect conditions for an October mountain trail run.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Save something for the downhill back to town.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I clearly didn’t hydrate well. I feel I’m usually pretty good at this knowing I’m a heavy sweater, but I started muscle twitching/cramping in my legs around mile 20 and progressively got worse. Disappointed I didn’t hydrate better. I was well trained and maybe a bit too excited and didn’t focus in an area I know I’m susceptible.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

I think one of those races you can do well without seeing the course in advance (as long as you stay on course!). It’s a long steady climb to the top. Mostly runnable with just a few small technical and steep sections where power hiking probably advised. The first 2.5 and the last 2.5 miles on roads as you run to/from the trail system. The top of the mountain is roughly the half way point and mile 16 is a moderate downhill, but mile 17 is a fairly longish, gradual climb before you then begin the steady downhill back to the finish. Mentally you are prepared for all downhill after reaching the summit and this hits you.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Beautiful run especially on a clear day. You can look back into Flathead Valley and see Whitefish Lake and the downtown area. Spectacular scenery.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Moderately difficult. One long, moderate climb to the top of Whitefish mountain and then back down. ~5,300 feet of total climbing

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Great organization (outside getting off course) and aid station support.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Strong contingent of primarily Montana and PNW runners. Primarily local field.

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.

Whitefish is a super fun mountain town, though like many these days is fairly crowded. Lots of lodging and restaurant options. Kalispell, 15 minutes away has more plentiful options to stay/eat. Race doesn’t appear to sell out. Great early Fall race to end the season and celebrate post run.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

All the usual stuff. Well organized and supported.

Weather and typical race conditions

7am start Mountain time. Sun comes up about 7:45. Beautiful sunny day but with a mountain race, conditions at the top of the mountain could vary.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Headlamp to start. Be prepared for much colder conditions and the top of the mountain.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Outside of the very top of the mountain (spectators would have to climb up there), aid stations easily accessible for spectators.

How’s the Swag?

Minimal swag but a free ticket to the Great Northwest Oktoberfest and a drink ticket is pretty cool. A super fun community tradition right at the finish line.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

Would definitely recommend the race if you enjoy smaller (125 racers), community trail events. On Sunday there is a half marathon, 10K, and 5K option to make it a full weekend of races.

Looking to run your first ultra but not sure where to get started? Check out our 7 steps to get started!

Bitterroot Runoff Race Report – Michael Adams

May 14, 2022

Race: Bitterroot Runoff

Runner: Michael Adams

Race Date: 04/16/2022

Location: Lolo Montana

Results: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/29135#resultSetId-309340;perpage:10

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/6992063009

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

The overall organization of the race. It’s very well put together by people who are also runners; and want you to have a good race experience all the way to the end! Tilting to the environmentally friendly type of race. Bring your own cups and recycle what you can – they have appropriate bins for this as well.
Like race vendors? Like food and refreshments at the end of the race?! Like a fire on a relatively cold day but not too cold to race in? You’ll find it here!
Almost forgot there are massages!

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The only things I don’t like about the race day is more personal issues, old injuries coming up that sort of thing. I don’t have problems with the race or how its organized. I like trail races though, definitely more that road so I’m biased.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

The weather. From year to year it has not been the same. Last year (2021) it was snowing/raining at the top which made for a very chilly experience. This year it was just a little breezy but only started to rain/snow just as the award ceremony was wrapping up. Few years ago it was good weather the whole day.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I like the amount of prep I did for this race. Helped me power through the beginning 4.7ish miles of uphill then its that roller-coaster like single track till the end.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Get proficient at running uphill. Its not the longest race, but plenty of vertical. Enough to make you rethink your training for this run. Its a relentless first half. While your catching your breath down hill for the first time, remember once you reach the 2nd aid station then the majority of hill climbing is done. Still some during the last couple miles but negligible (although it might not feel that way). There is one stretch closer to the end that is a gradual uphill, but a gradual uphill and the tail end of the 8 miles and ~1800 feet of running up to that point can be more challenging that you might like.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

You haven’t done enough hill climbing for this race. That should be your mind during training.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Cupless race. Hills. If you want some of the awesome go-go juice or water then bring a collapsible cup.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Its in the Lolo national forest! If your not too busy trying not to fall over rocks or roots you can see around for miles at a couple points! If your like most trail runners you live for those glimpses of beauty.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Moderate-Hard course. Ill say it again the first 4.7ish miles is uphill. Its not pikes peak, but you should have practice on you hill climbing.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Definitely a well oiled machine. Since this one guy, might be a name you recognize, Adam Peterman, started helping out with this even its gotten a little better I’d say.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Kinda hit or miss. Seems to be stacked with local runners every few years or so like races tend to be. Then the other years its anybody’s race.

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.

If there is an event like this somewhere here in Montana don’t count on trying to book a hotel a couple weeks before hand. Goes for pretty much any race. The start is on a private ranch with public access so camping out is a no go as far as I know.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Cupless race, bring a cup you can stuff in a pocket.

Weather and typical race conditions

Varies. This year is was overcast and didn’t start snowing till the end of the award ceremony. Last year you could have gotten snowed on at the top.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Definitely! Not like your going to see the majority of the course since its hilly you’ll have to do some work if you want to see more than the start/finish. Then the question is are you going to see either the start and finish or skip either/or? Can you make it back? People walk the course just be courteous to the runners. They are in danger of not being able to think at times.

How’s the Swag?

Standard Swag, Awesome shirt and finishers medal. I really like the medals. And the group awards if your lucky enough to snag one of those are cool! They have been dishing out ones made of wood!

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

What scale? 5/5 or 10/10. Originally from Alaska and have ran races there, here in Montana, couple, in Idaho and Oregon. Ran through college so all over during that time. Experienced the good the bad and the ugly in terms of organization and this is defiantly one of the better ones.

Looking to run your first trail race and not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered.

Trail Rail 50m Race Report – Britt P

August 14, 2020June 14, 2019

Race: Trail Rail 50

Runner: Britt P

Race Date: 06/08/2019

Location: Mullan, ID to St. Regis, MT

Results: 11:07:58; 2nd in age group

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2434749918

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

The finishers “medal” and Patagonia Houdini jacket
The scenery – LOVE Montana!
The people – racers and volunteers alike were great.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The flatness of the course after about mile 20
13 miles of first size and below, unconsolidated gravel
I did not love that the course was marked in 0.5 mile increments…I did not want to know until about the last 5 miles

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Explaining the awesome railroad spike finishers “medal” to TSA.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

This was my first 50 but I can honestly say I have no “if I would have only done this instead” moments. Everything went right. It was HARD but I had a solid year long training cycle (THANK YOU Coach Maxx!!!!!) build up after taking time off to move to Colorado and settle into a new job and that consistency really paid off. I was strong and ran well. My nutrition and hydration were spot on, I never felt low energy or close to bonking, never had GI issues. I really enjoyed passing people towards the end 🙂 I did not waste time in aid stations at all. Going into the race I was depleted, stressed and generally low and I took the day before the race to do some serious work to get into the right headspace. This paid off hugely during the race, I think my inner dialogue would have been completely different had I not had that time. Bottomline I just really enjoyed this race! I beat my goal of 12 hours by over 50 minutes so you can’t ask for much more.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Stay in St. Regis and take the bus to the start. The start is not necessarily easy to find (and some locals moved some of the signs) so take advantage of the cheap bus ticket and transport for a worry free race morning.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

For me a lot of the lessons learned were around aid stations being a first timer. I use my own gels and hydration and I definitely has some things I will do differently to save time. Like premixing my drink in Nalgene bottles so I can just pour.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The course elevation gain was about half of what I thought it would be looking at the mapmyrun profile pre-race. There is a lot of up till mile 10 then a lot of down till about 18 the a short up then it is FLAT. The up at the beginning is so gentle it is hardly up. And the down really helped my pace. Overall the surface is super easy, though around 34 to 48 or so there is a lot of unconsolidated rocks of various sizes – I was happy my ankles did as well as they did.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes. It is over Lookout Pass and along the Clark Fork River. The only drawback is that you are also running along the highway but for the most part it is kind of cool as you pass under it and are above and below it. There are only a couple places, that are short, where it is annoying. You get to go through 2 tunnels and over an old trestle which is awesome.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Very easy, great for first timer or those looking for a fast 50 along the abandoned Northern Pacific Railroad and Milwaukee Railroad rails converted to trails.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Yes, it was very well organized.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Since I am not a podium seeker by any means not sure. Top females finished in around 8 and top males around 7. The race is small but growing in popularity. This 50 had 71 runners registered, I think a few less ran and there were a couple DNFs.

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.

Super easy. Fly into Missoula, enjoy this awesome little town. Drive to St Regis the night before – note that restaurants and amenities are a little limited if you are picky – mostly burger joints. I had a room at the Super 8 with a fridge and brought food. There are at least 2 motels in town. I made my reservation a couple months in advance. Not sure they sold out. Buy the bus ticket and take the bus to the start. Finish is in town and about 0.5 miles from the hotel which is AWESOME. I heard the post-race food and beer was awesome though I never have an appetite so did not partake.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

There were 10, mostly 5 miles or so apart until the end when they are closer together. The volunteers were great, the offerings were fine. Nothing that really stuck out. Hammer usually sponsors the race so there are Hammer products as well.

Weather and typical race conditions

This year perfect! Upper 40s and drizzly in the early morning. Late morning cleared a bit and in the 50s. Mostly overcast with some sun towards the end and maybe hit low 60s. The week before though it was in the 80s! But I think the weather is usually pretty good. They had had a lot of rain but the course drains well which is nice.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

Nope. Minimal gear, standard stuff.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

They hand out a map of aid stations and I think friends could get to most of them – though not all. But beyond that no people, no spectators. You are out there on your own. Friends, including hand cyclists, could come and run their own distance – there is a 50 Mile, 50K, 30K, 12K, or 5K and 50 mile relay option.

How’s the Swag?

AWESOME!!!! Long sleeve cotton T for all and 50 mile finishers get a railroad spike with the race, date, and 50 mile finisher, and a Patagonia Houdini Jacket embroidered with the race info, 50 mile finisher and the trail logo on the back.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

4 stars (flat fast course and great for beginners)