Off to the Races

Lining up for a strong season.

It’s early morning, and the sun has just begun to light up the eastern horizon. The morning air is crisp—it’s an idyllic day for a Bozeman classic, the Baldy Blitz. You’ve managed to heat up as you stretch and wake your sleepy muscles. Between the sound of shuffling feet and ambient chatter, the race starter calls the crowd to line up. Familiar faces trickle in on either side; handshakes and fist-bumps are exchanged. The gun is about to go off. Butterflies flutter in your stomach. “On your mark, ready, set…  BANG!” You’re off and running.

There’s a multitude of ways to experience the warmer seasons in Bozeman. So many things to do, so little time to cram it all in: hikes, bike rides, whitewater floats, camping trips, concerts, rodeos, road-trips, family visits—the list goes on. With an already strained schedule, the idea of training for a race can be daunting. Not to mention the other excuses: “I’m too out of shape,” “Work’s too busy,” or “I’ve never done a race before.” Which is all the more reason to make this spring the one to cast aside your doubts, set your sights on a friendly competition, and get after it. As the saying goes, “the harder the climb, the better the view.”

The figurative ups & downs of your morale follow the race’s route as it undulates through the mountains.

Racing is a funny thing, because it’s all about trying to make it to the end as quickly as possible. The figurative ups & downs of your morale follow the race’s route as it undulates through the mountains. And though the feeling at the finish may be the ultimate prize, the sense of camaraderie as you and your peers huff & puff along the hillsides is a close runner-up. Everyone is happy to be there—not in spite of the challenges, but because of them. After all, nothing says happy & healthy like running up and then back down a mountain, just for the fun of it.

Here in Bozeman, there are dozens of trail races—including some pretty iconic ones—and the season kicks off every spring, beginning with the Baldy Blitz. But there’s more than just trail running. There are road races, triathlons, mountain-bike events, gravel rides… hell, there are even paddleboard races. There’s something for everyone and every skill level. If you’re nervous about competition, join a more laid-back, lower-stakes race like a 5K Brew Run. For more challenge and stiffer competition, the Ridge Run is a community staple. And if you just want to dip your toes, you can always volunteer and see what it’s all about—odds are, you’ll get hooked and want to go all in next time.

Bozeman’s a mountain town, and most of us are here for the same reasons.

Did you recently move here and want to meet people? Have you been here a while but never run a race? Or perhaps you want something a little outside your comfort zone? Whatever the motivation may be, this is your clarion call. The stamina will come—just get out there and move, more and more as the spring days get longer and longer.

Before you know it, many of those faces at the starting line will become familiar, and Bozeman will seem tighter and closer than ever before. You’ll start to recognize more folks around the local trails, as you ramp up your training. After all, Bozeman’s a mountain town, and most of us are here for the same reasons.

This spring—at the Blitz, or at any of the other local races—we’re looking forward to hearing the gun go off and giving it our all, then having a beer with you afterward. Good luck to all the racers, and we’ll see you out there this season.