The Rut Training Runs

Please join us in Big Sky as we proudly present The Rut Training Runs! Whether you’re registered for your fifth 50K, or first 21K, we have the routes for you.  Choose from our 6, 8.5, and 13.5-mile courses, each designed to showcase sections of our Rut races. It’s more than just a run—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the very terrain that will challenge and inspire you come race day. And fear not, because every step of the way, you’ll be supported by aid stations and a clearly marked course, ensuring you can focus on your run and the connecting with friends and other Rut runners.  So please join us in August and get prepared for your Rut race!

Details:

Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024

Location: Big Sky Resort | Big Sky, Montana

Cost: $22

Register:  Sign up HERE

What is included in your registration
  • A marked course to follow from start to finish.
  • Aid stations are staffed by friendly volunteers and stocked with Skratch Labs nutrition products and drinks.
  • The opportunity to familiarize yourself with sections of your Rut race course in a non-competitive and supported environment.
  • The confidence gained from experiencing the course before race day!
  • Finish line aid station with snacks and beverages.
  • The North Face Shoe Demos as part of their North American TRED Tour.
  • Chance to run with The North face athletes.
Schedule 
  • 7:30-9:30 am: Runner Check-in in Big Sky Resort Plaza (see map)
  • 8:30 am: 13.5 Mile Route Start
  • 9:00 am: 8.5 Mile Route Start
  • 9:30 am: 6 Mile Route Start
Who can benefit from the Rut Training Runs

The Rut Training Runs are open to the public.  While the courses are designed with Rut runners in mind, anyone interested in checking out the terrain of Lone Peak may participate. For the Rut curious, this is a great chance to experience the various Rut race courses.

Three Route Options (Highlighting the VK, 11K, 21K, 28K and 50K courses)
Andesite Zone | 6 Miles | 1,624 ft  of elevation gain 
  • Route Description:  This route highlights the final miles of the Rut 21K and covers much of the Rut 11K course.  It is a counter-clockwise loop that connects into the 21K course after .5 miles and follows the final 5-plus miles of the 21K route to the finish. While this route does not follow the entirety of the 11K course it, or go in the same direction, it will offer a chance for 11K runners to see much of the trails they will be racing on in September while offering a great supported trail run!
  • Aid Station: Andesite Summit | 1.9 Miles | Stocked with water, snacks, and Skratch Nutrition products | Cutoff at 12:45
Lone Peak Climb and Descent | 8.4 Miles | 4,250 ft of elevation gain  
  • Route Description: This route showcases arguably the most challenging sections of the Rut 28K and 50K – the Lone Peak climb and descent.  The route will climb directly to the summit of Lone Peak from the Big Sky base area, effectively following the Rut VK course. Runners can fill up on fluid and food at the summit aid station before beginning the long descent down the backside of Lone Peak and wrapping back around to the front side of the mountain. The course follows the 50K and 28K course until they climb up Andesite mountain. Instead, runners will hoof it the .5 miles back to the Big Sky Resort base area.
  • Aid Station: Lone Peak Summit | 2.9 Miles | Stocked with water, snacks, and Skratch Nutrition products | Cutoff at 11:30 AM
Lone Peak Climb and Descent, and Andesite Zone | 13.4 Miles | 5,689 ft of elevation gain 
  • Route Description: This route is a meld of both the short and medium courses. It will highlight the Lone Peak climb and descent sections of the 28K and 50K and also will provide extra training miles by including a climb and descent of Andesite Mountain.  The climb of Andesite will not be the exact same as the Rut 28K and 50K courses but will again offer a great training stimulus and offer the chance to get familiar with the Andesite zone before race day.
  • Aid Stations:
    • Lone Peak Summit | 2.9 Miles | Stocked with water, snacks, and Skratch Nutrition products | Cutoff at 11:30 AM
    • Andesite Summit | 9.2 Miles | Stocked with water, snacks, and Skratch Nutrition products | Cutoff at 12:45 PM
Course Marking:

The routes will all be marked with Rut-branded pin flags.

Mandatory Gear for Lone Peak Section:

If you sign up for the 8.5 or 13.5-mile route going over Lone Peak you must carry the 28K mandatory gear kit.  This consists of a waterproof and breathable rain jacket, at least 16 oz of water-carrying capacity, and a space blanket. You can learn more about our mandatory and suggested kits here.

Big Sky Resort Lodging Discounts

We have partnered with our host venue Big Sky Resort to offer Rut Training Run participants a lodging special over our Training Run Weekend. You can book online and receive the training camp lodging discount here.

Getting to and from Big Sky

If you are traveling from out of state, we recommend flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport approximately a one-hour drive from Big Sky Resort.

Training Runs Course Maps

13.5 Mile Lone Peak & Andesite Course

8.5 Mile Lone Peak Course

6 Mile Andesite Course

Thank you to our generous Rut partners!

The North Face logo
Sapphire Physical Therapy logo
Big Sky Resort logo
YETI logo
Black Roasting Coffee Co. logo
Darn Tough logo
Currex Insole logo

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