Race Info
Start Times and Mandatory Shuttles
On Friday, there are no shuttles. On Saturday, shuttles are REQUIRED for runners to get to the start lines and for all crew and spectators to get to the finish area. Shuttles run continuously on Saturday between CENTURY HIGH SCHOOL (7801 West Diamond Back Drive, Pocatello) and the finish area. 50M, 50K, and 21M runners will be shuttled to their start lines on Saturday morning from Century High School.
Do Not Drive To The Finish Area On Saturday! Go to Century High School and get the shuttle.
The 100 mile race starts Friday at noon (12:00 pm) at the Lead Draw trailhead. Because shuttles do not operate on Friday, runners (along with crew and spectators) should drive to the Lead Draw Trailhead for the start of the race.
The 50 mile race starts Saturday at 6:00 am at the Gibson Jack Trailhead and has an 18 hour cutoff at midnight. Do not drive to the start. You must take the shuttle from Century High School.
Shuttles depart Century High School at (TBA)
The 50 km race starts Saturday at 7:30 am at the Gibson Jack Trailhead and has a 16.5 hour cutoff at midnight.
Shuttles depart Century High School at (TBA)
The 21 mile race starts Saturday at 9:00 am at the Mink Creek Group Campground. Do not drive to the start. You must take the shuttle from Century High School.
Shuttles depart Century High School at (TBA)
All distances are solo - no relays or teams.
The Race
The Scout Mountain Ultra events takes 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.
For the truly hardcore runner, the full 100-mile course is for you. This major test of endurance comprises three “legs” as runners navigate a challenging ~23,800 ft of vertical gain (and loss).
For the slightly less masochistic runner the 50 mile course (actually 53.8 miles) traverses legs 2 and 3 of the 100-mile route. With over 10,900′ of vertical gain (and loss) and the potential for very snowy and muddy conditions, this route takes runners through an incredible challenge.
The shortest ultra-distance race is our 50 km but there’s nothing short about the challenge it presents. Runners begin the race with nearly 7 miles of terrain unique to this distance - none of the other three distances cover this beautiful single track - before connecting to the last parts of leg 2 and on to summiting Scout Mountain for leg 3. You have 7,363′ of gain and 7,394′ of loss.
Our favorite section of the course is leg 3, which is exactly why it’s the core of the 21 mile route. A glorious loop that summits Scout Mountain. With over 5,400′ of gain (and loss) and the best single track of the whole event, this is one incredible loop. This leg will most certainly have some snow. With a strong winter, this leg could be heavily snow-covered.
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. 2013 brought sunny weather. In short, you really must come prepared for the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 has impact on 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.
Check-In / Packet Pick-Up
Check-In and packet pick-up for all three distances is at Mink Creek Group Campground on Friday, for two hours prior to respective pre-race briefings. Plan to drive yourself or get a lift. Parking is limited, please carpool. DO NOT park on Mink Creek Rd.
100 mile: Friday 8:00 am to 10:00 am at Mink Creek Group Campground.
50 mile, 50 km, and 21 mile: Friday 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Mink Creek Group Campground.
Pre-Race Briefing
Pre-race briefings for all three distances are held on Friday at Mink Creek Group Campground, when shuttles are not operating. Plan to drive yourself or get a lift. Parking is limited, please carpool. DO NOT park on Mink Creek Rd.
100 Mile: Friday at 10:00 am at Mink Creek Group Campground prior to departure for the noon start. Questions regarding the course will be answered and final instructions will be given at this time. Runners should have their drop bags completely prepared and ready for drop off prior to the pre-race briefing. Drop bags must be securely tied and clearly marked, with name, bib number, and aid station.
50 mile, 50 km, and 21 mile: Friday at 6:00 pm at the Mink Creek Group Campground. Questions regarding the course will be answered and final instructions will be given at this time. Runners should have their drop bags completely prepared and ready for drop off prior to the pre-race briefing. Drop bags must be securely tied and clearly marked, with name, bib number, and aid station.
Race Start Check-In
100 mile runners must check in at the start area at Lead Draw trailhead by 11:30 am Friday.
50 mile, 50 km, and 21 mile runners, crew, and spectators MUST take a shuttle from Century High School on Saturday morning. There will be a final check-in at the start line of each event.
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? There is no live-tracking. However, you can use the splits prediction chart to predict when your runner may arrive at certain aid stations or the finish line.
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.
Cut-off Times
Cut-off times will be enforced. There are cut-off times at the following aid stations:
Walker Creek 1:45 pm
Goodenough 5:10 pm
South Fork Road 9:50 pm
West Fork (early) 12:15 am
Gibson Jack 4:30 am
Cusick Creek 7:00 am
City Creek 9:30 am
West Fork (late) 3:30 pm (any runner leaving after 3:00 pm should have a headlamp)
South Scout 5:30 pm (any runner leaving the South Scout after 5:00 pm must have a headlamp)
Big Fir 10:00 pm (any runner leaving after 7:00 PM must have a headlamp).
Finish line midnight (12:00 am), any runner arriving after that time is a DNF
Aid Stations
The major aid stations will have the typical ultra marathon fare: water, hydration drink, fruit, salty items (such as pretzels, chips), sandwiches, etc. The “minor” aid stations will have water and basic food. If you have any specialty food or beverage needs, they should be placed in your drop bags or provided by your crew.
Drop Bags
Drop bag service will be offered at Goodenough Creek (15.1), South Fork Road (28.5), West Fork (35.5), Gibson Jack (47.8), City Creek (63.5), West Fork (79.7), Big Fir (94.7). Drop bags must be securely tied and clearly marked, with name, bib number, and aid station. Drop bags must be dropped off at your pre-race briefing. They should also be in a weather proof bag, as they will likely be exposed to the elements. All drop bags will be transported to the finish line for you to collect after you finish. All drop bags unclaimed after the race are donated to Goodwill the Friday after the race.
Pacers
50 mile, 50 km, and 21 mile: pacers are not allowed for the 50 mile, 50 km or 21 mile events unless permission is granted by the race directors. Please contact us if you have any special circumstances.
100 mile: pacers are allowed from the West Fork aid station, and can join their runner at these aid stations only:
West Fork (35.7)
Gibson Jack (47.8)
City Creek (61.4)
West Fork (80.2)
Big Fir (94.2)
Pacers must sign a waiver prior to starting with their runner and must wear a pacer bib while pacing. Waivers and bibs are available at check-in. Aid station captains will have waivers and bibs if not signed at packet pickup.
Crew
Crew access is one of the most challenging aspects of the race and our permit process. We understand the community aspect of crewing at ultras and will attempt to accommodate you. Crews must drive slowly and with caution, mountain roads are dangerous and will be crowded due to the race and other users. Crews disobeying the law or disrespectful to others will be asked to leave and their runner disqualified.
Crew vehicle tags:
100 and 50 mile runners will be given a crew access tag, one per runner, that must displayed on the dash of the crew vehicle. If a runner is crewed by a non-permitted vehicle, they are subject to disqualification. We discourage crewing for the 50 km and 21 mile races but accommodations can be made if necessary; please speak to race management if you need an exception. Most of the race is on remote trails that are difficult or impossible to access in a car (which is why we like trail running right?).
Crews can see runners at the following aid stations ONLY:
Goodenough Creek (15.1). Crews must park at the additional parking at the entrance to the campground and walk in. It is less than 1/2 mile.
South Fork Road (28.5). Crew for 50- and 100-milers are permitted but only one vehicle and crew member per runner is allowed. Vehicle permits are dispensed at check-in.
West Fork (100 mile: 35.7). Parking is limited. Please park at either the Mink Creek Group Campground (0.5 mile before) or South Fork Road (0.8 mile after). DO NOT PARK ON MINK CREEK ROAD.
Gibson Jack (47.8). There is a large parking lot here, please do not block in other runners and use caution on the dirt road. Yield to runners as they enter and exit the aid station.
City Creek (61.4). The trailhead will be closed to traffic, please park at Centennial Park and walk up.
West Fork (100 mile: 80.21, 50 mile: 32.4). Parking is limited. Please park at either the Mink Creek Group Campground (0.5 miles before the aid station) or South Fork Road (0.8 miles past the aid station). DO NOT PARK ON MINK CREEK ROAD.
Big Fir (100 mile: 95.2, 50 mile: 47.4, 21 mile: 15). Crew for 50- and 100-milers are permitted but only one vehicle and crew member per runner is allowed. Vehicle permits are dispensed at check-in. Use pull-outs along dirt road and walk in. It is 1/2 mile to walk from there to the aid station. Crew and spectators for 21-milers are not permitted at Big Fir aid station.
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.
Prizes
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.
Race Shirts
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.
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.
