Bridger Ridge Run

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

The Ed Anacker Bridger Ridge Run is a remote and aesthetic ~20 mile foot-race along the crest of the Bridger Mountains, near Bozeman in Southwest Montana. It is a not-for-profit event enabled by about as many volunteers as participants.

🌟 Club Sponsorship

The Bridger Ridge Run is put on & sponsored by the Big Sky Wind Drinkers, which is a premier running club for runners of all ages and abilities. Some videos, photos, and history of this event can be found on this Big Sky Wind Drinkers webpage.

🗻 Remote and Technical Course

• Challenging Terrain: Essentially the entire route involves unstable footing, challenging ascents, brutal descents, and unpredictable weather along an exposed ridge.
• Experience Required: Experience with mountain running is important.
• Limited Access: No part of the route can be accessed by a road.
• Participant Supplies: All supplies, including water, are hauled to Aid Stations through human volunteering.

Note: the race is "cupless" (ie, Aid Stations will not have cups). We expect each participant to carry a water vessel, which can be filled at each Aid Station.

🤝 Volunteering Opportunities

This entire event is enabled through volunteer effort. We offer a diversity of volunteering opportunities -- some well in advance of the event, and some during the event. Check out our Volunteer page for specific opportunities.

• Community Involvement: Our registration process is designed to reward and incentivize volunteering for this event.
• Lottery Application: Anyone seeking to register for this event must submit an application to our lottery.
• No Wait List: Note: we do not use a "Wait List".
• Communication: We expect registered participants to receive and read periodic emails with detailed instructions, information, and policies about the event.

📝 Registration Process

The number of participants is limited to 250, as per the permit we receive from the US Forest Service. We developed an application process intended to offer broad participation in this special event while also rewarding volunteering, local non-profit organizations, and general commitment to our community.

• Application Requirement: If an applicant is not selected through the lottery process, their card will not be charged.
• Notification Timeline: All applicants will be notified of their status before the close of May, shortly after the registration window closes.
• Email Updates: Registered participants will receive periodic emails with more information about the event.
• Fees and Refunds: If a registered participant cancels their participation in the race after they sign up, they will not be granted a refund.

🚫 Cancellation Policies

This event is committed to complying with governmental guidelines. For instance, we may impose strict rules of participation or cancel the event altogether due to a forest fire or due to CDC guidelines. If, for some reason, we cancel the race, registered participants will have these options:

1. “Roll-over” their registration to the following year.
2. Donate their registration fee (and still get swag).
   • Note: as a non-profit event, all unused proceeds are donated to Big Sky Wind Drinkers and to the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, both of which are non-profit organizations that enable trail use and stewardship in the area, as well as other regional non-profit organizations.

📅 Pre-Race Meeting

Participants, especially first-timers, are strongly advised to attend the pre-race meeting which will take place at 5:30pm the Friday before the Start at the Fish Hatchery (ie, Finish Line, near the Drinking Horse Trailhead). This meeting will cover all sorts of specific information, including the following:

• Current Conditions: Up-to-date conditions and weather prediction, including lightning hazard discussions.
• Route Overview: Description of the route, and answers to questions or concerns thereabout.
• Rules and Policies: Race rules, including disqualification policies.
• Logistics: Discussion of race-day logistics, including how to arrive at the Start Line.

🚥 Start Line Logistics

The race starts at 6:30am at the Fairy Lake Trailhead, which is a 45-minute drive from the Finish, the final 25 minutes of which is along a dirt road requiring a high-clearance vehicle.

Transport Arrangements: Each participant must arrange their own transport to the Start Line. There is no shuttle to or from the Start Line or Finish Line.

• Drop-Bag Service: We provide a drop-bag service from the Start Line to the Finish Line.
• Parking Recommendations: All participants are encouraged to park their vehicles at the Fairgrounds and self-organize carpooling to the Start Line.
• Start Waves: Registered participants will be grouped into Start Waves, each spaced 5 minutes apart.
• Wave Assignments: Such wave assignments will be announced to registered participants by email and posted on the official page.

📏 Route Description

Here is a link to a downloadable GPS file of the route, including aid stations and other information.

• Starting Point: The route embarks from Fairy Lake parking area (elevation 7,600'), which is forested.
• Key Elevations: The route continues along the ridge up to Sacagawea peak (elevation 9,650') with a minimal Aid Station with water only.
• Technical Sections: The route continues to be rocky, sometimes braided, and difficult to follow precisely.
• Cut-Off Times: Any participant who arrives at one of these spots after its accompanying cut-off time is automatically disqualified.

🏁 Finish Area

The Finish Line is at the Fish Hatchery, by the Drinking Horse Trailhead, which is across the highway from the M Trailhead.

• Directions: Participants will be directed from the M Trailhead through the Drinking Horse tunnel to the Fish Hatchery.
• Post-Race Amenities: The Finish Area will have a medical team, snacks, and aid for participants.
• Awards Distribution: Awards will be given to top three overall finishers in each gender category, as well as in each 10-year age division.
• Shuttle Service: A shuttle bus will be operating roughly 9am-4:30pm to take participants and supporters between the Finish Area and the Fairgrounds Park Ride Lot.

📊 Results

Muddy Dog Sports does the timing for the race.

Results