Yellowstone Gateway 30K

🏞️ General Description

• Distance: This race, renowned for its unique beauty, spans just over 18 miles.
• Course Details: It starts at the 2024 MICHELIN Guide awarded Sage Lodge trails, with a 10-mile climb followed by an exhilarating 8-mile downhill.
• Terrain: The entire course is off-road, featuring trails, gravel roads, and jeep paths.
• Scenery: Participants enjoy stunning views of Emigrant Peak and the Snowy Block Mountains of the Western Beartooths.

📍 Details

• Starting Point: At the Sage Lodge, runners will traverse double track trails, passing historic sites.
• Elevation: Varies from 4,966 feet at the start to 7,618 feet at the high aid station.
• Historic Context: The course includes the historic mining settlement of Old Chico.
• Course Features: Encounter wet crossings and steep climbs along Emigrant Creek.

🎽 Packet Pick-Up

• Early Pick-Up: Time and location will be announced closer to race day, usually in Livingston.
• Race Day: Sunday (9/21) from 7:30 AM-8:45 AM at Sage Lodge Mud Room.

🚰 Aid Stations

• Number of Stations: Three aid stations on the 30K course will be present.
• Provisions: Stocked with water, Tailwind, gels, and standard trail food.
• Preparation: This is a cup-less race, so bring your own bottle or bladder.
• Cutoff Times: Specific cutoff times are established at each station to ensure safety.

⚠️ Safety

• Hazards: Running downhill on steep rocky slopes can be hazardous.
• Environmental Conditions: Weather conditions can vary: check forecasts as race day approaches.
• Courtesy: The course is not closed, so be aware of off-road vehicles.
• Volunteers: Park County Search and Rescue will assist runners in need of help.

♻️ Our Commitment to Sustainability

• Cupless: Bring your own cup or hydration pack for the race.
• Waste Reduction: Composting efforts will be made at the post-race picnic.

🟡 Course Markings

• Navigation: The course will be well marked with flags, cones, and paint.
• Volunteers: Volunteers will be stationed at critical junctions.

🥾 Shoes, Terrain, and Equipment

• Terrain: The upper part of the course is very rocky and uneven.
• Shoe Recommendation: Trail shoes are the best choice.
• Poles: Optional for balance on steep sections and water crossings.
• Water Depth: Typically ankle to calf deep at crossing points.

🐻 Bear Spray

• Deterrent: Runners and volunteers create noise that can deter bears.
• Optional: Carry bear spray in remote sections, though not required.

🅿️ Parking

• Shuttle Recommended: Free shuttle advised from Chico to the start at Sage Lodge.
• Parking Location: Shuttle parking at "Field of Dreams" above the Day Spa at Chico Hot Springs.

🚌 Shuttle - Chico Hot Springs to Sage Lodge

• Departure Times: Shuttle bus will leave at specified times before the race.
• Announced Changes: Any schedule changes will be communicated via email prior to the race.

🛍️ Drop Bag Transport

• Drop Bags: Participants can leave a bag at the start for transport to the finish line.
• Identification: Label bags with your name and phone number.

🏆 Prizes

• Finisher Hats: Everyone receives a Yellowstone Gateway 30K hat.
• Awards: Top three male and female finishers, and age group winners will receive awards.
• Door Prizes: Random door prizes will be available at the finish line.

👥 Support and Spectating

• Encouragement: Spectators are encouraged to cheer for runners at key locations.
• Travel Safety: Do not drive vehicles in the Gulch for safety reasons.

👋 Opting Out

• Notification: Inform a volunteer if you decide not to run after packet pickup.
• Emergency Help: Request assistance with SAR if needed.

🌟 Post-Race

• Relaxation: Runners can enjoy a free lunch and beer provided by Chico Hot Springs.
• Swim Pass: All finishers and volunteers receive a free swim pass.

📜 History

• Cultural Background: The area has a rich history of indigenous peoples and mining.
• Community Efforts: Local residents fought against the industrial gold mine.
• Legislation: The Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act safeguards the area.
• Race Significance: This race celebrates community determination and love for the landscape.

📧 More Information

• Updates: Registered participants will receive emails with race day information.
• Contact: For queries, reach out to the Race Director at bl2deyoung@gmail.com.

For more details, visit the race page at Yellowstone Gateway 30K.