Yellowstone Gateway 30K

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

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

🌄 General Description

This race, renowned for its unique beauty, spans just over 18 miles. It starts at the 2024 MICHELIN Guide awarded Sage Lodge trails, with a 10-mile climb that steadily increases in steepness, followed by an exhilarating 8-mile downhill that gradually eases in gradient. The entire course is off-road, with no pavement in sight. Instead, participants traverse a mix of trails, gravel roads, USFS dirt roads, and scree-covered jeep paths. The upper elevations in Emigrant Gulch are an out and back, and the rest of the race is point to point. The initial miles take runners through the rolling grasslands of the Paradise Valley foothills, near the Yellowstone River. From there, they ascend a deep gorge alongside the rushing Emigrant Creek, reaching a high point 2,609 feet above the starting elevation. At the high aid station, turn and take in stunning views of Emigrant Peak and the Snowy Block Mountains of the Western Beartooths. The course then makes a wild descent along Emigrant Creek, passing through the historic mining settlement of Old Chico. The race concludes on foothill trails, finishing at the legendary and renowned Chico Hot Springs Resort.

📍 Race Details

• Start Location: Sage Lodge.
• Historic Sites: Pass by the historic Chico Cemetery and Yellowstone City gold settlement.
• Wet Feet: Expect to get wet crossing Emigrant Creek and the East Fork of Emigrant Creek.
• Elevation: Varies from 4,966 feet at the start to 7,618 feet at the highest aid station.

🎫 Packet Pick-Up

• Early Pickup: Usually announced closer to race day in Livingston.
• Race Day: Sunday (9/21) 7:30 AM-8:45 AM at Sage Lodge Mud Room.

💧 Nutrition and Aid Stations

There are three aid stations on the 30K course. Each aid station will be stocked with water, Tailwind Nutrition Fuel drink, gels, and various standard trail food. Pack your own nutrition if you have specific needs. This is a cup-less race so you must bring your own bottle or bladder for water/Tailwind, and we recommend wearing a trail running vest or waist pack to carry your bottles, layers, and snacks.

⏱️ Cutoff Times

Cutoff times are established for the consideration of our volunteers, but they are generous, allowing participants to average 20-minute miles, equivalent to a fast hike, and adjusted for climbing and descending pace.

🛠️ Safety Precautions

Running downhill on steep rocky slopes can be hazardous and you can roll an ankle or take a fall. Emigrant Creek is ankle to shin deep at the crossing and while the current won’t wash you away, the rocks are slick underfoot and you could fall. Check the Point forecast for Emigrant Gulch frequently as race day approaches for the latest forecasts. This is not a closed course and there may be off road vehicle users recreating in the Gulch. Please exhibit mutual courtesy.

♻️ Sustainability Commitment

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

🚧 Course Markings

The course will be well marked with flags, cones, and paint. Race volunteers will be at critical junctions to ensure that no one makes a wrong turn.

👟 Shoes and Terrain

The upper part of the course is very rocky and uneven in places. Trail shoes are the best choice. If you like poles, they will assist on the steep uphill and downhill sections, but they are not required.

🐻 Bear Safety

There will be a lot of runners and volunteers and some machines on the course which is a deterrent to bears. You may wish to carry bear spray in your pack or hand for protection in some upper sections that are less frequented by humans, but it is not required.

🚐 Parking and Shuttle

Due to limited parking at the start, we encourage you to take the free and short shuttle from Chico to Sage Lodge before the race. Parking for the shuttle is at the “Field of Dreams” parking lot above the Day Spa at Chico Hot Springs.

🎒 Drop Bag Transport

Participants are encouraged to bring a bag to drop at the start. Please write your name and phone number on your drop bag.

🏅 Prizes

Everyone will receive a Yellowstone Gateway 30K hat with the Lynx logo. Awards will be given for top three male and female finishers, 1st male and female masters, and first place male and female age group winners.

👥 Support and Spectating

We encourage spectators to cheer for family and friends on the course. For safety reasons, please do not attempt to drive vehicles up the Gulch.

🔚 Opting Out

If you pick up a packet but don't run, please inform a volunteer or the race director at 406-548-1249. If you drop out, you must inform a volunteer.

🍔 Post-Race Activities

Afterward, runners can relax at Chico Hot Spring’s lawn with a beer and lunch provided by Chico Hot Springs. All finishers and volunteers get a free swim pass!

📜 History

This area has a long and fascinating history related to indigenous peoples and mining. In 2014, a Canadian mining company threatened Emigrant Gulch with an industrial size gold mine, which was ultimately halted by a community effort leading to the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, protecting the area in perpetuity.

📧 More Information

More information and updates will be emailed to registered participants prior to race day and also posted on the Yellowstone Gateway 30K Facebook page or contact the Race Director at bl2deyoung@gmail.com.

For more details and registration, visit Yellowstone Gateway 30K.