Race the Wolf: Marathon
Course Description
Race the Wolf’s trail marathon has a new course for 2026!
Runners will complete two loops of the new front-side course that features more singletrack and epic lake views almost the entire way. The race begins with a fast lap on the winter x-c trails before embarking on the steep and punishing climbs RTW is known for. From the summit, the course traverses out to Uleda Ridge and Solar Ecstasy before returning in-bounds and a ripping downhill to the village for lap two.
Do not underestimate this course. This is a mountain run with no shelter from weather (sun, rain, wind, snow). Do not overestimate your conditioning or underestimate the course! It’s achievable, but come prepared.
Terrain:
80% single track
20% two-track
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: 27.62 miles
Elevation gain: 5,802’
You can also view the course and download the GPX file on CalTopo.
Aid Stations
2.5 miles - Start Line/Tennis Courts
4.6 miles - Sky House
9 miles - Top of Lakeview Triple
13 miles - Start Line/Tennis Courts. DROP BAGS
17.6 miles - Sky House
22 miles - Top of Lakeview Triple
Drop Bags
Drop bags are located at the Start Line/Tennis Courts aid station, mile 13.
All drop bags must be clearly labeled with your name and bib number.
Drop bag drop-off is near the start line on the morning of the race. All participants are responsible for their own drop bags. Remember to retrieve your drop bag after you finish. We do not mail forgotten drop bags.
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.
12:00pm - Runners must start second lap. You must leave the aid station by this time to continue.
5:00 pm - Finish line closes. You must finish by this time to have an official finish.
Spectator Access
We love spectators! The easiest places to watch your competitors are:
Near the Clock Tower, where you’ll see the race start, mid-point, and finish.
Near the Sky House
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.
From the start line near the Clock Tower:
Proceed past tennis courts and bear right toward the horse corral, onto Overland trail for 1 mile to Lower GRR.
Bear left onto Lower GRR and continue for .25 miles to Rolling Thunder.
Turn right and take Rolling Thunder downhill.
Turn right on Overland and head back toward the start line and first aid station at 2.5 miles.
Leave the aid station and follow the Nature Trail uphill to the Sky House and second aid station at 4.6 miles.
Leaving the aid station, continue with the Great Escape lift on your left, to the High Point trail. Bear left onto High Point and continue parallel to the service road toward the holding pond. Take care to stay on High Point—do not follow Pinch Flat downhill.
At the holding pond, continue on the service road for .5 miles before bearing right to continue on High Point. The service road is open to vehicles—stay to the right!
Follow High Point to the first intersection and stay right on Uleda Ridge Trail.
At the next intersection, turn left onto Solar Ecstasy and continue until the trail meets back up with High Point, approx. 1.3 miles.
Turn sharply left and uphill on High Point and continue to the jeep road.
Follow the jeep road uphill to the towers at the summit. The next aid station is at the unloading ramp of the Lakeview Triple, at 9 miles.
Follow the service road downhill toward the holding pond, staying to the right.
With the holding pond on your left, turn sharply right onto Bear Grass Trail for approx. 4 miles to the village for drop bags and the second lap.