I decided to run The Divide 25K, rather than my usual 50K due to the lack of an elevation profile in the race description and the extreme heat that we've … MORE
I decided to run The Divide 25K, rather than my usual 50K due to the lack of an elevation profile in the race description and the extreme heat that we’ve been having lately. The Divide 25K starts in Thompson Park (5725 feet) near Butte, MT, and after a short segment on a rail trail, heads up the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), and then back through Thompson Park to the start. We got a respite from the heat, with a high of about 85 degrees when I finished before noon, but the elevation and hills did not disappoint. I started out very conservatively, and walked up a short 50 foot hill leading up to the rail trail at the start, but I still felt like I had sprinted a 400 yard dash when I got to the top. The rail trail was almost flat, but for the first mile, I still couldn’t run slowly for more than a few hundred yards without taking a break. After going through two tunnels and a high railroad trestle, we went onto the CDT and my breathing settled down. The CDT was relatively soft and smooth single track that reached a peak elevation of 6,470 feet. From there, the 25K dropped back down on rolling hills back to Thompson park and Sagebrush Flats where the race started. It was very scenic, but the panoramic views were spoiled by smoke from forest fires in Idaho. The total elevation according to Strava was 2,511 feet for the 25K. The 50K course was the same as the 25K except for a 7.5 mile out and back that led up to the summit of Homestake Pass. There were only two aid stations for the 25K, one about 5 miles from the start and the other about 1 mile from the finish, which left a big gap in between. We were warned beforehand about this and that we should carry plenty of water in a hydration vest or hydration belt. The 50K only had three aid stations, so it was largely self supported. There were no finisher awards unless you finished in first place, so don’t do this race if you get upset about not getting bling. The views alone were worth it though. I may even go back next year to attempt the 50K.
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Well groomed trail in Big Sky Country
I decided to run The Divide 25K, rather than my usual 50K due to the lack of an elevation profile in the race description and the extreme heat that we've … MORE
I decided to run The Divide 25K, rather than my usual 50K due to the lack of an elevation profile in the race description and the extreme heat that we’ve been having lately. The Divide 25K starts in Thompson Park (5725 feet) near Butte, MT, and after a short segment on a rail trail, heads up the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), and then back through Thompson Park to the start. We got a respite from the heat, with a high of about 85 degrees when I finished before noon, but the elevation and hills did not disappoint. I started out very conservatively, and walked up a short 50 foot hill leading up to the rail trail at the start, but I still felt like I had sprinted a 400 yard dash when I got to the top. The rail trail was almost flat, but for the first mile, I still couldn’t run slowly for more than a few hundred yards without taking a break. After going through two tunnels and a high railroad trestle, we went onto the CDT and my breathing settled down. The CDT was relatively soft and smooth single track that reached a peak elevation of 6,470 feet. From there, the 25K dropped back down on rolling hills back to Thompson park and Sagebrush Flats where the race started. It was very scenic, but the panoramic views were spoiled by smoke from forest fires in Idaho. The total elevation according to Strava was 2,511 feet for the 25K. The 50K course was the same as the 25K except for a 7.5 mile out and back that led up to the summit of Homestake Pass. There were only two aid stations for the 25K, one about 5 miles from the start and the other about 1 mile from the finish, which left a big gap in between. We were warned beforehand about this and that we should carry plenty of water in a hydration vest or hydration belt. The 50K only had three aid stations, so it was largely self supported. There were no finisher awards unless you finished in first place, so don’t do this race if you get upset about not getting bling. The views alone were worth it though. I may even go back next year to attempt the 50K.