WILL YOU SERVE GATORADE AT YOUR AID STATIONS? No, the electrolyte replacement drink for all races is Hammer HEED – with some stations serving orange flavor and some serving lemon-lime Strawberry. Additionally, most full aid stations will have Coke, ginger-ale, Sprite and Mt Dew. Please note that due to logistics, some stations are self-sufficient will only have water (#3, #6, #8) – these are listed clearly on the race maps and no volunteers or medical staff will be present at these stations.
DO I NEED TO CARRY A WATER BOTTLE? Yes, every particpant, and pacer, must carry a water bottle or hydration bladder for the entire event. While the aid stations are relatively close in distance, the steep and/or rolling terrain adds a lot of time to everyone’s per mile pace, and the entire course is above 6,700'. You will be able to fill your bottle or hydration bladder at each station, if you choose.
WHAT FOOD WILL BE AT THE AID STATIONS? Not every station will stock all of the following, but you can expect to see some of the following at each of the fully staffed aid station (and not at the self-sufficient, water only stops at the Cat Ski Area or Rick's Basin): chips, fruit (oranges, bananas), pretzels, hard candy, candy bars, crackers, fig newtons, boiled potatoes, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, a small selection of Hammer gels… and later in the day some stations will have, chicken broth, soup, and hot water.
CAN I RUN WITH MUSIC / AN MP3 PLAYER? Yes, all runners are allowed to carry a personal music player with headphones, however, we ask that you keep the volume to a minimum so you are not startled if someone passes you or if someone needs to get your attention. The trails are open to the general public, including mountain bikers and horseback riders. Additonally, there is wildlife all over the region so you should be aware of your surroundings.
WHERE DO I LEAVE MY DROP BAG(S)? All marathon runners and ultramarathon runners are allowed to store one drop bag at the Base Area/Main Aid Station located at the Start/Finish Line. (You will pass through this aid station three times on the loop course.) Drop bags (for all three events) can be left at this Aid Station on the morning of the race. There will be a sign or race volunteer directing you to the proper location, which will be next to the Base Aid Station tent. All drop bags MUST be clearly labeled with the following: your name, race number, as well as BASE AID STATION. The bags will be separated, according to event, and arranged in numerical order at the aid station. Drop bags for Aid Station #4/ 11.3 miles (ultramarathons only) should be ready by 6am on Saturday morning. We will provide the drop off location during race check-in on Friday. Again, please have your bags properly labeled and try to keep them as small as possible, and no larger than an airline carry on.
PACERS / CAN I HAVE A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER RUN SECTIONS OF THE COURSE WITH ME? Pacers are only allowed for runners over 60 years of age. Due to our special use trail permit we are required to follow certain rules and regulations set out by the US Forest Service. Unfortunately, if everyone utilized a pacer we would be out of line with our permit, so we cannot allow unofficial runners on the course. Pacers assisting runners over age 60 must sign a waiver in order to be on the course. Waiverss will be available on Saturday at the Main Aid Station. Thank you for your cooperation.
CAN I USE HIKING POLES ON THE COURSE? Not unless you are over 60 years of age or receive special permission, prior to the start of the race, from the Race Directors.
WHAT ARE THE CUT-OFF TIMES? Please see the Aid Station pages for exact time cut-offs for the ultras. The cut-offs for the Trail Marathon will follow the same cut-offs as the 50 mile race.
WILL THERE BE WILDLIFE ON THE COURSE? Most likely! The course is run completely in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, so you might see moose, cattle, marmots and perhaps a mountain lion or black or brown bear. With so many people on the trails, it is unlikely that you will encounter a bear or lion, but please be prepared if you do. We do strongly advise every competitor to carry bear spray and/or run with a bear bell while on the course. Please take a few minutes to read about Bear Encounter safety:
