Hey Rut Runners. We are just a little more than 10 weeks out from the 2021 Rut Mountain Runs in Big Sky. We are cranking behind the scenes to bring you a memorable experience come this September. Of course, we hope you are also holding up your end of the bargain and training well for your event. If you haven't started yet, today is a great day to begin! Need a little motivation and guidance? Our friends at The Mountain Project have Rut training plans for purchase on their website to give you a road map towards race day.
Rut Training Runs | July 31st

Speaking of training. Don't forget our Rut Training Runs coming in late July. If you are looking for a confidence boost 5 weeks out from your race, this is a great time to get out on the course and move through the Lone Peak summit section in a relaxed atmosphere.

Also, we just learned from Big Sky Resort that due to construction on the Swiftcurrent Lift, access to the summit climb is closed this summer; however, it will be open for the training runs specifically. We hope this can be a chance for you to get up the mountain before race day!

Date: Saturday | July 31, 2021
Location: Big Sky Resort | Big Sky, Montana
Participation limit: 300
Registration Cost: $30 

Training Run Participants will enjoy:

  • A marked course to follow from start to finish.
  • Two aid stations staffed by friendly volunteers & stocked with Skratch Labs nutrition products & drinks.
  • The opportunity to experience and gain confidence in the most challenging section of the Rut 28K & 50K courses in a non-competitive atmosphere.
  • The opportunity to purchase a catered lunch from Big Sky Resort.
  • A Complimentary Big Sky Brewing Beer or Sparkling Water.
  • A Rut Mountain Runs water bottle.

Schedule:
  • 5:30 – 8:00 am: Runner Check-in | Huntley Dining Room. (See MAP)
  • 6:00 – 8:00 am: Rolling start for training runs. (Training Run participants can start anytime during this window)
  • 6:00 am -1:00 pm: Training Runs in progress.
  • 11:00 am -1:30 pm: Lunch catered by Big Sky Resort (optional purchase when registering).

Who can benefit from the training runs? 

The Rut Training Runs are open to anyone excited to follow a marked 9.2, 10.5, or 14.5-mile course on the 2nd half of the Rut 28K and 50K courses.  Rut Training Runs participants DO NOT need to be signed up for the 2021 Rut. These routes, however, are challenging in nature and are designed to prepare Rut Runners for the challenges of race day.

3 Route Options:
  • Option #1 | 9.2 Miles | 4,100 ft of elevation gain | Last part of 28K and 50K without Andesite section.
  • Option #2 | 10.5 Miles | 4,900 ft of elevation gain | Last part of 28K with Andesite section.
  • Option #3 | 14.5 Miles | 5,500 ft of elevation gain | Last part of 50K with Andesite section.
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. You can find all volunteer roles and sign up HERE.

As a small token of our gratitude, all 2021 Rut Volunteer will receive:

  • Priority registration into the 2022 Rut Mountain Runs.
  • A Rut Volunteer Triblend T-shirt from The North Face.
  • A Rut Race Edition Drop Bag.
  • Race weekend snacks
  • A scenic lift ride pass for Big Sky Resort lifts.
  • Complimentary Big Sky Brewing beverage.
  • The priceless experience of supporting Rut Runners in the life-changing experience of completing their Rut Mountain Runs race.
Transportation to Big Sky Resort

We hope many of you have solidified your travel plans for race weekend. If not, we suggest you do so as soon as possible.

With the decreased availability of rental cars nationwide, below are some helpful links for transportation to and from the Bozeman airport, and around Big Sky.
Sponsor Spotlight
Trail and ultrarunning can take a big toll on your feet and our newest partner, Sidas, is here to help you keep those tootsies happy. The Sidas 3Feet Run Protect insole is the perfect option for runners who prefer long distances on rugged terrain. The gel heel pad provides exceptional shock absorption while the front pad boosts forefoot propulsion. Together they allow for maximum comfort and protection with each stride.


Getting prepared for a race that goes up, down, and around a mountain like Lone Peak is no small feat. Theragun's percussive therapy can keep your body happy when the training and terrain begin to ramp up along with the demands on your body.
The battery life of a Coros watch lasts so long you frequently forget where you put your charger. Seriously. Also, their incredibly accurate GPS data and fitness tracking keeps you on track in the hills and with your training.

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