Bozemanites hit the trails — mountain trails, that is

Bozemanites are no strangers to the grit and grunge of high-intensity sports, and they certainly have never been one to turn down a challenge. Trail running — a type of running that takes place on outdoor trails, often in mountainous terrain with dramatic ascents and descents — has seen an uptick in interest, not only in Montana but across the country, according to ispo.com. In the fast-moving world of trail running, Bozemanites are on the rise both in altitude and on foot.

MSU senior Cole Warfield is one of many locals who has recently entered the sport competitively. “In the summer of 2023, I started on a journey into running and fell in love with it. Motivated by a newfound goal of completing a half marathon, I got into both road and trail running to prepare myself not only for the race but also for upcoming backpacking and hiking trips,” Warfield said.

With several races under his belt, such as the Sept. 10. Bozeman half marathon in 2023, Warfield is destined for Big Sky’s pride and joy: the 11,166-foot-tall Lone Peak in Big Sky for this fall’s annual “Rut Run” on Sept. 15. This is a notoriously difficult race given runners' ascent and descent over either 50, 28 or 21 kilometers — depending on their skill level — of extremely steep, exposed and technical trails. Runners will climb over 10,500 vertical feet while facing hazards such as rockfall or slides, injury and altitude sickness, according to runtherut.com.

“The Rut Run seemed to be a challenge that promised to test my limits. I thrive on having a tangible goal to train for; it not only keeps me physically active but also ignites a deep sense of motivation within me. Participating in events like the Rut Run pushes me to my boundaries and fuels my passion for continuous improvement and personal growth,” Warfield said.

For Warfield and other runners, training and competing in Montana is no minor feat. Bozeman has some of the most technical and rugged races in the trail running circuit, according to Kali Gillette’s article on Bozemancvb.com.

 In the winter, when trail running is less accessible, Warfield snowshoes in high elevations or grabs one of his many pairs of tennis shoes and takes to thawed paved roads. By training year-round, Warfield has already begun to see the benefits of his hard work. “This immersive experience hasn’t only improved my physical fitness but has also strengthened my resilience and determination,” he said.

Whether running through, up or over the mountains, Bozemanites continually push themselves to new limits — aiming higher, faster and further. 

If you’re interested in joining in on the fun, you can contact any of the following clubs: the “Bozeman trail running” club on Facebook, “The Big Sky Wind Drinkers” website or the “Trail Junkies: A Running Club at MSU” on the CatsConnect directory.