Rut Trifecta 82.5K
50K28K2-8M
The Rut Mountain Runs
Sep 10, 2026
MontanaA Three Day Montana Mountain Running Celebration
Overview
The Rut is a three–day mountain running celebration in Big Sky, Montana, with courses that climb into real alpine terrain. Expect airy ridgelines, fast descents, and the thrill of topping out near the iconic summit of Lone Peak before racing back to the village energy. It is big, beautiful country with big, beautiful effort to match.
Choose your challenge: a lung–punching VK, quad–testing 11K and 21K, the technical 28K and the legendary 50K. Wave starts keep the flow clean, aid stations are lively, and the finish line scene feels like a mountain festival with friends you just met. The 2025 edition is sold out, which tells you everything about the stoke this weekend brings.
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Aid Stations
Aid is classic mountain–race style with water, Skratch hydration and chews, sweet and salty snacks, first aid, and an energetic crew. The event is cupless, so bring a bottle or cup.
Logistics
Schedule
Thursday
4:00PM-7:00PM | Early packet pickup for all distances at Vista Hall. Merchandise store open.
Friday
8:00AM-11:00AM | VK, 21K, Trifecta packet pickup at Vista Hall
10:00AM | VK mass start
11:00AM-11:35AM | 21K wave starts
11:45AM-6:00PM | Runt Run, 11K, 28K, 50K packet pickup
10:00AM-5:00PM | Scenic lifts open to public with ticket
2:00PM | VK awards
4:00PM | 21K awards
5:00PM | Shake–out run from The North Face tent
5:45PM-6:45PM | Happy Hour at The North Face tent
Saturday
6:30AM-7:45AM | 28K packet pickup
8:00AM-8:20AM | 28K wave starts
10:00AM-6:00PM | Runt Run, 11K, 50K packet pickup
4:00PM | 28K awards
4:45PM | Runt Run 1K
5:15PM-6:15PM | Happy Hour in the plaza
Sunday
5:00AM-5:45AM | 50K and 11K packet pickup
6:00AM-6:25AM | 50K wave starts
7:30AM-8:05AM | 11K wave starts
10:00AM | 11K awards
6:30PM | 50K and Trifecta awards
7:00PM | 50K course closes
8:00PM-11:00PM | Rut After Party Times and locations per the official schedule and Big Sky Resort event listing
Bib Pickup
Packet pickup is offered Thursday evening, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday by distance at Vista Hall in the Big Sky Resort Base Area. A government–issued photo ID is required. If you can, use the Thursday window to avoid Friday congestion
Drop Bags
All 50K runners receive a Rut drop bag for Swiftcurrent Aid Station. Drop bags are collected near the start on race morning and returned to the base area for afternoon pickup by the finish line. VK runners have a summit drop option when the tram is operating for downloads. Bags left behind after race weekend are typically donated or discarded per organizer guidance, so label clearly and retrieve promptly.
Crew & Pacers
Crewing and pacing are not allowed, but spectating is highly encouraged. Spectators can access several on–course spots via scenic lift tickets, including Swiftcurrent and Andesite for most distances. Review the Spectator Hub for lift hours, access points, and a pace–calculator tool to time your cheers.
Swag & Medals
All runners receive a 2025 Rut shirt and a gear bag. Finishers receive a unique medal. Top five overall men, women, and non-binary earn custom awards, with age-group awards across standard divisions. Cash prizes are awarded to the 50K overall podiums, including a dedicated non-binary award.
Getting There
Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), then drive approximately 45 minutes to Big Sky along US-191 through the Gallatin River Canyon. Big Sky offers shuttles and an in-town bus for easy movement between Meadow and Mountain Villages. Yellowstone National Park is about an hour away for pre or post-race adventures
Driving Directions
Start and finish in the Big Sky Resort Mountain Village Plaza: 50 Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky, MT 59716.
Parking
Follow Big Sky Resort event signage for village parking. Allow extra time during peak hours and consider shuttle options to reduce congestion. Spectators using lifts must purchase scenic lift tickets and should plan for queuing.
Lodging
Big Sky Resort offers discounted runner rates at on-site properties such as the Huntley Lodge, steps from the start and finish. Camping is not permitted on resort property; numerous Forest Service campgrounds along the Gallatin River can be reserved via recreation.gov.
Big Sky, montana
Requirements
These are true mountain courses with sections of exposure and rockfall hazard. Runners must be comfortable on steep, technical terrain and should study the course in advance. Wave starts are assigned by estimated finish times to keep the field moving smoothly.
Mandatory Gear
Mandatory for 28K and 50K: space blanket, hooded waterproof and breathable jacket, and minimum water-carry capacity specific to distance. The 50K requires a headlamp at start. VK has an inclement weather kit requirement when conditions warrant.
Required items:
28K: space blanket, waterproof hooded shell, 16oz water carry minimum
50K: space blanket, waterproof hooded shell, 32oz water carry minimum, headlamp
VK inclement weather kit as called by the race: space blanket, waterproof hooded shell Recommended items include whistle, extra calories, warm layers, gloves, rain pants, poles, sunscreen, phone with ski patrol number, reusable cup, and bear spray.
Policies
Race Policies
Charity & Beneficiary
The Rut highlights and partners with community and environmental groups, including Inclusive Outdoors Project, Big Sky SNO, and Protect Our Winters. The event reserves 100 entry spots for athletes from historically marginalized groups with an application and scholarship process, and works with Big Sky SNO to reduce event waste through education and sorting.
Land Acknowledgement
Big Sky sits on the traditional homelands of the Apsáalooke (Crow), Shoshone, and Salish peoples. The Runt Run extends the spirit of respect and celebration to the youngest members of our running community.
About The Rut Mountain Runs
The Rut Mountain Runs bring the thrill of global-class trail racing to the wild heart of Montana. Founded by ultrarunners Mike Foote and Mike Wolfe, this weekend festival of mountain running combines serious alpine adventure with a playful, community-first spirit. Lone Peak at Big Sky Resort provides a rugged and dramatic backdrop where runners test their grit on steep ridges, exposed alpine sections, and wild terrain, while spectators and volunteers bring unmatched energy to the experience.
The Rut is not just about racing; it’s about celebration. Expect elk bugles at the start line, free mullets at the finish, tattoos for the bold, and prize money in $1 bills. With distances from the VK to the 50K, plus the Trifecta challenge for those who want it all, there’s something here for every mountain runner. More than 4,500 runners and thousands of spectators now gather each year, making The Rut one of North America’s most iconic and electric trail running weekends.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information on Kåduka, but details may change. Please always confirm the latest information on the official race website. See something that needs correcting? Send us a note at feedback@kaduka.app