Annual Trail Rail Run ready to go

MINERAL COUNTY – The second annual Trail Rail Run is scheduled to take place and this year more participants will flood the tracks to get their running fixation satisfied.

The route will span the Olympian Trial and will offer multiple length options for runners.

Planning for the event started immediately after last year’s event concluded and a lot of work has been put into the event to ensure that every runner leaves the trail happy.

According to Jennifer Straughan, race director, a few minor changes have been put into place.

“It’s important to always make changes in events because nothing is ever perfect, and it keeps things fun and fresh by setting yourself a new bar,” Straughan explained.

Last year’s run went smoothly so no big changes were necessary, however a few small ones were made to help make it more enjoyable for those who participate.

Straughan said each aid station would feature a large sign indicating how many miles were left before the runners arrive at their final destination of St. Regis.

This year, each finisher will receive a Montana Rail Link Railroad Spike Plaque upon crossing the finish line, while participants in the 50 mile run will receive a Trail Head Patagonia Houdini jacket when crossing the finish.

The rewards given will help mark each runner’s accomplishment.

As long as the weather stays nice and no rain is present, Straughan said the course should be marked better than last year with a combination of spray chalk and flags, helping to guide everyone in the proper direction.

“On a much larger scale that effects the Trail Rail Run in a very positive way are the improvements of the USFS Superior Ranger District is making along the route of the Olympian Trail,” Straughan said. “Eventually the entire course will be very nice and of course, it is work that will be done in stages.”

Last year 231 runners took to the course, participating in either the 50-mile, 50K, 30K or 12K runs. The 12K proved to be the most popular and Straughan said it is continuously growing in popularity as are the other runs.

Only 75 participants can take place in the 50-mile because there is a limited amount of jackets to hand out. However, the race has yet to fill up and slots are still available for anyone who is interested.

For Straughan, this race started out as a dream and ended in reality.

“For years I looked down on the railroad grade as I drove Interstate 90 and asked myself ‘what is that and can I run on it?’” Straughan said. “When I found out the answer was yes, I can run on it, I immediately set to putting this event together.”

Straughan said the event provides a great opportunity to invite people from all over the country to visit the beautiful scenery of northwestern Montana.

“Equally important is inviting people who live right here to use the great resource of the Route of the Olympian Trail, and gather people together to enjoy it,” Straughan explained.

She appreciated the tremendous amount of participation of the community on both sides of the mountain and said the communities help make it a fun event by ensuring its success.

The races have a staggered start time to help avoid congestion. The 50-mile race will begin in Mullan, Idaho and finish in St. Regis. It will begin at 7 a.m. Montana time (6 a.m. Idaho time.

The highest point of the Trail Rail Run for the 50-mile racers will be at Lookout Pass, which has an elevation of 4,700 feet.

According to their website, the start of the 50 mile run begins at approximately 3,280 feet and will continually ascend eight miles until runners reach the top elevation at Lookout Pass.

As for the 50K, which is 33 miles long, the start will begin at the Taft Site in Montana at 8 a.m. The 30K, which amounts to 19.5 miles, starts at Haugan/Savenac at 9 a.m., while the 12K 7.5-mile run will begin at Ward Creek Road at 10 a.m.

All racers will finish in St. Regis, which has the lowest point of elevation along the course at 2,635 feet.

All racers will have until 9 p.m. to cross the finish line whether they choose to run or walk.

“Last year everyone made it in time, with the final 50-mile runner coming in with 46 seconds to spare,” Straughan said.

In order to make this run possible, Straughan has worked with the West End ATV group, who is one of the biggest users of the trail.

“(It) has been key, as they provide critical assistance to the runners and make it a safe and enjoyable run,” Straughan said. “They know the Route of the Olympian better than anyone, and have been advocates for its maintenance and improvements.”

She also said the United States Forest Service Ranger District has worked very hard to make sure the event goes off without a hitch.

Anyone interested in participating can register online at www.trailrailrun.com. Online registration will run through Thursday, June 19.

For those who miss the online registration, there is one more opportunity to register in person on Friday June 20 at the St. Regis Visitor Center. Those interested will be able to pick up a packet and register from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“It is such a unique opportunity to have a run in such a beautiful setting but without many of the difficulties that come with more traditional single track trail runs, or the pounding of the pavement that comes with road running,” Straughan said.

“It’s social and beautifully isolated at the same time. What a great place to put on a run and I feel very fortunate that this came together with the support of the community.”