The 2016 Rut Preview

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Bonecrusher Ridge – Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer

This weekend Big Sky Resort plays host to the greatest mountain running event in North America. With some of the most technical and aesthetic courses found anywhere, there is plenty of terrain to challenge the world’s elite and locals alike. Add to that a credible threat of rain and snow, and this year’s Rut should be one to remember.

Weather can get dicey at 11,000 – Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer
Put on by Missoula’s Runners Edge, The Rut is spread out over three days and consists of a 50K, 28K, 11K, VK, and the Rut Runt Run 1K. Bryon Powell at Irunfar–a go-to source for international trail running coverage–assembled an in-depth preview of this Saturday’s 28K field. Take a look and you’ll get a sense of the throw-down about to happen on Lone Peak. The 50K is just as deep with top athletes from around the world descending on the Treasure State. If you can’t be there, consider following along with Irunfar’s live coverage or via twitter: #RunTheRut, We might even post some race day photos on our facebook and twitter feed @MontanaTrailC.

To supplement all this coverage and give a shout out to our locals, here are a few Montana “dark horses” who’ll be competing against some of the world’s best for a top finish in the 28K:
Forrest Boughner, Missoula… Winner of 2016 Sentinel Hill Climb, runner-up at 2016 Pengelly Double Dip.
Ted Farley, Bozeman… 5th at 2015 Rut 50K.
Amy Friedman, Missoula… Podium finishes in a handful of MT races over the past year, 6th at 2015 Power of Four 50K,
Kaitlin Macdonald, Bozeman… 2-time Bridger Ridge Run Champ, 2nd at 2013 Rut 50K
Johannes Middleton, Bozeman… 2016 Old Gabe 50K Champ, 2nd at 2015 Devil’s Backbone 50
Lynn Reynolds, Dillon… former UM Griz standout in track and XC, sub-9 steeple, course record holder at Wulfman’s CDT 14K.
Henry Reich, Missoula… 2015 Pengelly Double Dip Champ.

The Rut 50K – Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer
Montanans to keep an eye out for in the 50K incude:
Alan Adams, Missoula… 3rd at 2016 Bighorn 50k, 6th at 2013 Rut 50K
Peder Anderson, Bozeman… 2nd at 2016 Devil’s Backbone 50, 2014 Bridger Ridge Run Champ.
Rhea Black, Missoula… 11th at 2015 Rut 50K
Jesse Carnes, Missoula… 13th at 2015 Rut 50K
Jason Delaney, Polson… 2012 Pikes Peak Ascent Champ, 3rd at 2013 Pikes Peak Marathon, 13th at 2014 Rut 50K
Anya Gue, Missoula… 3rd at 2015 Bighorn 50, 9th at 2015 Rut 50K
Brendan Halpin, Missoula… 5th at 2016 Old Gabe 50K, 10th at 2013 Bootlegger 50K
Emily Kipp, Missoula… 3rd at 2016 Old Gabe 50K
Emily Linton, Missoula… 2015 Devil’s Backbone 50 Champ, 4th at 2013 Rut 50K
Kristina Pattison, Missoula… 4th at 2015 Rut 50K, numerous top-10 finishes in mountain races throughout the world.
Christi Richards, Missoula… Winner of numerous ultras, including 2016 Old Gabe 50K
Ethan Richards, Missoula… 3rd at 2016 Old Gabe 50K, 2015 Le Grizz Champ
Justin Svec, Billings… 2015 Bighorn 50K Champ.

There are probably a bunch of Montana runners who’ll I missed that’ll crush The Rut course. There always is. Check out our previews from each year of the event to see more. Good luck to everyone competing this weekend!
2013 Preview
2014 Preview
2015 Preview
There’s this guy too. Whitefish native-turned-Alaskan Matt Shryock has made his mark on The Rut over the years. He’ll be racing the 50K again and might even win the thing – Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer