Big Timber XC Challenge

Race Distances and Start Times:

Course Description:

1. 3-mile Run & Walk / 5-mile Run: All races will start on the driveway in front of the Main Lodge. Runners will be on the gravel road for the first half mile before turning onto a mowed grass pathway to head up a small hill, where they will begin the circuit around the perimeter of the CBT property. The 3-mile course will make one loop around the perimeter, while the 5-mile course will make two loops. After completing the loop(s), runners will go back down the small hill to return onto the gravel road to back to the Finish, at the same location as the Start.

The majority of the race will be run on gravel driveways, open grass areas, and wide mowed grass pathways through wooded areas, although there are a couple of short stretches on single-track dirt trails.

This is a trail running event, and you will encounter uneven ground, exposed tree roots and rocks and other natural challenges such as low-hanging tree branches, snow or ice on the ground, wet/marshy ground or possibly a broken tree limb laying across the trail. And, of course, there is the creek.

The creek is approximately 15-20 feet wide and you should expect it to be COLD (after all, it is November). Depending on rain or snow in the days before the race, the water may be only ankle deep, as it was in 2020 … or possibly knee-high, as it was in 2019. There will be a rope suspended between the sides of the creek that you can hold onto, if needed, as you cross. Do not let the creek intimidate you – in some ways, it is the best thing about this event!

*** Please be aware this event is a TRAIL race. Expect to encounter uneven ground, tree roots, rocks, fallen trees, water crossings and other natural barriers that may trip you up or cause you to stumble. Expect to get wet and probably muddy – wear old shoes and bring a change of clothes for after running! If these conditions sound too challenging for you, please do NOT enter this event, there are NO refunds!

Heed The Scouts Motto of “Be prepared!”: Because of the creek, it is recommended you wear old shoes and bring a towel and/or a change of clothes with you to the race. You will get wet, and it will probably be cold, so have what you need to make the ride home a little more comfortable.

Pancake Breakfast: Each registered participant, including the Fun Run kids, will receive a delicious pancake breakfast after their run. The pancake breakfast will be prepared and served by a group of young Scouts and their leaders – please be patient and respectful of their efforts to provide breakfast for a couple hundred hungry runners.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Entry Swag: Participants who register by October 14 in the 3-mile Run & Walk and 5-mile Run will have a choice to receive a flannel shirt with the official BTXCC arm patch OR flannel pants with the official BTXCC leg patch.

October 15 or later: Participants will receive a printed long-sleeve shirt, with no guarantee of shirt size

Kids Fun Run participants will receive a short sleeve t-shirt and breakfast for their entry.

All images are representative only. Actual style(s) and/or color(s) may be different.

Finisher Swag: All registered participants finishing the 3-mile Run, 3-mile Walk and 5-mile Run will receive the race-official engraved woodallion.

The DPA 4 Seasons Challenge: If you ran and finished the Chauncey's 4 at the Farm; Hickory Knolls 10K and the Summer Trail Classic, you must enter and finish the Individual 5-mile race here at Big Timber to receive the special 4 Seasons Challenge Award.

Overall Winner and Age Group Awards: Awards will be presented as follows;

1. 1^st Place Overall Male and Female for 3-mile Run and 5-mile Run.
2. 1^st Place in the following Male/Female age groups for 3-mile Run and 5-mile Run: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29,30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 & Over.
3. All Fun Runs (10 years old and younger) will receive an award.
4. There are NO awards for the 3-mile Walk.

Raffle: We will be drawing bib numbers for raffle items while each race is in progress. Be sure to check the board at the Finish to see if you have won a prize!

Heed the Boy Scouts Motto of “Be prepared!”: Because of the creek, it is recommended you wear old shoes and bring a towel and/or a change of clothes with you to the race. You will get wet, and it will probably be cold, so have what you need to make the ride home a little more comfortable.

Bib Pick-up:

1. Saturday, November 2, 2:00-4:00pm at Dick Pond Athletics, St. Charles
2. Sunday, November 3, starting at 7:30am at race site

VOLUNTEERS

YES, we need volunteers to help on race day with registration and packet/bib pick-up, as well as to serve as course marshals and Start/Finish helpers! You will receive a printed t-shirt, a free pancake breakfast and the eternal gratitude of the race organizers, sponsors, beneficiaries and runners.

If you would like to help on race day, please contact Wayne Haworth at wayne@dickpondathletics.com.