The Rut Mountain Run Logs Plenty of Vertical Before the Snow Falls
At 11,166ft the commanding presence of Big Sky Resort’s Lone Peak makes the hearts of many skiers and riders flutter. This weekend, heart rates will do more than just flutter as mountain runners from around the world run up and over that peak.
September 13-15, a different species of athlete picks lines over the same terrain that snowsliders will soon be descending. The Rut Mountain Run is a three day mountain running celebration of "why am I doing this to myself?" Type 2 fun. It's a buffet of suffering where die-hard mountain lovers convene from around the world for a chance to earn the coveted Antler tattoo. Set in the dramatic terrain north of Yellowstone, the Rut is just as much about simply finishing as it is about racing.
The sold-out event kicks off on Friday with a Vertical Kilometer and 21K race. Runners will begin in the Big Sky Resort base area, take the most direct route to the summit running up Huntley Hollow and Calamity Jane. Turning up the extremely steep terrain of Bone Crusher Ridge and Alto Ridge, runners will be faced with sections of steep exposure and rockfall hazards. Finishing on the summit of Lone Peak, the VK race is ALL uphill gaining 3,632 ft. of elevation in 2.8 miles.
Saturday is the Rut 28K race. Following a winding course to the lookers right, the 28K resembles the new 21K from the day before and adds on a sojourn to the top. Once again, like in the VK, runners will be exposed to extreme conditions not only on the loose rock and scree field of the terrain, but also extreme weather ranging from very cold and potentially snowy, to very hot and potentially smoky. Winding down from the peak to skiers right, the finish line at 17.6 miles can’t come soon enough. Later on Saturday afternoon, the torch is passed to the next generation with the Runts Run 1K. Hay bails are chucked along the course for added obstacles. This race is rowdy even for the runts!
The 50K on Sunday is for the truly heroic attempting the Trifecta, and those who love the challenge of running longer-than-marathon distances with a mountain in the way. Climbing almost 10,000ft over 31 miles, this route tours around Big Sky Resort in a way that would perhaps be more pleasant with planks on your feet and snow underneath. And yet, here we are. Running. Up the resort.
If you don’t believe it, you can spectate in person and this year will be available on Livestream!
For us snow lovers, it's a weird but awesome way to reconnect with our winter playground. You get to see your favorite runs up close and personal. Like, really personal. The Rut Mountain Run is a reminder that Big Sky Resort isn't just a one-season wonder. This place rocks all seasons with MTB trails, golf, fishing, ziplines, disc golf, and many other summer activities. Big Sky is for anyone who looks at a mountain and can’t help but explore the ridges, in your mind, or on foot.
