About the event
Run will be capped at 130 registrations and we can not issue refunds. All finishers will receive an OG hat. First place male and female 50K runners will also receive a special award.
Old Gabe and Blanket Chief are both nicknames for Jim Bridger who lived in the wild west from 1822 (age 17) until 1867. He was the first non-native to describe Salt Lake, South Pass and the current pass for I-80 going into Salt Lake City. He explored the Gallatin Valley area and trapped in the area in the 1840's. He has lots of things named for him including the Old Gabe 30K/50K and the Jim Bridger Trail Run (10 miles, generally the week after the 30K/50K). This is a great run on its own or as part of a training plan for other mountain runs.
and for the record... please know the 30K is closer to 20 miles (-) and not a perfect 18.6. And yes, the 50K is closer to 34 miles than it is to 31. Climbing on the course is difficult and the 50K will result in a total climb of approx. 11,500'. This event is not possible without the support of the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
Updates
Monday, June 10. Overall, the course is in great shape and we will be running the original course! Please carpool if you can.
Anyone parking needs to pull off the FS road as much as possible as this road needs to remain passable and open. Rules of the race: Please stay on the trail and do not cut switchbacks, do not litter, help other runners as needed, and share the trail with other users. Thanks for supporting BSWD and we look fwd to a great day on Saturday.
Course
The event will look much the same as in the past, however, runners should plan to self-support. Aid on the course will be minimal with water, gels, electrolyte and snack items at trailheads.
Start/Finish: Middle Cottonwood Trailhead at 6:00am, packet pickup at 5:15am.
Drop Bags: All runners are encouraged to utilize drop bags. We will deliver to the appropriate trailheads (Truman and/or Sypes) on race morning. You can have extra nutrition, clothing, shoes, if you can fit it in a bag and you might want it… Bring it! All drop bags will be returned to Middle Cottonwood for after race pickup. Obviously, leave whatever you might like at Middle Cottonwood as well.
50K Cut-off: 12:00pm at Middle Cottonwood and 3:00pm at Sypes Trailhead. For your safety and our volunteer’s safety we strictly enforce.
All runners will leave Middle Cottonwood and travel north to the Truman Gulch trailhead. At 3 miles we will have aid at the “Saddle” with water and gel/electrolyte. Truman Gulch trailhead will be stocked with water, gel, snacks, and drop bags. Depart Truman and return to Middle Cottonwood with another shot at the “Saddle” fueling station. 30K finished. 50K re-fuel and head south to Sypes Canyon trailhead. At approx. 1mi you will see a marked intersection with an immediate creek crossing. At approx. 4mi you will crest “Sypes Saddle” which will have water and gel/electrolyte. You will head west and descend 3mi to Sypes Canyon trailhead with water, gel, snacks, and drop bags. Return to “Sypes Saddle” and then to Middle Cottonwood trailhead for the 50K finish.
All runners should travel on the marked trails and avoid cutting switchbacks.
Event's current local time: 12:05 AM MT
