May 29, 2023 Email sent to all registrants:

Very important information. Please read ALL OF IT! 

The wait is nearly over. With less than a week to the start of the the event, it is go time! The trails are cleared of downed trees and major obstacles (besides snow and mud) and we are working very hard to finalize preparations for mountains of fun this weekend. Below you will find some very important information regarding the 2023 edition of Scout Mountain Ultras. 

Check-in: 100 mile check in is from 8:30-11:00am on Friday Morning. 50 mile, 50km and 21 mile is from 4:00 until 6:00pm on Friday. For those who cannot make it, we will offer check in at the start of the 21, 50k, and 50 mile races on race morning. Please allow yourself enough time to ride the shuttle and check-in well before your race start. 

Pre-Race Briefing: For the 100 mile race this will be held at 10:00 am on Friday at the Mink Creek Group site (start/finish and check-in location). For all other distances it will be at 6:00 pm at the previously mentioned location. It is mandatory for the 100 mile runners and highly suggested for the other distances. 

Course: We are planning on using the original course. There will be significant amounts of snow, as well as wet, muddy trails. There may be some minor adjustments to the South Scout and Elk Meadows Aid Stations as we navigate snowy and muddy roads as well as closures in place from the Forest Service. At a maximum it would add 2.5 miles to the 100 mile, 50 mile and 50km races, and 1.5 to the 21 mile race.

Parking/Shuttle: Parking is not allowed at the Mink Creek Group site. The only exception is for those camping there or for volunteers. Everyone else needs to ride the shuttles. The shuttle pick up is at Century High School and the shuttle schedule is on the website. Apart from volunteer vehicles no runner or crew vehicles will be allowed in or out of the parking lot during the race.

Camping: Space for car camping is limited (see parking above) there is ample tent camping space. We do not recommend it, but if you are bringing a camp trailer it cannot be longer than 19 feet and the vehicle towing the camper must be parked at Century High School on Race day. Please Park within the marked spaces to help us maximize our space. The layout of the parking area will be different this year as we are working to improve the finish line photos and vibes. 

Dogs: DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THE RACE. This includes aid stations, the start/finish, on the shuttle Etc. It also means no dogs with crew, spectators, or volunteers. Any runner associated with someone bringing a dog will be disqualified. 

Weather: The current forecast is calling for upper 70s during the day and low 50s for overnight. There is a high chance for thunderstorms and rain. It is spring in Idaho which means that could change dramatically.  

Mandatory Equipment: As of the writing of this email we are requiring all runners to carry an emergency blanket and a whistle. This will be checked at bib pick-up and race day check-in. If you do not have it you will not be allowed to start. Given the significant snow sections on course, these are things that increase your safety in the case of being injured and needing to wait for assistance that will take longer than normal to arrive.  If the amount of precipitation increases we may require all runners to carry a lightweight rain jacket as well. We highly recommend that all runners carry at least 500mL of water, a light jacket, and a small first aid kit. If any reason we make additions to the mandatory equipment we will do our best to let you know prior to your arrival. 

Merchandise: This year we have Scout Mountain Ultras Merchandise! We have hoodies, stickers, patches, t-shirts, and UltraKlavas. We will also be selling emergency blankets and whistles for those who forgot to bring them to the race. We will be accepting debit and credit cards. The quantities are limited and will be first come, first serve starting at 8:30 am on Friday during check-in. 

Enviro Raffle: Our race has always been a tool to raise environmental literacy in the running community. During the check in on Friday you will have the opportunity to interact with some local groups and while doing so earn tickets to a really awesome raffle. This is the one and only way to earn tickets for it, and if you win you will be awarded your prize as you cross the finish line! Please ask at check in about our initiatives to lower our race impact and the work we do in our community. 

Trash/Waste: You will notice 4 receptacles in several locations at check in and around the finish area. We try very hard to reduce waste that goes to the landfill. Please help us by sorting your waste in to trash (including biodegradable bowls and utensils), recycling, terracycle (energy gel/bars wrappers) and compost (food). Similar sorting will be at all aid stations as well. Last year we had 6 garbage bags of trash go to the landfill. Because of some lingering restrictions associated with COVID, we may have a few more because of the single use, biodegradable bowls, but ask you to help us try to set a new record of minimal trash! 

Refunds: If for any reason you are unable to make it to the race, please let us know. We are beyond the deadline for refunds but will remove you from the start list. 

That is all for now! We are so excited to share this experience with all of you. 

Sincerely,
Luke and Tanae Nelson
Race Directors