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Bridger Ridge Run - Lottery/Selection Application

Sat May 27, 2023 Bozeman, MT 59715 US

Events

Bridger Ridge Run - Lottery/Selection Application

12:01AM MDT - 11:59AM MDT
Open to ages 18 - 100.

Place

Fairy Lake Trailhead
Bozeman, MT US 59715

Description

IMPORTANT! If you are registering multiple people, please use a UNIQUE EMAIL FOR EACH PERSON!!

Basically, if you want to be in the Ridge Run, you have to apply here first even if you are a 10-time finisher, an auction winner, or a previous winner. 

YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE ON RACE DAY.

See more details on Event Info page.

PLEASE READ THIS

Current plan for the 2023 Ridge Run Lottery/Selection

Currently we do not have any Covid restrictions, however If you are a successful applicant, we do ask that you keep in mind your safety as well as your fellow runners and Aid Station workers.  If you feel sick or know that you have been exposed PLEASE consider the well being of others and opt out of the run. While we are confident we will be able to have the race in 2023, please be aware when you sign up the event has the potential to be cancelled with minimal notice.  Please know we are committed to keeping all runners safe, and not putting others health at risk.  We will be taking guidance from our public health institutions, monitoring the situation, and communicating with you clearly if things change. We will make a final decision to continue with the race as planned by July 1st. If at any time we have to cancel the event, it will NOT be rescheduled later in the year, however we will do everything we can to make sure we can have runners on the ridge again this year.

Here are the guidelines that will help you know how to participate:

  1. The Ridge Run Lottery/Selection Sign-ups will be May 8 - May 15th.  
  2. All lottery participants will be notified via email on May 21 of their Ridge Run status.
  3. Accepted runners and lottery winners will receive a link to register for the race and have until May 29 to do so.
  4. All others will receive a link for volunteer opportunities (increase your odds for next year).
  5. July 1st will be the decision date whether to continue with the run.
  • THIS YEAR'S RUN IS AGAIN "CUPLESS. That means that if you want anything to drink at the Aid Stations you MUST have your own container READY.  Also, there are limited snacks at the Aid Stations so we ask that you carry what you think you will need.
  • If for ANY reason YOU have to cancel the race after sign-ups, our regular policy stands – there are NO REFUNDS for any reason.
  • If WE have to cancel the race, those admitted into the race will have the option to “roll-over” their chance to run in 2022, do a virtual Ridge Run (and get swag)(VIRTUAL OPTION WITH FOREST SERVICE AND HEALTH DEPT. APPROVAL ONLY), or donate (and get swag) . Your unused portion of the entry fee will go  directly to the Gallatin Valley Land Trust – the non-profit we donate proceeds to every year. They help provide many of the trails we run on all the time!    
  •  If you are a successful lottery applicant, the entry fee for the Ridge Run will be $90.00 plus a $6.22 administration fee. This will maintain the highest quality  run possible.

NEW THIS YEAR:  

  • The first wave will start at 6:30 am. The following 4 waves will start every five minutes thereafter. 
  • Some of the finish line activities will likely change this year.  We are currently working with the Forest Service in this regard. 
  • In order to keep the traffic down, we hope to have a commuter bus from the Fairgrounds to the M.     

Selection Process Explained

The number of runners is limited by the permit we receive from the US Forest Service and this year that number is 250.  There may be three times as many applicants as there are available spots in the race, so unfortunately not everyone who applies will get in.  A system has been developed that supports hardworking volunteers, local non-profit organizations, and still gives everyone that applies a chance to participate.  It is a process that is fair and supports the spirit of the Bridger Ridge Run.

Automatic entry is granted to three groups
  1. Previous winners of the Bridger Ridge Run 
  2. 10 time finishers of the Bridger Ridge Run 
  3. Various raffle winners of  non-profit organization such as Reach, Eagle Mount, HAVEN, Cancer Support Community, the Museum of the Rockies, Gallatin Valley Land Trust, and HER.
Preferential status is given to the following people
  1. Volunteers
    This race is put on by volunteers.  The water and other supplies at aid stations are hauled to the Ridge by volunteers. The folks at each aid station are volunteers.  The sweepers, who make sure every runner gets off the Ridge safely, are volunteers. The Race Director is a volunteer.  To increase your chances of getting into the run, come out and volunteer, work an aid station, help us haul water, or sweep. We support those that give their time to help us put on this community event.
  2. Unsuccessful Applicants from Last Year (ULA)
    If you applied for entry the previous year and were not accepted, you have a much better chance of getting in the following year.  All Unsuccessful Lottery Applicants from last year (ULA) are verified by the selection committee.  If you indicate that you are a ULA and the selection committee finds that you are not, you will be disqualified from the lottery.  (Sorry we only go back to the previous year)  
All Other Runners

Lottery - All other runners will be selected through a fair electronic random selection process.

The Brief Statement

The Brief Statement, which is limited to 250 characters, (including spaces) might increase your chances of getting you into the race, but if you choose not to write one, it doesn’t lower your chances in the lottery. Every statement is read and discussed by the selection committee.  Did you volunteer in 2021 at an Aid Station, Sweep, or Haul Water?  Did you apply in 2021 but were not selected? Do you have a compelling or extraordinary reason to run the Ridge Run this year?  If so, please remind us or let us know. We are not trying to be elitist, we are trying to be fair. 

Lottery/Selection Application Contact Info

If you have any questions about this Lottery/Selection Application, click the button below.

Big Sky Wind Drinkers

The Bridger Ridge Run is sponsored by the Big Sky Wind Drinkers. A premier running club for runners of all ages and abilities.

Lottery/Selection Application Survey

Please complete the following survey to help us better understand your lottery/selection application experience.

Did you participate in the lottery/selection application?

Would you recommend this lottery/selection application to a friend?

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