Foy’s to Blacktail Trails Marathon

So good to be back in 2021!!

It’s official, the race on September 19th, 2021 is live! We will limit the race to 100 participants.

This race along with the Herron Half Marathon, 10k, & 5k trail races are our largest annual fundraisers. We’ve kept registration fees low over the last 10 years to keep the events affordable. The money raised from the races goes directly to building and maintaining trails in the 34-mile FTBT system. In addition to event fees, our trails thrive largely in part to our dedicated sponsors.

What are you getting yourself into?

This is a 26 mile running race on single and double track trails with more than 5,000 feet of climbing. The first 2,800 feet of climbing occur in just over 5 miles to the top of Blacktail Mountain. The last 21 miles still include 1,400 feet of climbing as you descend the long ridge leading to the finish at Herron Park.

Bears, mountain lions, and other wildlife are found along the trail corridor. You will be required to carry bear spray and to know how to use it. Running with headphones is also heavily discouraged because of the increased risk of not hearing a wild animal ahead or behind you.

Weather: Late September can have a wide variety of weather conditions in the Flathead Valley, so please pay attention to the forecast and think about layers, rain gear, and how to prepare yourself for any possible conditions.

Cell phone coverage is mostly present along the course but it is not guaranteed. Aid volunteers will carry cell phones and radios.

There are 5 aid stations along the course:

~5 miles at the summit of Blacktail Mountain (bathroom access),

~12 miles at Emmon’s Saddle (bathroom access),

~17 miles near Stoltze Corner,

~20 miles at the John Chase Forest, and

~23 miles near the Foy’s Overlook

Aid stations will have water and calories provided by Hammer Nutrition. There will also be volunteers at many key intersections along the course BUT ALWAYS LOOK FOR PINK FLAGS ON WIRE. Do NOT step over pink flagging blocking side trails!

There will be a cutoff time of 1:00 p.m. to reach Emmons Saddle (approximately 25 minutes/mile pace), where the only road crosses the course (Patrick Creek Road). This cutoff will be strictly enforced.

After The Race: There will be a post-race get-together in Kalispell from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. with location to be decided. We will have some giveaway items and swag bags for those that didn’t claim them at the finish. Families are welcome.