Hey Rut Runners. We've got some important info and updates for you so read below! Most importantly, please review our wave start formats this year to limit congestion at the start line and on course.

Also, you should all be putting the final touches on your training build for your Rut race. Great work! It has no doubt been a long road for many of you since you first signed up in 2020 or earlier this year. Take a moment to appreciate how far you have come. With race day fast approaching it's important to remember this is an opportunity to celebrate all the work you have put in and the sacrifices you have made to get to the startline. We can't wait to support you in the journey and celebrate with you along the way!
2021 Wave Start Format
To limit congestion at the start line, we will have a 5-minute rolling start window for our VK, and three waves of 5-minute rolling start windows for our 11K, 28K, and 50K this year. (A rolling start means that you can begin anytime within the 5-minute window of each wave.)

We did not offer wave options when you registered for the Rut, therefore, you must self-select and join the appropriate wave on race day.

If you hope to be in the first third of finishers, please join Wave 1, in the second third of finishers, wave 2, and the last third, wave 3. Self-selecting appropriately reduces unnecessary passing on the trail.

Lastly, overall awards and prize money will be based on the time from when the gun goes off with the first wave. Age group awards will be based on chip timing.
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Virtual Rut Prep Night Recording
Thanks to all who joined for our virtual prep night last week. If you were not able to tune in you can watch the webinar by clicking HERE
Reminder: we are a cupless event
After going through 12,000 cups in 2018 we decided it was time to join the growing list of races who are no longer providing disposable cups at their aid stations.

This means that we will not have cups for you at the aid stations or finish line of your race. Rut Runners must carry their own water bottles, bladders, or reusable cups to get fluids on the course.

In addition to water and Skratch drink, we offer soda and even hot broth at some of our 50K aid stations. If you desire to take in these fluids we highly recommend you bring a collapsible cup. We are not giving runners any collapsible cups in 2021 and they must be provided by each participant.

Good collapsible cup options include the Hydrapak Speedcup (pictured), or you can even cut the bottom half off of a plastic water bottle for a cheaper alternative.

Either way, having a cup for liquids that you won’t be putting into your bladder or bottles is a great idea!
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28K and 50K Swiftcurrent Aid Station is moving locations (1/4 Mile)
Due to construction at the top of the Swiftcurrent Lift we have opted to move our Swiftcurrent Aid Station down into the bowl for more space. This will put the aid station 1/4 Mile earlier in both the 28K and 50K routes. There will be no changes to cut offs.
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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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.
Sponsor Spotlight


We are so excited to welcome Skratch Labs as our exclusive nutrition partner of the Rut. Skratch focuses on real foods and using ingredients that serve a specific purpose to help you perform better. Whether you are using their drink mixes, chomping down one of their unique and tasty energy bars, or cooking something from their Feed Zone cookbook, we know that Skratch Labs has the right product to help you perform your best. If you live in Montana, swing by The Runner’s Edge in Missoula, or Bozeman Running Co. in Bozeman to get your hand on some Skratch goodies for all your training and recovery nutritional needs.
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ZillaState is a small brokerage located in Missoula, Montana. Their associates are dedicated to helping you with all your real estate needs in Missoula, Bozeman, and western Montana. They specialize in residential and commercial property sales and purchases. They work with clients to identify and present the best solutions to their real estate needs. Lastly, they are with you every step of the way, taking time to explain the process and potential outcomes of your real estate transaction.

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