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.

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.

Course Details

• Remote and Technical: 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.
• Access: No part of the route can be accessed by a road.
• Supplies: All supplies, including water, are hauled to Aid Stations through human volunteering.

Volunteering

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.

• Incentives: Our registration process is designed to reward and incentivize volunteering for this event.
• Lottery System: Anybody seeking to register for this event must submit an application to our lottery.
• Notification: All applicants will be notified of their status before the close of May.
• Wait List: Note: we do not use a "Wait List".

Registration Process

(See the Registration Process page for more details.)

• Limited Participants: The number of participants is limited to 250, as per the permit we receive from the US Forest Service.
• Fair Participation: We developed an application process intended to offer broad participation in this special event while also rewarding volunteering.
• No Refunds: If a registered participant cancels their participation in the race after they sign up, they will not be granted a refund.
• Cut-off Times: We impose cut-off times at various checkpoints throughout the route.

Pre-Race Meeting

Participants, especially first-timers, are strongly advised to attend the pre-race meeting which will be held at 5:30pm the Friday before the Start.

• Conditions: Up-to-date conditions and weather predictions will be discussed.
• Route Description: The meeting will include a description of the route.
• Race Rules: Overview of race rules, including disqualification policies.
• Logistics: Discussion of race-day logistics and 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.

• Transport: Each participant must arrange their own transport to the Start Line.
• Parking: Participants are encouraged to park at HRDC and self-organize carpooling to the Start Line.
• Start Waves: Participants will be grouped into Start Waves, each spaced 5 minutes apart.
• Finishing Time: Each participant's finishing time will be recorded according to when their assigned wave starts.

Route Description

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

• Starting Point: The route begins at Fairy Lake parking area (elevation 7,600').
• Mountain Peaks: The route includes climbs to prominent peaks like Sacagawea and Saddle Peak.
• Aid Stations: Several Aid Stations are positioned throughout the course.
• Cut-off Times: Participants must reach specific checkpoints before designated cut-off times to remain in the race.

Finish Area

The Finish Line is at the Fish Hatchery, by the Drinking Horse Trailhead.

• Post-Race Support: Participants will find a medical team, snacks, and aid at the Finish Area.
• Awards: Awards will be given to top three overall finishers in each gender category.
• Finish Area Activities: Everyone is invited to hang around for BBQ, beverages, and good spirits.
• Shuttle Service: A shuttle bus will operate between the Finish Area and HRDC.

Results

Muddy Dog Sports does the timing for the race. Results can be found on My Race Results.