The Rut Mountain Runs
Big Sky, United States • 10-13 Sep 2026
Event Overview
The Rut Mountain Runs is a multi-day trail running event held in Big Sky, Montana. The 2026 edition takes place from September 10 to 13. The event is described as a "mountain running celebration" and offers several race distances over the weekend.
Distances and Courses
The event features seven distinct courses:
- Trifecta: A combined challenge covering 52.5 miles (84 km) with 21,500 ft (6,554 m) of elevation gain/loss.
- 50K: 31 miles (50 km) with 10,500 ft (3,200 m) of gain/loss.
- 28K: 17.6 miles (28 km) with 7,800 ft (2,375 m) of gain/loss.
- 21K: 13.4 miles (21 km) with 4,000 ft (1,220 m) of gain/loss.
- 11K: 6.8 miles (11 km) with 1,700 ft (518 m) of gain/loss.
- Lone Peak Vertical Kilometer (VK): 2.85 miles (4.6 km) with 3,623 ft (1,105 m) of vertical gain.
- Runt Run: A 0.62-mile (1 km) run with 80 ft (24.39 m) of gain/loss.
Registration and Participation
The 2026 event is sold out, with no waitlist. However, registration for the free 1K Runt Run is still open. The organization runs an entry application in partnership with the Inclusive Outdoors Project, reserving 100 spots for individuals from historically marginalized groups.
Additional Information
The event includes a schedule of community nights. An official event guide, the Lone Peak Ledger, is available. Organizers provide a free app called Endurance HQ for participants. The event has a "Secret Menu" of unofficial multi-race challenges, such as "The 99" (21K + 28K + 50K) or "The Hustle" (VK followed by the 21K). Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.