RACE INFO

MT. SENTINEL

February 11th, 2023

Race Format

Complete as many laps on Mt. Sentinel as possible! Whether it’s one lap or a dozen, test yourself and have a blast on Missoula’s favorite mountain and most popular trail while taking a stand in the fight for improved air quality.

Friday, February 10th

  • 12:00pm – 6:00pm, packet pickup in Runner’s Edge basement (12hr runners MUST pickup packet on Friday)

Saturday, February 11th

  • 6:00am – 12 hr start (MUST pickup packet on Friday)
  • 12:00pm – 6 hr start (packet pickup available 1hr before start)
  • 3:00pm – 3 hr start (packet pickup available 1hr before start)
  • 6:00pm – All races finish, post-race food
  • 6:15pm – Awards

    Course

    The race begins at the M-Trail parking lot and climbs the switchbacks to the M. The route then climbed the steep Northwest Ridge Trail to the Sentinel summits (note: this is a change from 2020, when the course was an out/back up the M Trail and Boy Scout Trail). A small aid station awaits on top. Head over the summit and descend back down to the base area on the Boy Scout Trail, then the M Trail. While only 4 miles long, each lap on this classic route has ~1,900’ of elevation gain. Repeat this route as many times as possible or until you Refuse To Continue (RTC). The time of year (February!) is intentional as it coincides with reduced winter air pollution but is safely before the summer fire season.

    ***Given the time of year the route is very likely to be either muddy, icy, entirely snow-covered, or a combination of these conditions. As a result, traction devices (such as Microspikes) will be required and staying on-trail at all times will be mandatory.***

    Aid Stations

    There will be a very small aid station atop Mt. Sentinel to provide brief relief for participants. Expect some light aid station fare, hot drinks, and hot soup/broth. At the start/finish area there will be a large heated tent with a fully-stocked aid station. There will be an area to leave a drop bag with extra layers. Please bring a reusable cup/mug/plate/bowl to help us reduce our trash waste!

    Base Area Aid Station Fare:

    • Water
    • Electrolyte drink
    • Gels
    • Pretzels
    • Gummy Bears
    • M&M’s
    • Trail Mix
    • Chips
    • Oreos
    • Coke/Sprite
    • Broth/soup
    • Other solid food rotated throughout the day

    RUFA Mt. Sentinel is a cupless event! Please plan on bringing a bottle, cup, and/or mug for use at the base area (we’ll have coffee, cocoa, broth, soup, water, etc.). We will have compostable bowls and spoons, but bringing your own is STRONGLY encouraged. Thank you for your understanding.

    Location & Parking

    M-Trail Parking area at the University of Montana. Parking will be available in the lot.

    We strongly encourage all participants and volunteers to carpool, walk, or bike to the event! There will be ample parking at the M Trail trailhead for all volunteers and participants.