The Race

The Scout Mountain Ultra events take competitors on a challenging tour of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest outside of Pocatello, Idaho. This is a rugged, mountain-running event in the spring, in Idaho. Be prepared for tough course conditions and unpredictable weather. Approach this course and the area with respect and come prepared for anything from hail and snow to blazing heat.

All distances are solo - no relays or teams.

For the truly hardcore runner, the full 100 mile course is for you. This major test of endurance as runners navigate a challenging ~22,300 ft of vertical gain (and loss).

For those who want to run a bit faster but still spend a full day out in these mountains, the 50 mile course (actually 54.9 miles) traverses over 11,300′ of vertical gain (and loss) with the potential for very snowy and muddy conditions, this route takes runners through an incredible challenge.

The 50 km (actually 57.7 km) begins on a section of beautiful single track for nearly 7 miles before it emerges onto a beautiful high mountain meadow to continue the journey. Prepare your body and mind for 7,540′ of gain and 7,587′ of loss if you are running this course.

Our favorite section of the course is Scout Mountain itself, which is exactly why it’s the core of the 21 mile route. A glorious loop that summits Scout Mountain. With over 5,585′ of gain (and loss) and the best single track of the whole event, this is one incredible loop. You’re sure to encounter some snow in all but the driest/hottest of years. With a strong winter, the course could be heavily snow-covered.

Last-Minute Race Needs

  • Albertsons Supermarket (Sav-On pharmacy inside) at 330 E Benton St, Pocatello is the grocery store closest to the race location.

  • Shaver Pharmacy and Compounding Center 235 S 4th Ave, Pocatello 208.233.3341

Pharmacy, first aid and a variety of hydration solutions, electrolyte replacements, and other runner-specific nutrition products.

Our locally owned running store with what you’d expect!

They carry a wide range of goods and services from running shoes to clothing/outerwear, maps, camping/climbing gear, and more. 

There is also a Walmart Supercenter, a Costco and a DICK’S Sporting Goods - all of which are about 30 minutes from Mink Creek Group Campground (the finish).

Urgent/Emergent Care

  • Emergency Department at Portneuf Medical Center 777 Hospital Way, Pocatello 208.239.1000

There are several urgent care options in Pocatello. The options listed below also provide services on the weekend.

Weather and Conditions

You might ask, “A trail race in spring, are the race directors crazy, won’t it be snowy?” And our answer would be, “Yes, we’re a bit crazy, and we hope there is snow”. If Pocatello gets a “normal” amount of snow during the winter, the course could have some of the finest glissading around in early June. If this doesn’t tickle your fancy you can opt for a parallel, but far less efficient, route down the neighboring hillside. If the conditions pose any real danger, provisions such as fixed ropes or carved steps will be made to ensure the safety of all runners.

Some history:  Two weeks before the 2009 race you could have skied the last half of the course but one week before the race we had high temperatures in the high 90s; race day was near perfect. The 2010 race brought one of the most intense storms on record in May and the race was cancelled for safety reasons. 2011 and 2019 required some course reroutings due to deep snow-pack. 2022 brought brutally hot weather. In short, you really must come prepared for anything, but hope for the best. We don’t want to have to cancel another race, but much of that hinges on runners being prepared and ready for the conditions. Come race day, it is the prerogative of the aid station captains as to whether runners are allowed to proceed or not. If you are ill-prepared you will likely not be allowed to continue.

Be Prepared

This event is extremely demanding and should only be undertaken by athletes in excellent physical condition. All entrants should be familiar with basic first-aid and know the symptoms and treatment for heat exhaustion, hypothermia, frostbite, and altitude sickness. Some course sections between aid stations are over 10 miles. Runners should be well equipped to care for themselves and effect self-rescue if necessary.

Cell Phone Service

Do not count on having service in several areas, including the Mink Creek Group Campground (finish area), West Fork, Big Fir, and South Fork Rd aid stations. You may have weak service at sporadic locations, but your best bet is always to drive toward town (Pocatello) to get cell phone service.

No Dogs Allowed

We love our dogs, but no dogs can be allowed at the race. Runners, crew, family, and friends MUST leave dogs at home. Dogs cannot be at the start, aid stations, on course, or at the finish area. Any runner associated with a dog that is brought to the race, even if it is brought by crew, friends or family, will be disqualified. We apologize for not allowing this but we have had trouble in the past and our permit does not allow it.

Service Requirement

The 100 mile race has an 8-hour service requirement. This can either be done in service of another ultra-marathon or for an environmental group doing work that impacts the trail running community. Note that generic trail work is not acceptable – it must be a trail on which an ultra is run, and must be coordinated with the race director of that ultra. Pacing another runner at an ultra does not count. The environmental work must be dedicated to a specific project or issue, just filling out surveys or other forms of clicktivism do not count. The form to submit is HERE.

Medical Conditions

Any medical or physical condition(s) that may affect your ability to safely take part in this event must be disclosed to the race directors upon registration.

Refund Policy

Runners are eligible for a 75% refund through April 30. No refunds will be offered after this date. All refunds will be processed during the first week of May. You will be mailed a check for the refunded amount. Thank you for your patience regarding refunds.

Runner Timing & Tracking

Timing is tracked using chips that register when racers arrive at some aid stations and when racers cross the finish line. To ensure that we account for everyone, aid station volunteers do their best to note runners’ numbers when they enter and exit all aid stations. However, it is the runner’s responsibility to ensure their bib number is prominently displayed and that their entrance/exit has been noted.

How can I track my runner? 2024 update: we have a new timing system! It is a new system and there is a possibility of challenges. Please be patient with us! You will be given a timing chip on the morning of your event. These chips are expensive and if you fail to return yours you will be charged a $100 fee. 

You can now share the below link with your crew, friends and family. They can get updates when you arrive at an aid station! We are also planning on having a screen at the start finish area with the runner information updating in real time! Tracking Link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/121614/IndividualResult

If a runner needs or wants to drop out from the race, they must do so at an aid station. Notify an aid station captain and get confirmation from the aid station captain that your status has been noted as dropping prior to leaving the event. If we don’t know that you have dropped from the race, we will have Search and Rescue scouring the mountains trying to find you.

Changing Distance

You may change to a shorter distance than you registered; we will not refund you the price difference. You may change to a longer distance than you registered; you will need to send us a check for the difference. No changes will be allowed in the three weeks prior to the event.

Swag 

Instead of giving you yet another shirt, all runners will receive a custom item. In the past we have given buffs, arm sleeves, and hats. Shirts are available for purchase at an extra cost during online registration prior to the event.

In previous years, 1st-3rd place men and women received a hand-thrown piece of pottery or other artwork, specifically commissioned for the event from local artists. This year will feature similarly unique prizes.

Every finisher will take home a small prize to commemorate their great achievement.

Post Race Dinner and Awards Ceremony

Dinner is served at the finish area and is included as part of your entry fee. Crew and spectators are welcome to the dinner; please bring a cash donation to help cover costs. Dinner will be ready starting early afternoon Saturday until the finish line closes at midnight. We serve baked Idaho potatoes (of course!) with a host of toppings as well as salad and a variety of deserts.

Where to Stay / Lodging

Take advantage of the free camping at the finish line (and start of the 21-miler), which is the Mink Creek Group Campground. It is incredibly convenient, a great location, should be a fun atmosphere of exciting people, and it’s free for you and your crew/family. If you like to camp but want to be a little further away, you can book a site at the Scout Mountain campground.

If camping is not your thing, there are many hotels in and around Pocatello for other accommodations. We do not have any special arrangements with local hotels.

Should you decide to stay at the finish area, PLEASE CARPOOL! We will dedicate about 70% of our limited parking area to cars/trucks and the remainder to small RVs (up to 26 ft), pop-up campers, or similar. No runner will be allowed more than 1 parking space. If you bring a trailer, it must be unhooked and the vehicle parked at either South Fork Road or Corral Creek. If you have anything larger than a small RV, you will need to find other arrangements, such as driving up to the Scout Mountain campground (about a 10-15 minute drive from the finish).

There are no designated “sites” at the finish area, rather it is a large grassy field. You do not need to email to let us know your plans or ask permission to camp or park your Winnebago, please just follow our suggestions above. Below is a rough layout of the finish area.

Mink Creek Group Campground.jpg