BIG BUTTS, presented by MUTS (MS Ultra and Trail Society), is a trail race with an individual 100K, 50K, 25K Fun Run, and 100K Relay. The start is at the Mississippi College cross country Choctaw Trails pavilion with 7.75 mile loops on both the cross country trails and Butts Park …
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BIG BUTTS, presented by MUTS (MS Ultra and Trail Society), is a trail race with an individual 100K, 50K, 25K Fun Run, and 100K Relay. The start is at the Mississippi College cross country Choctaw Trails pavilion with 7.75 mile loops on both the cross country trails and Butts Park single track trails. There is plenty of room around the start to set up your own aid, tents, coolers, chairs, etc. The course itself is not technical and has a few small hills, but the MS heat and humidity of late July make this race a BIG challenge.
Aid Stations
There are two aid stations. The S/F aid station and one on the course with water, Tailwind sports drink, and food.
Course
7.75 mile loops on mostly single track trails. The majority of the course is in the shade with approximately 170’ of elevation gain per loop.
Swag and Awards
There are no finisher medals for this race but usually there is some unique Butts swag. Top 3 males and females in each individual race and the top relay team will receive a custom award. And $100 if a 100k racer can beat the fastest time of 10:05:56!!
Changing Races
100K runners may drop to the 50K (or the 50K may move up to the 100K) during the race but are not eligible for awards. However, in the spirit of Big Butts, no 100K or 50K runner will be allowed to drop to or be credited with a 25K Fun Run. If you drop from the race please inform race officials before leaving. Please notify race timers if you decide to change distances.
Relay Teams
Teams can consist of 2-4 members. You may run as much or as little as you like during the 14 hour time limit but only one member of each team may officially be on course at one time.
Safety Considerations
It’s hot in Mississippi in July. Therefore, we ask all runners to carry a water bottle or other hydration while running. Additionally, all runners starting a lap after 5:30 p.m. must check in with the timer/race director before leaving the start/finish area and must carry a headlamp or flashlight (cell phones don’t count). Lastly, while pacers are not allowed at Big Butts, 100k runners are allowed to have a runner join them for the last two laps for safety reasons or just to listen to them complain. 50k runners that leave the start/finish after the 5:30 p.m. check-in may also have a runner join.
Cut Off
14 hour time limit for the 50K, 100K, and 100K relay races. The time limit for the 25K Fun Run is 3p.m. sharp (or 7 hours total). The cut-off for the 50 K runners to finish three loops and start their last 7.75 mile loop is 11:30 elapsed or 6:30 p.m. The cut-off for the 100 K runners to finish seven loops and start their last 7.75 mile loop is 12:30 elapsed or 7:30 p.m.
MUTS
Mississippi Ultra and Trail Society’s mission is to promote, support, and grow trail and ultra running in and around the state of MS. Go to mutsrunning.org for more information on how you can become a member and support our cause. MUTS is a nonprofit created for the purpose of giving back to the community in time, resources, and service.
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HOT and uh, HOT!
I originally signed up for the 100K as a training race for my 100 mile attempt coming up. This race is known for its HIGH temps and having very few … MORE
I originally signed up for the 100K as a training race for my 100 mile attempt coming up. This race is known for its HIGH temps and having very few 100K finishers. (8 signed up for 2019, including myself; 3 completed 100K, not including me). High temps that day were in the mid 90s and the humidity/dewpoints were really high! There was also a pop up thunderstorm around 1pm, which made the race extra UGH!! The ground temp was around 115 degrees at the height of the day, which was miserable! Other than the heat, it’s a very low key, fun race put on by our local trail running group.
COURSE: Butts park is adjacent to Choctaw Trails, the local cross country area for several local schools and colleges. The 7.75 mile trail is easy to navigate and relatively flat. Pretty technical as well. There are 2 aid stops stocked with just about anything needed (I had 3 small cups of pickle juice on lap 4!). I felt the heat taking a toll and knew that I wouldn’t make it another 4 laps.
No Swag to speak of. Most participate to test themselves or for the friendly atmosphere. You get a shirt/bag. If you finish the 100K you get a sweatshirt.
Definitely gonna return. Maybe one day I’ll get lucky on a unusually cool race day and get that sweatshirt!