The Rut Mountain Runs are owned and operated by Ardea Endurance LLC, the business of Rut co-founder and Race Director Mike Foote. Since 2010, Mike has been organizing trail races across Western Montana, creating experiences that challenge, inspire, and bring people together.
So, what is Ardea?
“Ardea” is Latin for Heron—but why a heron?
Before mountain endurance became his passion, Mike grew up spending all his free time on baseball diamonds carved out of cornfields in the flatlands of Ohio. One season, a great blue heron began appearing over the field just before his team would rally for a comeback or extend a hitting streak. The heron became such a good luck charm that the team renamed themselves as the Blue Herons for years to come.
That connection has stayed with Mike ever since. His son’s middle name is Heron, and in 2024, he launched Ardea Endurance, carrying that symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the unexpected ways we find inspiration.
Our Mission
At Ardea Endurance, we are committed to creating events that challenge, inspire, and connect people—to themselves, to each other, and to the places that sustain us. We strive to produce unique, professional, and fun experiences that bring the community together. In a world that’s increasingly digital, we believe in the power of being in a real place, at a specific time, for a purpose, in the presence of others.
Other Events
While the Rut Mountain Runs are the backbone of Ardea, we are excited to offer more opportunities for our community to gather and move together. Check out our other events below!
This brand-new trail running event and celebration of spring is all about connection—to each other, to the trails, and to the special place that is Marshall Mountain.
Whether you’re racing with friends or testing yourself solo, this event is about more than just miles—it’s about welcoming spring, celebrating the resurgence of Marshall Mountain as a community space, and sharing the trails with one another.
Expect a fun, festive, and inclusive atmosphere—cheers at the exchange zone, high-fives on the course, and post-race celebrations with good food, good company, and the good kind of tired legs. We’ll have aid stations, music, and plenty of support, whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just out to enjoy the day.
Marshall Mountain has long been a hub for outdoor adventure in Missoula, and this event is a way to honor its legacy while creating a new springtime tradition. As the snow melts and the trails come alive, we’ll gather to celebrate —because running is better when we do it together.
We can’t wait to see you at the first-ever Marshall Mountain Revival Trail Runs. So please tell your friends and join us!
Running Up for Air (RUFA) Mt. Sentinel is a 3, 6, or 12-hour winter endurance challenge on Mt. Sentinel (5,158’ elevation), the iconic mountain on the edge of Missoula. RUFA Mt. Sentinel is a part of the Up For Air Series, a nonprofit that helps start local RUFA races and boost their impact to their local non profits addressing air quality and climate issues. As they state, “working for clean air is an endurance sport. Whether you’re accruing vert in one of our races, volunteering your time to make our events unforgettable, donating to fuel the cause, or becoming part of our incredible family of sponsors, RUFA is all about taking action. Every contribution makes a difference, so come be a part of something special and help us breathe new life into our communities.” Let’s do this!
