Race the Wolf: Half Marathon
Course Description
Race the Wolf’s trail half marathon takes runners on a broad loop around Schweitzer Mountain through pleasant subalpine forest and along cruisy two-track before climbing sharply up to the ridge and then descending on sweeping mountain bike trails to the finish line. This is a challenging course. Do not overestimate your conditioning or underestimate the course! But we have designed it so that it’s achievable.
Terrain:
40% single track
48% two-track road
12% off-trail
The Climb:
The Little Blue Ridge climb is off-trail on an uneven with surface with some rocks and small woody shrubs, but primarily clumped beargrass. Poles aren’t necessary but they’ll help. Important: Runners will reach the Little Blue Ridge climb by mid- to late morning, but if it’s a hot day expect to feel it on the ascent. There is no shade until you begin the descent toward the finish line. Plan on 1.5–2 hours to climb from the Outback to Sky House aid station, so be sure to refill on water and snacks before ascending. Likewise, if weather is inclement you’ll be subject to rain and wind for the entire 2.5 miles. Have weather-appropriate layers ready, and refill on snacks before ascending.
Race Day
Athletes will receive an email with check-in times, race day details and final instructions video. It is the athlete’s responsibility to read the instructions and watch the video.
Check-in is in Schweitzer Village on race morning. Times and details are in the final instructions.
Athlete Responsibility
It is the responsibility of all participants to read all emails and/or watch all videos posted with race updates and final race day instructions (check. your. spam. folder.). We send final instructions about two weeks before race day.
These races will be held rain or shine.
Course Map
Distance: 13.25 miles
Elevation gain: 3,009’
The trail half marathon does a single loop around Schweitzer Mountain, and shares the course with the Marathon.
You can also view the half marathon course on MapMyRun.
Aid Stations
Mile 6.8 Outback - Water, soda, minimal food. Bathroom.
Mile 9.4 Sky House - Water, soda, food. Bathroom.
Cutoff Times
Cutoff times are firm. Do not argue with any volunteer or ski patrol personnel. You must LEAVE the aid stations by the cutoff times listed.
4:00 pm - Mile 9.3 Sky House.
5:00 pm - Finish line closes. You must finish by this time to have an official finish. This is an average pace of 38 min/mile for 13.25 miles.
Spectator Access
We love spectators! The easiest places to watch your competitors are:
Near the Clock Tower, where you’ll see the race start and finish.
Near the Sky House, approximately Mile 9.3. Hike-in, or buy a day lift pass.
Course description, long version
Courses will be heavily marked with obvious directional signs and flagging tape. Be sure to read and watch this year’s final instructions, so you know which color flagging to follow.
Runners need to self-support between aid stations. Carry a pack, hand-helds or belt.
Backside loop: From the start line, go past Horse Corral and in a short distance take a left on Upper Grrrr to Huckleberry Ridge. Follow flagging and signs.
At 2 miles you will hit a dirt road. Go right 50 yards, then go left on Cloudwalker (Service Road).
Take this to the second trail on the right (unsigned) this runs parallel to the service road. Once you reach the service road again, stay on it 3.8 miles to the Outback Aid Station Three at Mile 6.8.
From here, cross the creek toward Little Blue Ridge. Begin climb straight up for 1.65 miles.
At the top of the climb, the T-bar lift shack is in front of you. Take a left and you will see the Sky House in the distance. Continue left up the ridge to the next aid station.
From here proceed down gravel road, past pond on right and take a left on Beargrass Trail again, to the finish. 13.6 miles (or whatever your Garmin says).