Get ready to lace up for the 2nd Annual Running of the Bulls Trail Race, set to challenge and inspire runners on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in the breathtaking landscape of Big Sky, Montana. This scenic event, a highlight of "Big Sky's Biggest Week," offers a unique blend of rugged mountain trails and vibrant community spirit. Choose your challenge from a 21K (approximately 15 miles), an 11K, or a 5K Relay for teams of three, all traversing the dynamic trail system of the Big Sky Community Organization, which benefits directly from race proceeds.
The courses wind through the heart of Big Sky, featuring dirt paths and winding single-track terrain with sweeping views. The challenging 21K route leads runners from the Big Sky Events Arena towards Ousel Falls, through the Spanish Peaks, and back, offering exclusive access to private trails and stunning vistas of Lone Peak, Pioneer Mountain, and the Gallatin National Forest, with a significant climb of nearly 2100 vertical feet. The 11K takes you through Uplands and Hummocks trails, gaining around 600 vertical feet, while each leg of the 5K Relay also navigates these scenic routes, with each runner gaining close to 500 vertical feet. Typical race day conditions in mid-July bring highs around 85F and lows around 45F, with only a 4% chance of precipitation, providing ideal running weather for an early morning start.
Beyond the run, the Running of the Bulls is renowned for its lively atmosphere. While human participants chase personal bests, PBR stars (bulls named Outlaw and Midnight Rock) have even made an appearance at the start line, nodding to Big Sky's Biggest Week culmination with the Big Sky PBR event. The Big Sky Events Arena serves as the central hub for packet pickup, the start and finish lines, and a lively post-race celebration complete with sponsor activations, food trucks, and an awards presentation, where top finishers have earned custom belt buckles and other prizes. Runners from the inaugural event praised the "awesome" course, "great volunteers," and the palpable "Big Sky love," making this race an unforgettable experience for trail enthusiasts of all levels.
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