Hello,

Thank you for your interest in the Divide 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, 25 & 50K Trail Race! These exciting events take place partially on the famous Continental Divide Trail. The entire route, except for two road crossings, is on dirt and gravel. The races start near Lower Eagles Nest (Kirby Day Use Area) in Thompson Park, just outside of Butte, Montana. You can search for Sage Brush Flats-Thompson Park to locate the start/finish area, which is at an elevation of 6,000 feet.

The race begins with a slight downhill (there are a few uphill stretches) for a little over a mile. At the bottom, you will cross Montana Highway 2 to enter the Thompson Park trails. We have a water refill station at this location, so be sure to take advantage of it early on. I know you are only a mile into the run, but you have a fairly long stretch of trail before resupply. 

The first trail, Skeebogan, features a steep uphill climb for approximately 1.5 miles, with an elevation gain of about 600 feet. Honestly, I usually power walk this section!

At the top of Skeebogan, you will turn right onto the Blacktail Ridge Trail. This section is more rolling and keeps you elevated on the ridge. Over the next 3.65 miles, you will gain around 500 feet while descending roughly 160 feet. This is a very runnable section, but remember, it is exposed to sun, wind, and rain.

After completing Blacktail Ridge, the route takes a right onto the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). You will continue on the CDT for 2.5 miles, with a net elevation loss of 500 feet. Enjoy cruising through this section!

Upon reaching the bottom of the CDT, you will once again cross Montana Highway 2. Please be careful, as this is a busy road—look both ways! The aid station is about 1/2 mile from the road crossing. This fully manned resupply station offers water, Gatorade, fruit, snacks, and more.  The aid station is located at Pipestone Pass, with an elevation of 6,500 feet.

Following the aid station, you'll enter the Milwaukee Trail, an old railroad route converted into a trail. This section has a slight downhill grade, losing about 300 feet over three miles. You'll encounter several old trestles and train tunnels along the way. Some people love the crushed gravel surface of the Milwaukee, while others dislike it. It can get quite hot on this stretch, so make sure to fuel up at the aid station.

Save some energy for the final push! The 25K and 50K will take a left off the Milwaukee and head up Grading Camp Loop. This last segment gains and loses 450 feet over approximately three miles, and it can be quite challenging, so be mentally prepared. After that, you’ll have a smooth cruise for the last half mile back to the start/finish area. The 1/2 Marathon and Marathon will bypass Grading Camp and head back to the start/finish. 

This part of Montana can be extremely hot and dry in July. We recommend wearing a hydration vest and refilling whenever possible. Bring along some salty snacks and eat some Lay's originals at the aid station. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Typically, the course is dry, but be aware that the area is prone to afternoon thunderstorms, which can bring heavy winds and rain.

The course is marked with orange flags, cones, and Wolf Pack Running signs. 

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at info@wpackevents.com or text me at 406-396-5880. We also have a detailed FAQs section and a virtual assistant, Wolfy, who can answer basic questions.

Chris