The Maah Daah Hey mountain biking race is a challenging spectacle set amongst the beautiful terrain of Watford City, North Dakota. Participating racers can choose from five demanding distances – 54, 25, 13, 75, or the brutal 107-mile route. This grueling event, scheduled for the 6th of August, 2022, will test competitive riders to their limits and promises to be an experience that all participants will cherish forever. The race course takes riders on an unforgettable journey across miles of majestic single-track through the rugged Badlands, making the Maah Daah Hey not just a test of physical endurance but also a celebration of the outdoors.

The Black Hills 100 is an ambitious ultramarathon taking place on June 28, 2024, in the city of Sturgis, South Dakota. As the name suggests, the pinnacle race of the event is a 100-mile course, but there are also 50-mile, 50K, and 30K courses providing options for racers looking for a challenge, but perhaps not quite the intensity of the 100-mile endurance test. The event is centered around the undulating terrain of the Centennial Trail in the Black Hills region, featuring a variety of surfaces such as dirt, rocks, single-track and double-track trails, with as little pavement involved as possible, summing up the ethos of pure trail running. With over 16,000 feet of elevation for the longest race, this event provides a unique challenge amongst the ultramarathon community.

The Essentia Health Fargo Marathon, a highlight in North Dakota's sporting calendar, is set to run on the 28th of May, 2024. A variety of races are planned to cater to athletes of different disciplines and skill levels. These include cycling and running events, with a Sanford Health Marathon and Half Marathon highlighting the long-distance races. Other quirky offerings are also available, such as the Furgo Dog Run, and a 4-P Relay.The marathon distinguishes itself by creating an authentic small-town atmosphere with a significant celebration. More than 50 live bands are set to participate and the whole town is expected to cheer on the participants. Also noteworthy is the USATF-certified marathon course which is an official Boston Marathon qualifier. Post-race festivities are being organized, including refreshments, music and fun activities, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.

The Ed Anacker Bridger Ridge Run, referred to as one of the most challenging trail runs in the United States, is set to occur on August 10, 2024, in Wilsall, Montana. This race, which spans a distance of 20 miles, is famed for its intensive climbing and descending, along with unpredictable weather and potentially treacherous footing. The course features miles of exposure along the ridge line of the Bridger Mountain range, adding an element of raw exposure to the intoxicating mix. In fact, the race was dubbed \"Most Raw Exposure\" by Runner’s World Magazine in 2012, and it secured a spot in the Top 10 Bucket List trail runs according to Outside Online the next year. Only 250 runners are allowed to compete each year, making this an exclusive and highly sought after run for trail fanatics.

The Baldy Blitz is a challenging trail running race held in Bozeman, Montana. This race features a unique nine-plus mile course that is unsupported, unmarked, and ambitious, offering participants an early-season test of their strength and endurance. The course includes formidable hills and requires runners to reach the summit of Baldy before making their way back down, a route made all the more intriguing by unpredictable weather conditions such as rain, snow, blizzards, and ferocious wind. Held annually, the next race will take place on May 18, 2024. The Baldy Blitz is known for its post-race gathering, making this race not only an athletic endeavor but also a community-building experience.

The Morganzo 55 is a must-ride event for any gravel biking enthusiast. Scheduled on September 7, 2024, the race offers a thrilling yet grueling route set amid the breathtaking Bridger Mountain Range. Kicking off in the charming city of Belgrade, Montana, this challenge pushes riders beyond their comfort zones by stretching for 55 miles. Cyclists will experience a ride filled with breathless climbs and daring descents on a self-supported trail that showcases the varied and scenic terrain of Montana. With the only resupply point positioned at mile 42, participants are urged to come prepared with their own food and gear as no support vehicles are available. Those who conquer the Morganzo 55 will be rewarded with an unparalleled gravel biking experience and the first chance at the cold ones at the finish line.

The John Colter Run is a unique race that transports participants back into the 1800's where they reenact the infamous escape of John Colter from Blackfoot Indians. Set in the picturesque region of Montana in Three Forks city, this 8-mile cycling challenge scheduled for September 21st, 2024, promises to be a thrilling experience. Participants will embark on an exciting trail across the Missouri Headwaters State Park, winding through rugged terrains, rock trails, and even participating in water crossings that could get your waist deep in water. The race begins and ends in the park, a mere six miles northeast of Three Forks. The route is decorated with rock cairns, flags, stakes, skulls, bones, and even beer bottles, further enhancing its unique historical appeal. The event promises great prizes, a post-race party, barbeque, beer, and live music for rejuvenation.

The HURL Elkhorn53 Mile, 52K, and 15 Mile runs are touted as Montana’s oldest trail ultra set to take place in the untamed, rugged, and wild Elkhorn Mountains near Helena, Montana. The race is scheduled for August 3, 2024, beginning at 04:00 am, and includes three varying distances of 50 miles, 50k, and 15 miles respectively.These races present runners with a mix of challenging elements. The terrain includes breathtaking vistas, steep climbs, technical descents, and narrow trails. Participants will also traverse primitive roads and ice-cold creeks, all without taking a single step on pavement. Course remoteness means runners might encounter horseback riders, cyclists, hikers, and even wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, and bear.Despite the challenging nature of the race, the event is renowned for its friendly and laid-back atmosphere, typical of Montana. The races are entirely volunteer-run, reflecting the community spirit, and dedicated to providing runners with a memorable experience of Montana's mountain trails.

The Lost Soul Ultra is a highly challenging and competitive trail run held annually in Lethbridge, Alberta. Slated for September 6, 2024, this trail marathon tests endurance runners with distances of 50km, 100km, and a daunting 100 miles. Runners traverse the historic river valley coulees on both public and private lands, now nearly 150 years after the last major First Nations battle took place.Each distance presents its own incredible challenges with the 50km course packing in 16 significant hills and an elevation gain or loss of nearly 1,100 meters. The Lost Soul Ultra is the only event in Canada holding a 100km qualifying distinction for the prestigious Western States 100; with top finishers qualifying in under 21 hours. As this ultra invites only 320 competitors each year, those lucky enough to participate are sure to have their mettle tested in this thrilling event.

Run the Red Desert is an adrenaline-pumping trail running event set to occur in the historic South Pass City, Wyoming, on September 28, 2024. Featuring two distinct races, the grueling 50K and the challenging Half Marathon, this event pushes trail runners to their limits as they cover distances of 50 kilometers and 21 kilometers respectively, against the beautiful, rugged backdrop of the Red Desert. As a stand-out event in the regional endurance race calendar, Run the Red Desert offers unparalleled opportunities for personal achievement, fitness, and the chance to connect with the unspoiled beauty of one of America's last true wilderness regions.

Maah Daah Hey

Courses

Location

Don't Miss Another Bucketlist Race

Races you might like