Yellowstone Gateway 30K

Yellowstone Gateway 30K Overview

Yellowstone Gateway 30K runners will know why “Yellowstone is more Valuable than Gold”!

General Description

• Distance: This race, renowned for its unique beauty, spans just over 18 miles.
• Elevation: Climbs 2,609 ft and descends 2,366 ft.
• Terrain: Entire course is off-road, traversing trails, gravel roads, USFS dirt roads, and scree-covered jeep paths.
• Scenic Views: Stunning views of Emigrant Peak and the Snowy Block Mountains of the Western Beartooths.

Course Details

• Start Point: Begins at the 2024 MICHELIN Guide awarded Sage Lodge trails.
• Trail Experience: Runners ascend a deep gorge alongside Emigrant Creek and descend down to historic Old Chico.
• Finish Line: Concludes at the legendary Chico Hot Springs Resort.
• Elevation Variation: From 4,966 feet at the start to 5,250 feet at the finish.

Packet Pick-Up

• Early Pickup: Location and time to be announced: usually in Livingston at the Park County Environmental Council office.
• Race Day: Sun (9/21) 7:30 AM-8:45 AM at Sage Lodge Mud Room.

Aid Stations

There are three aid stations on the 30K course, each stocked with water, Tailwind Nutrition Fuel drink, gels, and various standard trail food.

• Old Chico Aid Station: 3.8 miles from the start.
• Emigrant Gulch Aid Station: 7.0 miles.
• St. Julian Turnaround: 10 miles. Cutoff time: 12:45 pm.
• Chico Finish: 18.2 miles.

Cutoff Times

Cutoff times are established for the consideration of our volunteers, allowing participants to average 20-minute miles. Adjustments are made for climbing and descending pace.

Safety

Running downhill on steep rocky slopes can be hazardous. Emigrant Creek is ankle to shin deep at the crossing: exercise caution.

Commitment to Sustainability

• Cupless: You must bring your own cup/water bottle/hydration pack.
• Reducing Waste: Happy Trash Can will help compost and reduce our footprint at the post-race picnic.

Parking and Shuttle

Due to limited parking at Sage Lodge, we encourage using the free shuttle from Chico.

• Shuttle Times: Depart from Chico “Field of Dreams” Parking area at 7:10 am, 7:30 am, 7:50 am, 8:10 am, and 8:30 am.
• Drop Bag Transport: Participants may drop bags at the Sage Lodge start: bags will be taken to the finish line.

Post-Race

Runners can relax at Chico Hot Spring's lawn with lunch and beer provided by Chico Hot Springs. All finishers and volunteers receive a free swim pass.

History

This area has a long and fascinating history of indigenous peoples, hard rock mining, and tourism. The community has fought to protect the landscape, culminating in The Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act.

More Information

Updates will be emailed to registered participants and can also be found on the Yellowstone Gateway 30K Facebook page or by contacting the Race Director at bl2deyoung@gmail.com.

Event Information

For more details about the event, visit Yellowstone Gateway 30K.