A really cool race, photo heavy

[Jason Snyder]

Last week my wife and I did the Devil's Backbone race in SW Montana. What a fabulous course! It's a 50 mile race, and we did it as a 2 person relay. It's an out and back course, but due to the informality of the race and a very accomodating race director, my wife and I were both able to run the same leg instead of opposing directions. We ran most of the race together, as the course is unmarked and my wife wasn't completely confident she could do the whole race and not get lost.

The scenery was absolutely phenomenal. How can you beat running 25 miles through God's splendor with your best friend?

If these photos don't get you wound up for elk season, I don't know what will. Enjoy.

 

[Jason Snyder]

 

[Jason Snyder]

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

Nice pictures Jason, looks like a great race. What kind of elevation change did you guys endure?

 

[Jason Snyder]

The race starts at 7,200 and tops out at 10,300. The majority of the course is over 9,000 feet. There wasn't an extreme amount of elevation change on this race, but there were some very steep climbs throughout the race.

 

[Z Barebow]

Thanks for sharing! Nothing like that mountain air.

 

[breacher]

Beautiful country! I do quite a bit of trail running but nowhere near that mileage! Very cool.

 

[JasonWi]

Great pictures, that area is beautiful.

 

[Ridge Ghost]

Cool pictures. Is that the race in the Gallatin range?

 

[Jason Snyder]

Yes, Gallatin Range. Any races like this around Missoula?

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

We have the Canadian Death Race up here at Grand Cache. It's a 125km race with 17000 ft of elevation change, my wife keeps trying to convince me to sign up ( with her and another couple as a team) but so far I have declined.lol. If you ever take the crazy notion to come north and try it let me know, it would be interesting to follow your progress.

 

[Ridge Ghost]

Yes, Gallatin Range. Any races like this around Missoula?

No ultras close to Missoula that I am aware of. We do have an adventure race called Grizzly Man, though. It involves trail running, mountain biking and kayaking.