Running Up for Air | Mt Sentinel

Who's ready to run or hike laps up Mt. Sentinel... in February?! Tackling air quality and climate issues is a figurative mountain of a challenge. There's no better way to start tackling those issues while building community then by climbing a literal mountain. From that concept, RUFA was born. 

Running Up for Air (RUFA) Mt. Sentinel is a 3, 6, or 12-hour winter endurance challenge on Mt. Sentinel (5,158’ elevation), the iconic mountain on the edge of Missoula. RUFA Mt. Sentinel is a part of the Up For Air Series, a nonprofit that helps start local RUFA races and boost their impact to their local non profits addressing air quality and climate issues. As they state, "working for clean air is an endurance sport. Whether you’re accruing vert in one of our races, volunteering your time to make our events unforgettable, donating to fuel the cause, or becoming part of our incredible family of sponsors, RUFA is all about taking action. Every contribution makes a difference, so come be a part of something special and help us breathe new life into our communities." Let's do this!

Missoulians are lucky enough to have some of the best access to trails and wild places in the country. However, our beautiful valley is often plagued by poor air quality - both wildfire smoke in the summer and wintertime inversions. Participants of RUFA Mt. Sentinel will ascend Mt. Sentinel and attempt to summit the mountain as many times as possible to raise awareness and money to address air quality issues affecting our valley and home. With each registration, a fundraising page will be created on your behalf. Participants are also encouraged to gather pledges from friends and family for each lap completed up the mountain. All proceeds from this event go to Climate Smart Missoula and their efforts to improve air quality for all Montanans.

Past race photos by Anastasia Wilde:

2024, 2023, 2022