COURSE INFORMATION

EVENT LOCATION

Missoula County Big Sky Park: 3500 North Avenue West – Missoula, MT 59804

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Runners will circumnavigate the Perimeter Trail at Big Sky Park, a mixed-use recreation area stewarded by the Missoula County Parks and Trails Program and used by equestrians, dog-walkers, Missoula Little League, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

The course will begin atop a grassy knoll on the Perimeter Trail, just north of the cross-country course. It will be run counter-clockwise in 2026. Runners will follow the Perimeter Trail west toward the power station, bearing left to head south along 37th Avenue. They will curve around the entrance to the 4-H arena to head east along North Avenue, finishing the loop after heading north along Tower Road.

The loop measures approximately 1.68 miles, with 9 feet of elevation gain per loop. The surface is primarily aggregate crushed gravel, with one short pavement crossing at the entrance to Big Sky Horse Park along North Avenue West. This is an exposed course with very little shade, so please come prepared for running or walking in August heat!

COURSE TREAD

Aggregate Gravel: This type of gravel is typically made up of crushed stone, sand, and sometimes recycled materials, intentionally mixed and graded to create a stable, compactable surface. (typically >2mm)  The particles are angular and interlocking. Aggregate gravel is superior for running because its crushed, angular stones interlock to create a firm, stable surface, unlike regular gravel’s loose, rounded rocks that shift unpredictably underfoot. This stability provides significantly better traction and energy efficiency, reducing the risk of slipping or twisting an ankle. Ultimately, aggregate offers a consistent, safe footing that absorbs impact better than pavement without the instability of loose stones.

COURSE MARKINGS

The course will be marked with pink pin flags and temporary/removable signage at each significant turn. (Though it will probably become muscle memory after a few laps!)

SPECTATORS

Friends, family and others are encouraged to spectate via foot throughout the course! Please be considerate of other Big Sky Park users when choosing your location—the area will remain open to walkers, dogs, and other park users for the duration of the race. Spectators may drive and park at the parking lot by the baseball fields near the corner of Spurgin Road and Tower Street, as well as in the parking lot next to Lindberg-Cregg Memorial Field off of Maverick Lane. (Please note that spectators parking at the Maverick Lane parking lot will need to cross Tower Street on foot in order to reach the Big Sky Park. There is a small pedestrian access gate.)

Given the residential nature of the area, we ask that spectators refrain from parking in residential areas along Spurgin Road, 37th Avenue, and North Avenue West.

TRACKING

Live runner tracking is available for friends and family of Dog Days Ultra participants. You can view our live tracking by viewing the tracking page on RunSignup. The tracking mat will be located at the start/finish area, and live tracking will indicate how many laps a runner or team has completed.

→ View live tracking on RunSignup!

AID STATION

One fully-stocked aid station is located at the start/finish, staffed continuously for 24 hours.

CUTOFFS

Given the nature of a fixed-time race, there are no cutoffs. If runners decide to drop before the end of their race, they must notify a race official and hand in their bib.

TOILETS

Toilets will be available at the start/finish line.

DROP BAGS

A drop bag station will be located in the main aid station at the start/finish line for those runners who elect not to have a crew tent. Runners will have full access to their drop bags for the duration of their race.

SPLITS

A tracking mat will be located at the start/finish line, and splits will be recorded per loop completed.