Bridger Ridge Run

Event 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.

Sponsors

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.

• Media: Some videos, photos, and history of this event can be found on this Big Sky Wind Drinkers webpage.

Course Information

Remote and Technical!

Essentially the entire route involves unstable footing, challenging ascents, brutal descents, and unpredictable weather along an exposed ridge. 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.
• Tracking: Aid Stations will carefully track each participant's progress, and will have limited medical teams, supplies, and snacks.
• Water Policy: The race is "cupless" (i.e., Aid Stations will not have cups). Participants must carry a water vessel.

Volunteering

This entire event is enabled through volunteer effort.

• Opportunities: We offer a diversity of volunteering opportunities -- some well in advance of the event, and some during the event.
• Registration Incentives: Our registration process is designed to reward and incentivize volunteering for this event.
• Community Commitment: Volunteering within a given season is a promising way to all-but-ensure entry into the following season's event.
• Details: Check out our Volunteer page for specific opportunities.

Registration Process

(See the Registration Process page for more details.)

• Participant Limit: The number of participants is limited to 250, as per the permit we receive from the US Forest Service.
• Application: Anyone seeking to register for this event must submit an application to our lottery.
• Lottery Notification: All applicants will be notified of their status before the close of May, shortly after the registration window closes.
• No Wait List: Note: we do not use a "Wait List".

Cancellation Policies

If, for any reason, a registered participant cancels their participation in the race after they sign up, they will not be granted a refund.

• Event Compliance: This event is committed to complying with governmental guidelines.
• Cancellation Options: If the event is canceled, registered participants have options to “roll-over” their registration or donate their registration fee.
• Donation Purpose: All unused proceeds are donated to Big Sky Wind Drinkers and to the Gallatin Valley Land Trust.
• For the Community: Both organizations enable trail use and stewardship in the area.

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 (Finish Line, near the Drinking Horse Trailhead).

• Weather Update: Up-to-date conditions and weather prediction, including lightning hazards.
• Route Description: Discussion about the route, including questions or concerns.
• Race Rules: Explanation of race rules, including disqualification policies.
• Logistics: Discussion of race-day logistics, including arrival information.

Start Line Logistics

The race starts at 6:30am at the Fairy Lake Trailhead, which requires a high-clearance vehicle.

• Transportation: Each participant must arrange their own transport to the Start Line.
• Carpooling: Participants are encouraged to park at the Fairgrounds and carpool to the Start Line.
• Drop-Bag Service: We provide a drop-bag service from the Start Line to the Finish Line.
• Start Waves: Registered participants will be grouped into Start Waves, each spaced 5 minutes apart.

Route Description

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

• Elevation: The route starts at Fairy Lake parking area (elevation 7,600') and climbs to Sacagawea peak (elevation 9,650').
• Trail Conditions: The route follows a vaguely defined trail that is steep, rocky, and exposed.
• Cut-off Times: Any participant who arrives at the designated spots after certain cut-off times will be disqualified.
• Drop-Out Procedure: If a participant drops out, they must do so at an Aid Station and notify the Aid Station Lead.

Finish Area

The Finish Line is at the Fish Hatchery, with snacks and aid for participants available.

• Awards: Awards will be given to top finishers in each gender category and each age division.
• Celebration: Everybody is invited to hang out in the Finish Area where good food and good spirits can be found.
• Transportation: A shuttle bus will operate to transport between the Finish Area and the Fairgrounds Park & Ride Lot.

Results

Muddy Dog Sports handles the timing for the race.

• Official Results: Results can be found on My Race Results.

Event Date

The event is scheduled for 2026-08-15 at Fairy Lake Trailhead, Bozeman, MT.

For more information, visit this link.