THE RUT 20K RACE
Friday, September 15, 2023
Join us for the inaugural Rut 20K! This new distance is the perfect addition to our series of races as it fills the very large gap between our 11K & 28K race experiences. For the Rut Runner looking to level up from the 11K, but is not quite ready for the 28K, or who simply wants to run a beautiful and challenging course on the flanks of Lone Peak, this race is for you. While this race still has a lot of climbing and descent (approx. 4000 ft) it does not traverse the exposed and rugged ridgelines of lone peak like the Rut 28K and 50K. Instead, this course utilizes many of Big Sky’s best single-track trails creating one big loop that plays along the border of the subalpine and alpine areas of the mountain. We are so excited about this new offering and hope you are too.
OnX Backcountry 20K Map
Aid Stations & Cut-off Times (We are a cupless event)
There are 3 fully stocked aid stations along the 20K course. Each aid station will be supplied with water, Skratch Labs goodies, sweet and salty snacks, first aid, and energetic volunteers!
- Headwaters Bowl: (Mile 4.0) (Cut off time of 1:30 PM)
- Swiftcurrent: (Mile 6.9) (Cut off time of 2:45 PM)
- Pacifier: (Mile 9.5) (Cut off time of 3:45 PM)
- Finish Line: (Mile 12) (Cut off time of 5:00 PM)
- Cut-off times will be strictly enforced for the safety of the runners and the volunteers.
Skratch Labs products you can expect on course in the Rut 20K:
- Peanut Butter + Chocolate Chip (new flavor!)
- Cherries & Pistachios
- Chocolate and Mallow
- Strawberry and Mallow
- Raspberry
- Blueberry (caffeinated) (new flavor!)
- Lemon & Lime
- Raspberry limeade (caffeinated) (new flavor!)
By the Numbers
- 12 Miles | 20 Kilometers
- 4000 ft. | 1220 Meters of elevation gain!
- Low Point: 7,500 ft | 2286 Meters
- High Point: 9,801 | 2988 Meters
- 3 Aid Stations
- 1 day of making great memories in the mountains!
The Rut would not be possible without the support of our sponsors.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prizes
- All 20K finishers will receive a unique finishers award.
- Also, we will have unique and fun handmade awards for the top three overall men and women as well as the top 3 in each age group. (20-29,30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
WAVE STARTS
The Rut 20K will start in 3 waves offset by 5 minutes to limit congestion on the trail.
Lastly, overall awards will be based on the time from when the gun goes off with the first wave. Age group awards will be based on chip timing.
Drop Bags
There are no drop bags for the 20K.
Crewing/Spectating
Crewing of runners is not allowed. You are, however, highly encouraged to get out on the course and see your runners as much as possible and cheer for them! Learn more about spectating opportunities on our spectator page.
Dropping out: You must inform a race official if you drop out of the race.
20K Course Markings (Green Pin Flags)
This is not an orienteering race. The race organizers will do everything they can to have the course marked well for race participants on the day of the event. Runners must stay on the trail. No switchback cutting! The 20K will be marked with green pin flags.
Course Reconnaissance
We welcome you to check out the Rut course prior to the event, but please be aware that you cannot go on downhill mountain biking trails other than on race day. It is unsafe to do so. Also, in 2023 the Bonecrusher ridge climb to the summit will be closed due to tram construction. Please check out Big Sky Resorts’ summer trails map to see what trails allow running and hiking before heading up to the resort.
Weather
Please be prepared for any type of weather. Though weather in Big Sky is relatively mild and stable in mid-September historically, we are still in the mountains and conditions can quickly change. This is a challenging run on challenging terrain and the race organizers reserve the right to stop the race at any time, should they deem the course unsafe due to weather. The race organizers will have a 28K Plan B course, which will not take race participants into exposed alpine terrain, should extreme weather exist on race day.
20K Rut Rules
- Learn more about all Rut Rules HERE
Rut Registration Policy
- There will be no deferrals, credits, transfers to other runners, or waitlists for any Rut race. No exceptions.
- Rut Runners who must drop out due to unforeseen circumstances may do so by June 1st and will receive a 50% refund.
- Rut Runners in some races may also move down in distance. This must be done no later than August 15th.
- For example, the 50K can move to the 28K, 20K, or 11K, but not the VK. The 28K can move to the 20K, or 11K, but not the 50K or VK. The 20K can move to the 11K, but not the 50K, 28K, or VK. The VK can move to the 11K only. The 11K cannot transfer to another event. A transfer in distance will be charged a $5 processing fee.
- Questions? Check out our Rut Registration FAQ's page.
