3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
There a quite a few aspects that make this race special. The race is very remote, rugged and beautiful. Due to the lack of major cities or even towns, the stars at night are amazing. The race is well organized and some of the money goes to a local trail/ conservation organization.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Most of the aid stations were pretty good. Some were a bit lackluster, but that depended on where it was at and who was organizing it.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The Hunting Camp Aid Station at mile 80 was Christmas themed which provided some much need laughter late in the race.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I was well trained for the race. My mental focus and problem solving skills were very good. My fuel plan worked well too. I had no stomach issues in spite of the heat
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This is a very logistically challenging race. You need to provide your own shuttle from the finish to the start. I highly recommend have a team or pacer to assist. I also highly recommend poles. This course is incredibly rugged.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I need to manage my feet better. I managed them poorly so the blisters and other injuries ended up slowing me down.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The biggest climb in the race is at mile 70. It is long and very steep. The course is very overgrown with lots of brush. There is a big river crossing right before the mile 80, Hunting Camp Aid station. Your feet will stay wet almost the entire race.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
The course is absolutely gorgeous. The scenery is amazing
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
The course is incredibly rugged and brutal. The climbs are very steep and the brush is very thick.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
The race was very organized this year. The course was well marked, the drop bags were there on time and the aid stations were ready to go by the time the runners came by. They still had plenty of food for the runners in the back too.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The race is still fairly small. There were some very fast competitive runners. I feel the race is more about enjoying the mountains and finishing a very challenging 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.
Due to the remoteness of the race the logistics can be very challenging. While a 2wd vehicle can access the start, a high clearance 4wd is needed for all other aid stations. The is no shuttle between the finish and start. I highly recommend camping near the start and having a friend or family meet you at the finish.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Aid stations are fairly standard. Hot food was found later in the race.
Weather and typical race conditions
The weather can be unpredictable. Two years prior it snowed during the race. This year was hot and clear. You need to be prepared for all types of weather at all times. The nights are surprisingly cold as well.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
The race has a long list of required gear. A good rain jacket, extra calories etc. The most important is Bear Spray. Bear Spray is a nonnegotiable requirement. If you don’t have bear spray you will not be allowed to run the race.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
No. The course is very remote. It is a challenge to get to most of the aid stations. The finish has good access but limited parking. Any well wishers and friends should just meet you there.
How’s the Swag?
The swag this year was a nice dry bag and a sun hoodie. The race keeps it pretty simple, which I appreciate.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5/5 stars. It is an amazingly challenging, logistically complex run. It is a suitable challenge for experienced 100 mile runners.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The Mud: Call me crazy, but I registered for this event hoping for a rugged adventure with the copious shoe-sucking, tacky and deep mud this course is infamous for. In fact, I was disappointed when I did course recon a month prior and found it dry. I am a harsh environment specialist and relish challenging terrain/weather. Luckily, weeks of daily rain followed allowing a substantial amount of mud to develop on the course. Race day did not disappoint!
Running in my home state: Cowboys at aid stations. Bears foraging in the meadows. Elk bugling on the hills. I simply love the wild landscape and culture of Wyoming.
My crew/pacer: Prior to this race, I only had complete pacer/crew support for one event which happened to also be my first 100 mile race several years ago. I don’t think I fully understood how to utilize support back then. More or less, I wanted to continue making decisions for myself during that race as long as I was conscious and did not give my team much control. I approached Bighorn differently. I explained my goals to my one-man crew/pacer ahead of time and noted the sections where I would likely need him to be extra firm with me. Then, during Bighorn 100, I let go of control and put 100% of my trust in him. The result was this unique synergy that only happens when the crew/pacer is totally in tune with their runner during a race. He guided me along the fine edge of pushing myself harder than I thought I was capable of without allowing me to blow up. In fact, he paced me so flawlessly that crossing the finish line was the exact moment I felt like I had nothing left.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
I could have done without the insane amount of poison ivy on the course this year. It was especially dense and thick along the trail due to the generous rainfall and I happen to be extremely allergic.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Nothing really weird about the race that I can think of. I’m likely weird though for loving the mud so much!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I made the transition from running ultras to racing ultras this year. I hoped to place in the top ten women and front of the pack overall going into this event. Even more importantly though, my ultimate goal was to execute a calculated and patient performance strategically utilizing my love of gnarly conditions to my advantage and arrive at the finish line with absolutely nothing left. I also wanted to be a cooperative athlete while being crewed so that I could turn off my brain and save the mental energy for when I was alone on the course. Finally, I was determined to put full trust in my pacer for the last 18-miles. I wanted to commit myself to doing minimal thinking during that section and just be along for the ride.
I was near the front of the line when the gun went off at 9am. The stampede of runners flying down the road was outstanding and fast! Tempting as it was to maintain a front of the pack position, I let myself casually drift to somewhere in the middle. My place would not be secured in the first 10 miles after all and I insisted on running my own race no matter what went on around me.
I immediately jumped into the very first mud puddle I saw instead of running around it. I saw no reason on delaying the inevitable. Embrace the mud! Many repeat racers commented that this was the muddiest they had ever seen the course. Typically, the mud is in sections… this year the sections merged into each other! I ran for months in wet shoes on purpose and always chose muddy, sloppy trails for training whenever possible. By the time I arrived at Bighorn mud was a standard surface for me. I continued to always travel straight through the middle of the sloppy, muddy mess for the duration of the race. I find freedom and delight moving through unforgiving landscapes and enjoy discovering how to work with harsh environments instead of against them. I held onto this mindset and, though I did get annoyed with how slow I had to maneuver in two sections, the conditions never overwhelmed me with negatively.
I think this positive outlook allowed me to endure and, ultimately, pass people. As the sun began to sink behind the limestone cliffs, I passed through the group I’d been leap-frogging with since the beginning of the race and never saw them again. I later learned that when I reached my crew/pacer at Jaws (mile 48.5) I’d moved to 15th female. Overnight I did nothing but focus on nutrition, hydration and efficient movement. I also noted, to my surprise, that for the first time I didn’t get cold at night. Typically, my body stops being able to maintain temperature. Unbeknownst to me, by the time I reached Dry Fork (mile 82) I’d moved into the position of 6th female.
When I arrived at Dry Fork inbound the mental part of my race was over. No more decision making. I put all my trust in my pacer. My only job was to follow him. We left right when the Bighorn 18-Miler race gun went off! Suddenly, the course was awash with 300+ fresh 18-mile racers bounding up a big hill. I got a bit competitive seeing all these fleet-footed short distance runners. I wanted to keep up! I think my pacer sensed this spark and we took off. As I ran over the rugged landscape my pacer pushed me to keep pace with the short distance runners. This was pleasant on the single/and double track where the course rolled and plunged down descents. I love that kind of terrain! However, the last part of the course is a 5-mile-long hard packed dirt road that slopes gently, but very notability, uphill. This, naturally, is my least favorite terrain to run! Before the race I warned my pacer that I would want to walk this portion and that he was not to allow it. Keeping to our agreement, my pacer got every last drop of energy that remained out of me on that 5-mile section. Determined not to be dropped, I kicked hard and chased him up the road. He coaxed me into running speedy surges uphill and challenged me to pass 18-mile runners ahead of me. The final quarter mile was an all-out sprint to the finish (well it felt like a sprint for me). Running down the final chute I felt like I might throw up and I really, really, really hoped I wouldn’t! The exact moment I crossed the finish line is the moment I drained the tank. I was told I looked okay approaching the finish and then horrendous once I crossed. That’s pretty much exactly how I felt!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
My musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems held up very well during the race. I cannot say the same for the skin on my lower legs! Throughout the duration of the course, I would splash though mud which would cling to my legs and then dry up. After a few layers of mud adhered to my legs it felt like I was wearing a compression sleeve that was two sizes too small when the mud was dry. This was because the clay-based mud was literally sucking all of the moisture out of my skin. Eventual mud removal at the end of the race revealed that all the skin on my lower legs had cracked and I was covered in thousands of thin cuts! I have never seen anything like it! I’m guessing this could have been avoided by wearing tall socks or frequently cleaning my legs at aid stations. Personally, if I did it again, I wouldn’t change anything though. The discomfort was more of a mild annoyance than overwhelming and, for me, it was more important to keep moving.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
This lesson goes for pretty much every race I run: I need to learn to be comfortable carrying less nutrition. I always pack way too much extra since I do not eat aid station food.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Expect mud and embrace the mud! No matter how much you try to avoid it, you will get dirty during this race. There is also the possibility of encountering moose, bears and elk along the way. These animals have young this time of year and can be aggressively protective. Keep a safe distance and do not try to bypass these animals at close range. I recommend not using ear buds of any kind during this race to maintain wildlife sound awareness.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
June is wildflower season in Wyoming! There’s plenty of frolicking through “Sound of Music” meadows adored with balsamroot, lupine, blue bells and an assortment of other flora. The limestone cliffs in Little Bighorn and Tongue River Canyons are also a majestic sight to behold. There is absolutely no shortage of wild beauty on this course!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes. This course is pure mountain running on mostly very technical and primitive trails in harsh conditions. This is also a higher attitude race with about 20,000ft of vert to contend with.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
I felt like the race was dialed from check in to the finish. This was the 30th running of Bighorn and they have things figured out!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes! Several elite runners participated in the 52 and 100 mile distances of the event.
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 100 and 52 mile versions of Bighorn fill very fast each year. I suggest early registration to ensure a spot. The Bighorn Trail Run is a major event in the region for not only the runners, but locals well. There is a festival like quality to both the pre-race meeting and finish line. Therefore, I suggest also booking accommodations as early as possible as well.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard aid station fare along with Tailwind. Some aid stations are run by wranglers who serve up bacon and other western cuisine.
Weather and typical race conditions
This race has the potential to be extremely hot. Even if the temperature is mild the high elevation and exposed terrain can make it feel much warmer. In fact, I did a sauna heat training intervention to prepare. Of course, race day was mostly cloudy and had a chance of rain, snow, hail and lightning. The lesson here is that WY weather is variable and can change in the blink of an eye no matter what is predicted. Conditions can go from delightfully sunny to rain, hail, snow, wind, lightening and freezing temperatures at any time of the year. You can get all of these in a one-hour period sometimes!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I smeared IvyX Post Contact, which is a poison ivy barrier gel, on my legs three times along the course. I also carried and used IvyX cleansing wipes. I am 100% certain I had contact with poison ivy, but these products prevented a reaction… or the mud did!
Gaiters are also a necessity to keep out all the mud… or at least keep some of it! No matter what mud is going to get into your shoes to some extent. Moisture and mud do not affect my feet negatively, but not everyone is so fortunate. Have the products necessary for YOU to deal with moisture and mud on race day.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
The race start is accessible to spectators if they take the shuttle. The finish at Scott Park in Dayton is probably the best place for friends and family to cheer on runners though. There is a large festival at the finish-line with food, vendors and a live band. Note that parking is very limited.
How’s the Swag?
I have never gotten so much swag at a race before! Of course, there was the standard race shirt. However, we also received a Bighorn themed cooler bag, scarf, socks, beanie, food vouchers and soft cup.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10/10 for this amazing, rugged adventure!
Coach Dandelion is a running coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
–The weather/snow conditions: It’s probably surprising to find a -25F windchill and sloppy snow mentioned as aspects of the race that I liked the most! However, I registered for this event because it is known for unforgiving and brutal conditions. I wanted to run in harsh, winter weather and I was not disappointed!
–The athletes: The Drift has three divisions: bike, ski and run. We all competed at the same time on the course. It was awesome to see athletes of different disciplines all with the same goal: surviving to the finish! No one method of locomotion was superior over the other. It depended on the section of the course we were in and there was a lot of leap frogging throughout the day. The tenacity of every athlete was inspiring to witness as we all contended with the elements.
— Location: This was a local race for me. I am simply in love the rugged beauty of the Wind River Range, the relentless terrain and crazy weather.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
I didn’t much care for my water freezing despite my insulated containers… but that was also part of the charm of the race and added to the overall excitement!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
I wouldn’t consider the race weird in any way. I think it is unique in that it takes place on the Continental Divide during the Wyoming winter when conditions are always guaranteed to be challenging if not completely heinous!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I love running in extreme environments and this race 100% fit that description! I not only enjoyed the conditions on the course, but also the creativity involved in coming up with specific training for the race. I exposed myself to a variety of winter challenges during training including waiting to run in the evening when the temperature dropped and timing some runs to coincide with winter storms. My preparation was brutal and, therefore, when race day presented less than ideal circumstances I had the confidence to plow through without much of an afterthought.
I was also very happy with my sweat monitoring. I practiced a lot of layer transitions during training to make sure I had everything dialed. I did two clothing swaps during the race right when I felt like I was heating up and sweat would soon follow. I got the combination correct both times. I don’t think I had any appreciable sweat during the race which is crucial to preventing exposure (more on that later).
Finally, I was pleased with my walk/run decisions and pacing. In snow, even if you can run, sometimes it makes a lot more sense to walk for efficiency and energy savings. What’s the point of exhausting yourself by running 17 minute miles if you can hike at 18 minute miles and feel fresh(er)? I ran about 90% of the first half of the race and switched to about 90% walking during the second half which included most of the climbing and slushier snow conditions. My intensity remained at RPE 7-10 throughout the race regardless of my pace. This was the most intense pacing I’d ever utilized during a race and I am pleased that I pushed myself until the end; in fact my fastest split was the last one!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Monitor your sweat very closely and adjust layers accordingly on this frigid course. If you allow sweat to build up, when you finally do make an adjustment you will freeze if so much as a gentle breeze sweeps across the damp fabric. Remember that running and walking creates airflow so this can happen even on a calm day. Test what clothes will work for you in different conditions during training so your layering system is dialed.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I would put hot water in my insulated containers and keep the hydration hose on the inside of my jacket (and, yes, the hose was also insulated!). I am still not sure why this happened on race day, but not during training. Maybe it was the duration of -25F windchill!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Plan your race specific training runs to be in a variety of snow surface conditions and during different times of day. Also, make an effort to train in winter extremes including high winds, negative temperatures, snowstorms and intense sun exposure. Of course, make sure you know how to train safely in these harsh conditions as well before venturing out! The risk of exposure is very real both during the race and while training for it.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
We were lucky to run this course on a bluebird day! Awesome views of Green River and the Wind River Range throughout the event. The race is also in a winter wildlife protected area, so you could potentially encounter elk, moose, wolves and bears, though I saw none. This adds to the wild beauty of the miles.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
The course difficulty varies from year to year. The temperature can be in the 20s, snow consolidated and wind mild. Having the luxury of perfect weather is unlikely in the Winds this time of year though and some difficulty due to the extreme environment is likely to be encountered. For example, race day for me featured the following:
Start temperature was -4F, 20mph headwinds and a -25F degree windchill
By the time I was climbing it had warmed up to 8 degrees and I was fighting the power of the intense winter sun
Snow surface conditions, though somewhat recently groomed, were mostly soft and mushy due to the recent storm that deposited about a foot of snow on the course two days prior
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
The race directors put on a very well-organized event and made sure all the runners were safe in these risky winter conditions.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
This is a small race with multiple distances and three divisions: run, bike and ski. Not many folks are interested in registering for a race in the harsh Wyoming winter so the fields are small. However, almost every year there seems to be a few elite athletes who register in one or more distances/disciplines and impossible looking times are often posted.
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.
Due to the extreme nature of a winter race not many folks sign up for any of the distances or divisions, so there is no need to rush. Lodging can easily be found in nearby Pinedale, WY. The 100-mile version of this race does require previous winter travel experience.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
You are expected to be 100% self-sufficient on this course with the exception of water. There are no drop bags and aid stations do not make any promises in regards to fare. There were two aid stations which both had sweet & salty snacks and water when I arrived. Aid station 2 also offered hot cocoa with electrolytes mixed in!
Weather and typical race conditions
The nature of this course varies not only year to year, but also week to week. Snow conditions are constantly evolving during the winter. There is no real way of knowing what you might find on race day until a week prior. Then you can look ahead in the forecast and somewhat predict what the precipitation and freeze/thaw cycle that week might do to the track. Regardless that is still only a guess! Grooming is another wild card. The course is on a snowmobile track, but there is no real way of knowing when it will be groomed and how many times snowmobiles will have used the track before the race. Also groomers can break down! Temperatures, precipitation and wind are also mysteries that can vary greatly and won’t be known until a few days before the race… but the forecasting can be way off at times! Therefore, the runner must be prepared for multiple scenarios on race day.
Photo: Damien Scott
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
A versatile layering system that has been tested in different winter conditions is an absolute must. This will vary from person to person. I also recommend very dark sunglasses, hand-warmers, a face covering, gaiters and mittens. For the 28 mile distance, the race directors require insulated water containers, puffy coat, hat, gloves, blinkie light and nutrition that will last throughout the race.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Spectators are allowed at the start/finish, but not along the course. Reminder that any friends and family at the start/finish will get cold without lots of insulating layers!
How’s the Swag?
Functional which I love! They gave us socks and hot sauce! First place finishers also got a mug.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
If you are strategic, like the cold and relish suffering in extreme environments this is an excellent race and I rate it 10/10! This is not the race for the fair-weather runner or someone inexperienced with remote winter travel.
Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.
Results: 4th Female, 8th Overall // Top Female Time Performance 6th
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Landscape: There is beauty in simplicity. No big mountain vistas. No charging through hoodoos. Nothing but sage and sky.
Message: Run the Red is held on Wyoming Public Lands Day with the goal of raising awareness for protecting the Red Desert and wild lands everywhere.
Culture: This race is just so Wyoming. There is no other way to put it. Antelope bounded across the trail on multiple occasions. We meticulously opened and closed gates on private ranchland and ran through pastures with grazing cattle. Big sky and open country.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The 30-40mph headwinds that battered us for about 85% of the course were exhausting. At the same time, I was grateful for it as the sky was cloudless and the sun incredibility powerful. Kind of a toss-up as to whether the wind was a true drawback… though it definitely blew us back!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Nothing weird per say, but starting/ending the race in the historic Ghost Town of South Pass City was unique.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
By all accounts this race should have been brutal on me. I spent a great deal of time in the “pain cave” during a 100 miler a month prior to toeing the line of Run the Red Desert. After that race my husband and I began diligently making final preparations for our cross country move. A week before the race we spent 15 hours moving heavy things in and out of a moving truck and got 3 hours of sleep in 36 hours. The rest of the week continued with little and/or poor-quality sleep. This was due to us learning that there was a hold up and we couldn’t move into our house. A week of phone calls, emails, anxiety, and general chaos ensued. Therefore, I made the decision to not execute my final week of tapering. Instead, I ran without limitations because it helped me find some sense of normalcy in the turmoil and kept me sane. I was willing to sacrifice performance to have some moments of tranquility. For good measure, I hadn’t run in an open desert since March. Plus, my altitude training consisted of sleeping in an altitude tent and I had no idea if it would be effective for me. In short, my preparation was atrocious (would not recommend) and I was relying on fitness and grit to finish.
Only it turned out that finishing wouldn’t be enough for me this time. About 2 seconds after the race began, I decided to compete. I like to say that I run courses, I don’t race them. Historically my goal has always been to simply finish. I did, admittedly, toss around the idea of competing in the Run the Red Desert, but I’d let that idea go a month prior when I realized how rough the lead up weeks would be… or at least I thought I let it go.
During this race I was 100% invested in nothing else but the course in front of me and my performance. I think my focus was near perfect. After my heinous week, suddenly all I had to do was keep moving forward. It was so simple and I committed myself to making every step and thought I had count toward my forward progress. Never have I been so on top of my nutrition and hydration. Never have I been so hyper-aware of every muscle movement. Never have I paid such close attention to my place in the pack. Nothing bothered me. Not the blister on my toe, the blasting headwind or the miles of seeing nothing but sky and sage. The whole race was joy and relief. One step in front of the other. Nothing more and nothing less. So simple. This mindset led me to finish 4th female, 8th overall and to a 6th overall female top performance time.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Wind is standard in the Red Desert. Be prepared to battle it! In general, it is a land of extremes during a very volatile time of year. Sun, wind, rain, snow and hail are all a possibility. In fact, all of these can happen in a single day! Temperature can swing from freezing in the early hours to toasty by midday. Bring layers. Finally, the sun at high altitude in open sage-land is incredibility powerful. Bring sunscreen and don’t forget to apply it when the temperature is in the 30s!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
My circumstances leading up to this race were certainly not ideal. I would definitely taper and not move across the country next time around!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The race does not have a lot of vert (3,500-4,500ft depending on where you look). However, it is at altitude. Be ready to run between 7000-8000ft. I came from sea level, but my altitude tent seems to have worked. Flat-landers without this tool struggled. Also, some of the aid stations are rather far apart from one other. Be prepared with lots of food, water and happy thoughts during those stretches. Also note that the final 10 or so miles of the course are on (mostly) gradually ascending terrain that makes you feel like you’re going nowhere. No easy gliding downhill to the finish.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
I appreciate vast and empty desert landscapes with nothing but sky, sage, pronghorn and cattle. I loved this course and thought the simplicity was beautiful. If you’re looking from craggy mountain vistas or variety this course is likely not for you. You can see the Wind River Range in the distance and desert formations, but they are not the focal points the race.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
It is not a technically difficult course. The extreme environment and weather are the challenge.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
The event was very well organized and went off without a hitch (at least that I know about!).
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I don’t think there were any pro-athletes competing. However, fast times were put up for both men and women. I was definitely pushed to perform my best by the 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.
Historically this race has had years of selling out and years of having space for last minute sign up. It’s sort of anybody’s guess what registration will be like from year to year. It was a local race for me, but accommodations should be easy to come by in the nearby towns this time of year.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard food was available at all the aid stations. Later in the race hot options like quesadillas and burgers were also offered. Tailwind, water and enthusiastic encouragement were also on hand at all aid stations.
Weather and typical race conditions
Anything is possible in September in the Red Desert! Be prepared for all extremes as previously mentioned.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Wear shoes that will dry fast and don’t start the race in pants that can’t be rolled up. There are several deep and mucky water crossing in this race. The first is about ¼ mile in!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
No crew or spectators are allowed on this course to protect the fragile landscape.
How’s the Swag?
Really nice technical shirt and cool wooden plaque with the course on it.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10/10. I would recommend this course to anyone who loves running in high desert in extreme weather with nothing but sage and sky!
Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Firstly, the location is absolutely stunning! The race starts in the Tongue River Canyon before continuing on an out and back course through the Bighorn Mountains. Having grown up in Ireland watching old western movies with my dad, including the 1936 black and white classic ‘Custer’s Last Stand’, I was beyond excited to explore this area steeped in so much history. As we climbed up from the river I kept thinking that the landscape looked like someone had stacked the red mesas and arches of Utah or Arizona on top of the wildflower meadows of the Methow Valley! The rolling single track through sage bushes and wildflowers was pure trailrunning heaven. While I was only lucky enough to see a herd of elk passing through a misty meadow there’s the possibility of spotting other wildlife such as moose, bear and of course bighorn sheep.
Secondly, the event is extremely well put on. Packet pickup occurs the night before at a local brewery in Sheridan. The goodie bag includes some nice items such a t-shirt, buff and water bottle. There’s also a pasta dinner the night before the race. After the pre-race meeting in Dayton all of the runners are bused to the start which is about 5 miles away. The aid stations are very well stocked, there’s plenty of enthusiastic and helpful volunteers and the medical staff were very attentive and supportive. The finish line is back at Scott Park in Dayton. It’s a beautiful riverside location and a great place for family and friends to hang out. There’s plenty of food and beer options and a playground and large grassy areas for the kids. The atmosphere is quite festive on Saturday afternoon as the 100 mile runners finish alongside the 18 mile, 50k and 52 mile runners.
Finally I liked that this race was a great introduction to running at higher altitude. The race starts just above 4000ft before climbing and coursing for about 20 miles between 6500-7500ft. You then descend back down to 4000ft before the big climb to about 9000ft at the turn around point. Coming from sea level you’ll certainly feel the effects of altitude but if you’re prepared you can still have a successful race.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
So, the mud in the Bighorn mountains is just plain weird! A lot of runners talked about how bad the mud from the previous year was and I just thought to myself that it surely couldn’t be that bad! Well, about 20 miles into the race it started to rain and within about 5 minutes I noticed that my shoes were starting to gather mud. Suddenly my feet felt heavy and my traction was terrible! During the rest of the evening and night we had some more showers and penny sized hailstones. Together with this and the parade of runners on an out and back course the trail quickly turned into a treacherous muddy slip and slide. Much of what should’ve been runnable trail became totally unrunnable with even walking proving to be challenging at times. The effort of traversing these sections and collecting pounds of sticky mud all the way to your knees became extremely fatiguing and frustrating. Still, I think you just have to be aware going into this race that if it rains then muddy trails are going to be a part of the challenge. I imagine there could be at least a two hour difference in a persons finish time between a dry and a wet year.
That mud!!!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Altitude – try to incorporate some runs at higher elevation into your training. It can be difficult in Washington at this time of the year as much of the trails above 4000ft are still snow covered. However you could include some snow shoe hiking/running. The sauna can also be helpful hen it comes to preparing for altitude. Many years this can be a hot race so if you’re using the sauna for heat training it will have a double benefit. During the race make sure you stay well hydrated and accept that you’re going to move slower than normal. Take it easy on the ascents and dig in on the descents and when on lower elevation.
Weather – definitely prepare for potentially hot day. You should incorporate heat training leading up to the race. On the day hydrate well, try to keep skin covered with light layers and consider a buff, arm sleeves and hat that you can wet. The night time can be cold so organize your drop bags well so you can pick up layers especially when you get to the turn around point which is at 9000ft. Consider having a rain jacket or at least a plastic poncho with you from the beginning.
Mud – there’s not much you can do about this except laugh it off and keep trudging forward. I wore Hoka Speedgoats which accumulated a thick layer of mud. Some runners changed socks and shoes but honestly there was no point. I had covered my feet in trail toes lube at the start and wore injinji socks. While my feet were wet, heavy and uncomfortable, they were never sore and I finished blister free and without any macerated areas. I brought poles with me to help with the climbs. While they’re not super steep the poles helped with the effort at higher altitude. Later I discovered that the poles helped with stability in the mud.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
If you’re coming from sea level it’s obviously important to be familiar with the elevation profile, know the high points of the course and pace yourself accordingly. When the trail is dry it’s very runnable. But be ready to be very patient and accept a slower pace if the trail becomes wet and muddy. The website ultrasplits.com has information on aid station splits from 2013 which is helpful in coming up with a pace chart and planning gear and drop bags. It’d be prudent to pack a long sleeve layer and your head light before the ‘big climb’ even if it is only early afternoon and quite warm. If you start to slow down it could be cold and dark by the time you make it to Jaws aid station.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
As I mentioned before, it’s an absolutely beautiful course!!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Coming from sea level, the altitude definitely adds some difficulty. The mud also greatly affects pace. Otherwise there’s a lot of beautiful rolling single track through forest, along raging rivers and through flower filled meadows.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
As I mentioned the event is very well run. There’s a lot of support for the runners and I feel like it’d be a great environment for family, friends and kids to hang out while waiting for their runner. This time I went solo but I’ll definitely bring my hubby and kids along next time.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
This race is both a Hardrock and Western States qualifier so it tends to be popular and sell out. Depending on the year it can be quite competitive with strong, experienced mountain runners and Hardrock finishers.
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.
Registration is via the race website rather than Ultrasignup.com. Once the Hardrock lottery takes place the race tends to fill quickly with runners needing a qualifying race for the following year. Trail work or volunteer hours are not required for race entry.
I took two days to drive from La Conner, WA stopping in Butte, MT overnight. Sheridan is larger with more accommodation options than Dayton where the race starts and finishes. It’s about a 20 minute drive in race morning which is fine since the race starts at 10am. Like a few other 100 mile races, it starts on Friday.
On Sunday morning I recommend heading to Silver Spur Cafe for a hearty breakfast. I had such a fun experience sitting at the counter where there was endless coffee refills, friendly chitchat and compliments from the cook when I polished off a huge plate of chicken fried steak, eggs, hash browns and biscuits!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
As I mentioned the aid stations are well stocked with the usual fare. A few are bigger with good shelter, fires, cots and medical staff. The volunteers are enthusiastic and extremely helpful and there’s a wonderful sense of pride among the locals! I’ll never forget the young boy who couldn’t have been more than about 8 years old who shook my hand and exclaimed “Well it sure is a pleasure to meet you!” on learning that I was the first female!
Weather and typical race conditions
As I mentioned the daytime can be extremely hot while the nighttime, especially at higher elevation, can be cold. If it rains expect mud!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Plan your drop bags well with options for warmer overnight layers and rain gear. Make sure your headlight is in the appropriate drop bag. Consider carrying a rain jacket or poncho from the beginning as mountain weather can change quickly. While I didn’t change shoes or socks you may want to consider it. I think poles were helpful on the longer climbs and when the trails became extremely muddy and slippery.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
While I didn’t have a crew or pacer it seemed like it was a friendly course for spectators. The finish area festivities were especially fun!
How’s the Swag?
The goody bag has a nice long sleeve shirt, buff, cup and a water bottle. Finishers receive a beautiful buckle, hoodie and socks. There’s also an award ceremony and nice prizes for top three and age group winners.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I definitely give this race 5 stars. It’s a beautiful local and well run event. The weather can be challenging whether it’s extremely hot or wet and muddy. You just need to accept the challenge as part of the race fun.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Really pretty country! We had overcast weather and rains for much of the time, but even with this kind of weather, the views were awesome!
Small town feel. It had a nice intimate feel to it.
Good camaraderie. I was around a lot of runners for the majority of the race, and by the end, we all felt like buddies!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The aid station food. I rarely eat from aid stations, but when my stomach went south and I needed some solid salty foods, the options seemed really limited, particularly for my picky vegan diet. The Ruffles ultimately did the job but a burrito would have been way better!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The mud! I’ve never seen anything like it!
So much mud, leaving Dry Fork aid station at mile 82 at 6:30am
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I kept my legs under me the entire time so that when the course became runnable at times, particularly the final 5 miles, I was able to get right back into my running rhythm.
I never despaired or thought about quitting. I had some challenges with my GI system but nothing ever had me thinking about how it sucked.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Poles. If the weather is at all rough with rain or sloppy conditions, poles can save your ass. I was able to power hike up and through the messy trail with the help of my poles.
If you want specific food, put it in your drop bags or have it with your crew.
Have lots of gear. The rain made certain sections particularly cold. I’m glad I had my rain and cold weather gear.
Don’t let the mud and slow trail conditions (seems like an inevitability each year!) mess with your expectations or psyche. My pace went out the window when I had a 6 hour 16 mile section! Everyone else was that slow too, but if I had my head hung up on some certain time or pace, my mental life would have been way worse off for it!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Gels and blocks won’t cut it for me in a mountain hundred with cold temps and elevation. I was too hungry, gel calories just didn’t feel like they could do the job, and then my stomach got queasy. Yuck. I will be better prepared for this next time!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It’s a slow course at times. There are definitely runnable sections, but simply knowing ahead of time that there are likely to be spots on the course that require patience and not wasting energy should go a long way in helping the next guy have a better race.
Coming into mile 82 with muddy rain pants!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Loved it! Great mountains, a cool looking canyon to run through and out of at the beginning and end, nice high mountains, and pretty forests. And if you think mud is pretty, than this is the most beautiful course in the world!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
One of my slower times ever. It was tough in the sense that many of the miles were slow and tedious. 100 milers are all hard, this one just took longer!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Overall yes.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I think so. It didn’t have pros running it, but there were plenty of solid runners in the 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.
The 100 did sell out, but not right away. Lodging was easy, we stayed in the dorms at Sheridan College for cheap, and plenty of lodging in Sheridan (about 30 minutes from the start/finish in Dayton). Some lodging in Dayton, but not a lot. It was a fairly long 6 hour drive from Denver, but otherwise, it was all simple. Other runners flew into Billings, MT, and Casper, WY, so you can fly closer and drive, but we were already in Denver.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Plenty of stops for water and small race food.
The bigger food options seemed to be lacking though.
I had one drop bag at Footbridge (mile 30 & 66). They were quick to bring it to me. The volunteers were all super helpful, friendly, and awesome!
Weather and typical race conditions
Hailed on twice, rained on multiple times, lightening storms…it was a blast!
Coming out of the fog at mile 13, looking for my crew!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
I switched between the Nathan Krar Vapor belt and a standard Salomon 5L pack. Both worked fine.
Black Diamond z-poles were a life saver.
I did use my UD rain jacket and Bonatti rain pants at different times, as well as my waterproof gloves.
A good headlamp is key too given that everyone is running through the night.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Not a ton of access points. Our crew met us at Dry Fork (mile 13) and at the turnaround at Jaws (mile 48), and at Dry Fork on the way back (mile 82). They could have gone to Footbridge at 30 and 66 but it would have added tons of hours of driving, and needed a high clearance vehicle.
How’s the Swag?
Good stuff. I like that they have special stuff for finishers.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 star race. Fun vibe, pretty course, good runner camaraderie.
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