The Rut 50K Course Profile

Big Sky, MT, Montana

• Distance: 31 miles
• Elevation Gain: 10,500 ft
• Elevation Loss: 10,500 ft
• High Point: 11,166 ft
• Low Point: 7,500 ft
• Time Limit: 13 hours
• Month: September
• Finisher Rate: ~70%

Extreme mountain running at Big Sky Resort in Montana. The course features Class 3 scrambling, knife-edge ridgelines, and sustained above-treeline exposure. Part of the Skyrunner World Series, this is one of the most technical mountain races in North America.

Aid Stations

Name	Mile	Elevation	Crew Access	Drop Bag	Cutoff
Swiftcurrent	6	8,200 ft	No	No	—
Headwaters	12	9,800 ft	Yes	Yes	—
Moonlight	20	8,600 ft	Yes	Yes	—
Bowl	26	8,200 ft	No	No	—

Course Segments

Segment	Miles	Terrain	Difficulty	Notes
Start to Swiftcurrent	0–6	climb	moderate	Initial climb through ski area. Warm up.
Swiftcurrent to Headwaters	6–12	climb	extreme	Class 3 scrambling to Lone Peak summit area.
Headwaters to Moonlight	12–20	mixed	hard	Exposed ridgeline running. Weather can change fast.
Moonlight to Finish	20–31	descent	hard	Technical descent. Protect your quads for the final push.

View the full interactive elevation profile, 3D course flyover, and race strategy tools on HARDN.