Race FAQ
When & where is packet pick up?
Packet Pick up will be available race morning!! Packet pick-up will be available at the Taft Parking lot (exit 5 off I-90 on the Montana side of Lookout Pass). Packet pick-up will start at 5:30am PST on race morning. You will have plenty of time to park, get your packet, and board a shuttle bus to head to the start line. The shuttle bus is only a 5 minute ride to the start.
Where is the best place to park?
The race will start and finish at East Portal which is at the town of Taft, MT. This is at exit 5 on the Montana side of Lookout pass along I-90. All runners will need to park at the Taft parking lot off the I-90 exit and take the race shuttle (2 miles) to the start. Look for signs as you exit. There are no parking spots at the actual start area at East Portal for runners.
Can my family ride the shuttle with me? Can my family watch at the finish line?
Yes, spectators are allowed to ride the shuttle but they will have to pay a $9 CASH one-time fee for the shuttle bus round-trip morning of race. The $9 shuttle bus fee is good during the event only.
Is my family allowed to ride their bikes as I run?
Bicycles are strongly encouraged to wait until 10:30am to ride the trail on Sunday, June 11th due to congestion in the Taft Tunnel.
Does my registration get me a full day pass to Hiawatha to enjoy afterwards?
Yes, your registration will get you a full day pass to ride the Hiawatha trail after you run. Your bib number will be your 'ticket' onto the shuttle bus. Remember - all spectators will have to pay the $9 cash only shuttle bus fee & purchase there own Hiawatha trail ticket.
Are spectators allowed on the course? Best places for them to watch?
Due to the off the grid nature of this event and limited parking areas, spectators will have the following options…
- Volunteer on the course at a turnaround station or aid station
- Ride the shuttle bus with your runner ($9 onsite CASH only)
- Purchase a Hiawatha trail pass and ride the course. The course is not open until 8am for cyclists
What happens if I miss the shuttle / my start time?
If you miss the shuttle bus or your start time don't worry, your race is chip timed and if you are late for your start, you will still get to run and get an accurate time.
Can I run / start with friends?
Yes you are able to start & run with friends - you will just need to select the same start time.
Is gear check available?
Gear check is available at all start lines. In an effort to reduce waste, we ask runners to please bring your own bag to put your belongings in. We will provide a tyvek hospital type wrist band to label your bag with your bib number. You will need your bib number showing when you drop off and pick-up your bag. Gear check is only available for athletes wearing bib numbers.
What is a gear drop?
Gear drop will allow runners to "drop" a sweatshirt or similar gear at the first aid station to be picked up on the way back to the finish line. Gear drop is available for all runners after the first tunnel, which is aid station one at Roland trailhead at mile 2. We are not transporting gear after the event, all leftover gear at the gear drop will be donated. You are responsible for picking up your own gear dropped at the gear drop aid station.
How long is the tunnel?
The Taft Tunnel that all runners will run in is 1.6 mile - headlamps are required. Read below.
Is a headlamp required?
Yes headlamps are required for all distances. All distances will run through tunnels that are very dark when you are in the middle. If you do not have a headlamp or flashlight with you, you will not be allowed onto the course. Headlamps are also available for purchase during registration and you will be given your fully functioning light at packet pick-up with batteries. If you are bringing your own light, we strongly recommend a light with 500 lumens or more. The tunnels are dark!
What is the elevation gain?
The route is run on a railroad grade that is not steeper than 1.5% along the route. Runners will get a good warm-up running the slight downhill grade before turning around to finish strong back up the gentle grade. A 1.5% grade is the equivalent of 80ft of elevation change over a mile of the route.
Do you offer a printable course map?
Yes, you can find a printable course map HERE.
Will there be a post race meal or finisher food at the finish line?
Yes, we will have a post race meal & finish food snacks.
