Greetings Rut Runners. We are just one month out from race weekend and the excitement is high here at Rut Headquarters. Just last weekend we shared the Rut course with a couple hundred folks at our Rut Training Runs. It felt so good to be back on Lone Peak! We hope training is going well for you all and that you are feeling more and more prepared for your Rut event(s). In the theme of preparation, we are hosting our Virtual Rut Prep Night next Tuesday to help you with any last-minute questions or concerns. Read below for more details!

Additionally, we are excited to announce a recommended kit for the 2021 Rut Mountain Runs. Running in the mountains is inherently a risky endeavor and it is incumbent upon each Rut Runner to help us build a culture of safety at our event. Carrying the appropriate gear to increase your capacity for safety is a big step in the right direction. Please read below to learn more.
Virtual Rut Prep Night
Aug. 10 @ 6PM MST
Join us for our Virtual Rut Prep Night next Tuesday, August 10th at 6 PM MST to go over all things Rut. We will cover the courses in detail, discuss aid stations, tapering strategies, common mistakes at Rut races, our new recommended kit, and more. We will reserve ample time for a Q&A as well. So please save the date and join us via this Zoom webinar link at 6PM MST next Tuesday.
Recommended Equipment for the 2021 Rut Mountain Runs
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 our participants out of their comfort zone, their safety is always our number one priority.  

In light of the recent tragedy at a mountain running event in China, where 21 athletes passed away due to exposure to extreme elements, we have revisited what we are doing at the Rut to keep runners safe and set up for success on race day.

One of the best ways Rut Runners can increase their capacity to stay safe is by carrying the appropriate equipment during the race to maintain larger margins for safety in the event of extreme weather, etc. With this in mind please see below for our highly recommended equipment for the 2021 Rut.

Highly Recommended Equipment for the 2021 Rut Mountain Runs:

VK:
  • Space blanket – The last line of defense should weather move in unexpectedly while exposed and on the alpine ridge or summit of Lone Peak

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.
  • Hooded jacket with breathable waterproof membrane – Essential in protecting you from the elements.
  • Whistle – In an emergency, you can bring attention to yourself.
  • 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.
  • Hooded jacket with breathable waterproof membrane – Essential in protecting you from the elements.
  • Whistle – In an emergency, you can bring attention to yourself.
  • 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 Gear:

  • 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 almost all of 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.
Runt Run 1K
Registration is open for the 2021 Rut Runts Run! We will have four wave starts based on age to limit congestion. Also, the oldest Runts will race first and the youngest last to limit passing on the course. While this event is FREE, all Runts must register to participate.
Volunteer at The Rut
We need your help! Without the hundreds of volunteers we have over race weekend we could not provide the world-class experience our Rut Runners have come to expect. Would you (or perhaps your friends and family joining you) be able to help us out this year? We have many opportunities available; from help with packet pick up, to aid station duties, to course clean up.

Also, if you are a medical professional and would like to volunteer with our amazing medical team please reach out to our Medical Director Dr. Jesse Coil at jesse.coil@bigskyresort.com to learn more about various medical volunteer opportunities.
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Sponsor Spotlight

Bozeman’s one-stop-shop for all things running. The Bozeman Running Company continues to show support for great events in their area. If you are running the Rut this year, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at BRC are happy to get you outfitted with the right gear and talk training and nutrition with you as you get ready for the big day.
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Sapphire Physical Therapy is a physical therapist-owned and operated PT clinic specializing in running injury treatment and prevention. They offer progressive PT treatments which are based on science and proven on the trails. 

To say Sapphire PT supports trail our Montana running community is an understatement. Owner and clinician, John Fiore is a serious endurance athlete and gets what it takes to lead an active and injury-free lifestyle. If you need the tools to stay healthy, rebound from injury or prevent further injuries, Sapphire PT in Missoula is the place to go!

The Rut is one of the many RE Events organized in Western Montana each year. We invite you to check out our other 2021 races!
Thank You Rut Partners!
The Rut Mountain Runs | Website