The Rut 2025 – Big Sky
September 12 - September 14
Free
The Rut Race 2025 is part of one of the premier trail running series in the United States. As the haunting bugle of an elk echoes over a sea of racers, the start of what many call the toughest trail race in North America begins—The Rut.
Race Overview
This brutal 50K course features over 11,000 feet of vertical gain through rugged high-alpine terrain. Loose rocks, steep climbs, and constant rockfall danger make every step a challenge.
If the full 50K sounds like too much, there are “smaller” but still intense options like the 28K, 21K, 11K and Lone Peak VK. Starting from the base of Big Sky Resort, this race sends competitors—decked out in camo and blaze orange—straight up 3,466 vertical feet over three grueling miles to the summit of Lone Peak.
And when you finish? Don’t miss the one-of-a-kind first-place trophy—crafted from genuine elk hide.
The Rut Race 2025 – Event Schedule
(Event schedule subject to change – based on last year’s)
FRIDAY
- 8:00 AM-11:00 AM | VK/21K/Trifecta Packet Pickup (Photo ID required to pick up bib)
- 11:45 AM-6:00 PM | Rut Runt Run, 11K, 28K & 50K runner packet pick-up (Photo ID required to pick up bib)
- 8:30 AM-10:45 AM | VK Drop Bag drop off near check-in. Drop bags will be taken to the VK finish line at the top of Lone Peak
- 10:00 AM-5:00 PM | Swiftcurrent and Ramcharger lifts open to the public (must have scenic lift ticket)
- 10:00 AM | VK Mass Start
- 11:00 AM-11:35 AM | 21K Wave Starts (There will be 8 waves each starting 5 minutes apart)
- 2:00 PM | VK course closed
- 3:00 PM | VK awards ceremony
- 4:00 PM | 21K awards ceremony
- 6:10 PM | 21K course closed
- 5:00 PM | Join The North Face Athletes for an easy shake-out run from the North Face tent next to the Rut start line. All are welcome!
SATURDAY
- 6:30 AM-7:45 AM | 28K Packet Pick Up (Photo ID required to pick up bib)
- 8:00 AM-8:20 AM | 28K Wave Starts (There will be 5 waves each starting 5 minutes apart)
- 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Swiftcurrent lift opens to the public (must have scenic lift ticket)
- 9:30 AM-4:00 PM | Lone Peak Tram open to the public (must have scenic lift ticket with tram add on)
- 10:00 AM-5:00 PM | Ramcharger lift open to the public (must have a scenic lift ticket to ride)
- 10:00 AM | Join The North Face Athletes for an easy shake-out run and shoe demos from the North Face tent right next to the Rut start line. All are welcome!
- 10:00 AM-6:00 PM | Runt Run, 11K, & 50K Packet Pick Up (Photo ID required to pick up bib)
- 4:00 PM | 28K awards ceremony in Big Sky Resort Base Area
- 4:30 PM | 28K course closed
- 4:45 PM | Runts Run 1K in Big Sky Resort Base Area
SUNDAY
- 5:00 AM-5:45 AM | 50K & 11K packet pick-up (Photo ID required to pick up bib)
- 5:00 AM-5:45 AM | 50K drop bag drop off near Start / Finish Line.
- 6:00 AM-6:25 AM | 50K Wave Starts (There will be 6 waves each starting 5 minutes apart)
- 5:45 AM-7:15 AM | 11K packet pick-up (Photo ID required to pick up bib)
- 7:30 AM-8:05 AM | 11K Wave Starts (There will be 8 waves each starting 5 minutes apart)
- 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | Swiftcurrent Lift open to the public (must have scenic lift ticket)
- 8:15 AM-4:00 PM | Lone Peak Tram open to the public (must have scenic lift ticket with tram add on)
- 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Ramcharger Lift open to the public (must have scenic lift ticket)
- 10:00 AM | 11K awards Ceremony @ Big Sky Base Area
- 7:00 PM | 50K course officially closed
- 6:30 PM | 50K & Trifecta Awards Ceremony @ Big Sky Resort Base Area.
- 8:00 PM-11:00 PM | Rut After Party. All are welcome! (2025 Theme TBA)
