The Rut Training Runs

Please join us in Big Sky for a chance to explore the Rut courses in a supported and non-competitive environment.  We love offering the training runs as a chance for you to get acquainted with sections of the rut course so you can feel best prepared for the challenge on race day. 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.

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025

Location: Big Sky Resort | Big Sky, Montana

Cost: $25 (Until July 29th) | $32 (July 29th – August 2nd)

REGISTER 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
• Chance to run with The North Face athletes.

Schedule 

• 7:00-9:00 am: Runner Check-in in Big Sky Resort Plaza (Next to #10 on this map)
• 8:00 am: Lone Peak and Andesite Zone 13.5 Mile Route Start
• 8:30 am: Lone Peak Climb and Descent 8.5 Mile Route Start
• 9:00 am: Andesite Zone 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, & 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 1:15 PM

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 11:15 AM
  • Shedhorn | 5.4 Miles | Stocked with water, snacks, and Skratch Nutrition products | Cutoff at 12:30 PM

Lone Peak Climb Zone and Andesite Zone | 13.2 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 11:15 AM
  • Shedhorn | 5.4 Miles | Stocked with water, snacks, and Skratch Nutrition products | Cutoff at 12:30 PM
  • Andesite Summit | 9.2 Miles | Stocked with water, snacks, and Skratch Nutrition products | Cutoff at 1:30 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

Lone Peak & Andesite Course

Lone Peak Course

Andesite Course