Big Mountain Run heads into 40th year
Drew Coco was the King of the Mountain in the 37th annual Big Mountain Run Saturday. (Photo courtesy Barrett Gray)
The Glacier Nordic Club is prepping to host its 40th anniversary of the Big Mountain Run on Saturday, July 23.
The run started decades ago with a crew of around 40 runners trying to raise money for the Glacier Nordic Club to buy a van for the competitive youth team to travel to competitions. The race has grown over the years and is still one of the largest fundraising events for the Glacier Nordic youth programs.
Participants run or hike to the top of Big Mountain via the Danny On trail at Whitefish Mountain Resort. It is a distance of 3.8 miles with 2,200 feet of elevation gain. The finish is at the Big Mountain summit and entry includes a lift ticket back down to the WMR village.
The community race is for all ages and ability levels, though the trail is steep with switchbacks. Paricipants compete for the title of King and Queen and Prince and Princess (16 and under) of the Mountain, Top Dog (fastest leashed dog), Oldest and Youngest runner, and the Birthday Club. To reach the Birthday Club, runners must complete the race in a time relative to their age — men must finish with a time less than thier age and women finish in a time equivalent to their age plus 10 minutes.
The race begins at 10 a.m. in the Upper Village near Hellroaring Saloon. There will be an awards ceremony on the deck at the Summit House immediately following the race.
All proceeds support the nonprofit Glacier Nordic Ski Team.
The registration cost is $30 for adults and $15 for juniors (16 and under). Registrants will receive race swag and snacks at the top. Online registration closes at 6 p.m. the day before the race. Day-of registration is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. by the start of the Danny On Trail and is an additional $5.
For additional information or to register visit glaciernordiccclub.org