A Three Day Montana Mountain Running Celebration
Overview
The Rut 21K is not your typical half marathon. Instead of city streets, you’ll find yourself scrambling rocky singletrack, climbing alpine ridges, and descending fast through mountain meadows. It’s a perfect gateway into technical mountain racing; short enough for road runners to take the leap, yet wild enough to give veterans a serious test.
Friday, September 12, 2025
Registration
Opens
Aug 29, 2025, 11:47 PM
Registration Fee
$120
Official race details:
Course
Distance:
21
K
Course type:
Unknown
Elevation gain:
▲
2,710 ft
Elevation loss:
▼
4,210 ft
Max altitude:
11,166 ft
Start time:
Sep 12, 2025
11:00 AM
Cutoff time:
5:25PM
Course Description
The 21K packs steep climbs, rocky descents, and expansive mountain views into a single morning. It includes lift-access ridges, alpine aid stations, and a rollicking finish in the Base Area.
Logistics
Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), then drive approximately 45 minutes to Big Sky along US-191 through the Gallatin River Canyon. Big Sky offers shuttles and an in-town bus for easy movement between Meadow and Mountain Villages. Yellowstone National Park is about an hour away for pre or post-race adventures
Driving Directions
Start and finish in the Big Sky Resort Mountain Village Plaza: 50 Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky, MT 59716.
Parking
Follow Big Sky Resort event signage for village parking. Allow extra time during peak hours and consider shuttle options to reduce congestion. Spectators using lifts must purchase scenic lift tickets and should plan for queuing.
Lodging
Big Sky Resort offers discounted runner rates at on-site properties such as the Huntley Lodge, steps from the start and finish. Camping is not permitted on resort property; numerous Forest Service campgrounds along the Gallatin River can be reserved via recreation.gov.
Aid Stations
Aid is classic mountain–race style with water, Skratch hydration and chews, sweet and salty snacks, first aid, and an energetic crew. The event is cupless, so bring a bottle or cup.
Race Requirements
These are true mountain courses with sections of exposure and rockfall hazard. Runners must be comfortable on steep, technical terrain and should study the course in advance. Wave starts are assigned by estimated finish times to keep the field moving smoothly.
Trail Work
Mandatory Gear
Runners should still carry hydration and layers.
Policies
Cancelations & Deferrals
Kids
Runners must be at least 16 years old. No youth discounts are offered for this distance.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
Crewing and pacing are not allowed, but spectating is highly encouraged. Spectators can access several on–course spots via scenic lift tickets, including Swiftcurrent and Andesite for most distances. Review the Spectator Hub for lift hours, access points, and a pace–calculator tool to time your cheers.
Volunteers
Charity & Beneficiary
The Rut highlights and partners with community and environmental groups, including Inclusive Outdoors Project, Big Sky SNO, and Protect Our Winters. The event reserves 100 entry spots for athletes from historically marginalized groups with an application and scholarship process, and works with Big Sky SNO to reduce event waste through education and sorting.
Land Acknowledgement
Big Sky sits on the traditional homelands of the Apsáalooke (Crow), Shoshone, and Salish peoples. The Runt Run extends the spirit of respect and celebration to the youngest members of our running community.
About
The Rut Mountain Runs
The Rut Mountain Runs bring the thrill of global-class trail racing to the wild heart of Montana. Founded by ultrarunners Mike Foote and Mike Wolfe, this weekend festival of mountain running combines serious alpine adventure with a playful, community-first spirit. Lone Peak at Big Sky Resort provides a rugged and dramatic backdrop where runners test their grit on steep ridges, exposed alpine sections, and wild terrain, while spectators and volunteers bring unmatched energy to the experience.
The Rut is not just about racing; it’s about celebration. Expect elk bugles at the start line, free mullets at the finish, tattoos for the bold, and prize money in $1 bills. With distances from the VK to the 50K, plus the Trifecta challenge for those who want it all, there’s something here for every mountain runner. More than 4,500 runners and thousands of spectators now gather each year, making The Rut one of North America’s most iconic and electric trail running weekends.
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