Take on the legendary climb up Lone Peak in Montana’s premier mountain challenge
Overview
The Rut 28K is not your average trail race. Set against the jaw-dropping backdrop of Big Sky, Montana, this course takes runners up and over rugged ridgelines, across exposed alpine terrain, and to the summit of Lone Peak at 11,166 feet. It is steep, technical, and wild—exactly what mountain running should be.
Every step is an adventure, from scrambling the rocky Headwaters ridge to charging downhill through alpine meadows and forested singletrack. The atmosphere is electric, with athletes, volunteers, and spectators coming together to celebrate mountain running at its finest. Whether you’re here to test your limits, cheer on the field, or soak in the Big Sky energy, The Rut delivers an unforgettable experience.
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Registration
Opens
Aug 29, 2025, 11:47 PM
Registration Fee
$75-$380
Official race details:
Course
Distance:
28
K
Course type:
Unknown
Elevation gain:
▲
5,800 ft
Elevation loss:
▼
7,210 ft
Max altitude:
11,166 ft
Start time:
Sep 13, 2025
8:00 AM
Cutoff time:
4:30PM
Course Description
The 28K route takes runners from Big Sky Resort to the top of Lone Peak at 11,166ft. Expect hands-on scrambling, steep climbs, and sections of exposed ridgeline running. After summiting, the descent is long and punishing before dropping back into forests and meadows toward 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
28K runners have four stocked aid stations with water, Skratch, snacks, and volunteer support.
3.9M → Headwaters → cutoff 10:15AM
9.4M → Swiftcurrent → cutoff 12:15PM
10.5M → Summit → cutoff 1:30PM
14.6M → Moosetracks → cutoff 3:15PM
Finish by 4:30PM
Race Requirements
Technical alpine running experience is strongly recommended. Sections of the course are exposed and require confidence in scrambling and steep terrain.
Trail Work
Mandatory Gear
28K mandatory gear:
Space blanket
Hooded waterproof and breathable jacket
16oz water carrying capacity
Policies
Cancelations & Deferrals
Kids
Runners must be at least 16 years old. No youth discounts are offered for this distance.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
No crewing or pacing permitted. Spectators may use scenic lift tickets to access Swiftcurrent or Andesite Aid Stations, or cheer from the Base Area.
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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