Mandatory Rut Equipment

At the Rut, we strive to challenge our runners to redefine their own limits. Our courses are a testament to this core value. While we desire to get you, our participants, out of your comfort zone, your safety is always our number one priority.

One step in this process is having the essential gear that will improve your capacity to maintain safety in the event of extreme weather or other significant events during your Rut race. With this in mind, we now have compiled a mandatory & recommended equipment list for our events.

It is a universal truth that running in the mountains is inherently risky behavior. We pride ourselves on a robust emergency rescue team and medical staff, yet runners must also play an active role in their own safety and that of others.

Below you will see the list of required gear that you must bring with you to check-in on race weekend.  At check-in you will pick up your packet, and then head to the mandatory gear check station where you will be asked to show your mandatory gear. Once we see that you have the required gear, you will be given a stamp on your bib to reflect that you have gone through the gear check. You cannot run in your race if you do not have the required gear for the 28K or 50K. Please please please be prepared with the required items when checking in.  The mandatory list includes only the bare essentials and we ask that you partner with us in creating a culture of safety at the Rut!

Mandatory Equipment for The Rut Mountain Runs 28K & 50K:

28K:

  • Space blanket – The last line of defense should weather move in unexpectedly while exposed and on the alpine ridge or summit of Lone Peak. Also can be helpful if you come across someone in need of help and more protection.  (Space Blanket Example) 
  • Hooded waterproof and breathable jacket. Must be waterproof and not just water resistant (Examples: The North Face Futurelight: (Men’s | Women’s) or  Men’s Alta Vista,  or Women’s Valle Vista). Essential in protecting you from the elements.  The jacket must be waterproof and not just water resistant. For example, the Patagonia Houdini will not work.
  • 16oz water carrying capacity –  The Rut is hard and dehydration happens quickly at altitude when it’s windy, hot, and you are exposed to the sun.  16oz is the bare minimum you should need to get from aid station to aid station. Does not need to be full at all times.

50K:

  • Space blanket – The last line of defense should weather move in unexpectedly while exposed and on the alpine ridge or summit of Lone Peak. Also can be helpful if you come across someone in need of help and more protection. (Space Blanket Example) 
  • Hooded waterproof and breathable jacket. Must be waterproof and not just water resistant (Examples: The North Face Futurelight: (Men’s | Women’s) or  Alta Vista (Men’s | Women’s) Essential in protecting you from the elements.  The jacket must be waterproof and not just water resistant. For example, the Patagonia Houdini will not work.
  • 32oz water carrying capacity –  The Rut is hard and dehydration happens quickly at altitude when it’s windy, hot, and you are exposed to the sun.  32oz is the bare minimum you should need to get from aid station to aid station. Does not need to be full at all times.
  • Headlamp –  The Rut 50K begins before sunrise. All participants must have a headlamp.

Additional Recommended Equipment for Rut races:

  • Whistle – a great tool to bring attention to yourself in an emergency
  • Food reserves – Runners should always have at least 300 kcal more food than they plan to need. This will save you from an unexpected bonk or give you the fuel you need to reach the next aid station if it is taking more time than expected.
  • Technical long sleeve for additional warmth – Additional layer of protection when the temps are low of precip is in the forecast.
  • Warm hat or neck gaiter – More warmth and protection to allow you to maintain the capacity to stay warm.
  • Light gloves – If your hands become too cold for use then you drink and eat less. Gloves will keep your hands functioning when you need this or during the scrambling sections of the course.
  • Rain pants –  Staying dry is staying warm.
  • Sunscreen for hot and exposed weather – At 11,166 ft of elevation the sun is strong and sunscreen can be your first line of defense.
  • Phone with ski patrol number uploaded  – There is cell service on the majority of all the Rut courses. Therefore a phone can be a powerful tool in the event of a real emergency.  The ski patrol number will be on all race bibs as well as the Rut app.
  • Reusable cup – The Rut is a cupless event.  Therefore, you will need your own container to receive food and liquid.
  • Bear Spray – The Rut courses are in bear country.  Both black bears and grizzly bears call this area home. While most encounters with wildlife on our course are benign there is always a chance of surprising a bear-on course. Bear Spray is a great tool to deter a bear from an attack.

 

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