Le Grizz 50-Mile Ultramarathon Details

The 2026 course will begin and end at the Glacier Institute's Big Creek Outdoor Education Center. After the 7 am shotgun blast, runners will head north for 25 miles, making one of several aid-station pit stops at the historic Polebridge Mercantile, before turning around just beyond the North Fork Community Hall, about a mile past Whale Creek. Runners will then return to Big Creek along the same route to complete their 50 mile Ultramarathon.

See maps below for details, and/or click here to view the Strava route.

With approximately 2,400 feet of elevation gain across the 50 miles, this course is remains true to the traditional elevation profile of Le Grizz – undulating gravel roads with occasional gentle inclines – excellent for folks seeking their first ultramarathon finish.

Screenshot 2026-03-12 093114

Aid Stations

At our aid stations, runners can expect to see a variety of tasty treats for their grizzly appetites, as well as water (of course) and endurance products (electrolyte and energy gels) from our sponsor, Hammer Nutrition.

The menu for your 50 miles may include items such as bananas, oranges, peanutbutter pretzels, hard and soft candies, potato chips, hot broth, wheat thins, jerkey, vanilla wafers, bacon, coca cola, fig newtons, dill pickles and more.

  • Aid Station 1 & 9 - Demer's Ridge, Mile 5.5 & 44.5
  • Aid Station 2 & 8 - Home Ranch Bottoms, Mile 11.25 & 38.75 *DROP BAG ACCESS NORTH AND SOUTHBOUND*
  • Aid Station 3 & 7 - Polebridge Mercantile, Mile 15.75 & 34.25
  • Aid Station 4 & 6 - Red Meadow Inn, Mile 20.75 & 29.25
  • Aid Station 5 - Community Hall / Whale Creek Turnaround, Mile 25
    • Note: The Whale Creek Turnaround is approximately 1 mile past the Community Hall Aid Station. No aid offered at the actual Whale Creek turnaround, but lots of aid (and a half-way party!) at the Community Hall!

Drop Bags

Drop bags will be accessible at Aid Station 2 & 8, Home Ranch Bottoms, ONLY! This is mile 11.25 & 38.75, respectively. 

The first time you cross the drop bag station will likely be a good time to drop any morning gear you no longer need – like your headlamp and any extra layers (yes, you will need a headlamp for the 7am start!)

Please be sure to check in your drop bags at packet pickup so we can make sure to get it on course! We do not limit drop bag size and want you to have everything you need for a successful race. If you rely on something special, pack it in your drop bag as an aid station could run out of some items.

We highly recommend using a garbage bag or plastic bag liner in your drop bags to keep things from getting wet – who knows what the weather may bring to Polebridge in October!

Please clearly mark the drop bag with your name and bib number. A marker and duct tape will be made available to you for this purpose.

What should you put in a drop bag?  Cold weather clothing, extra socks, perhaps a spare pair of shoes if it’s sloppy out there, sun screen, personal medications and over-the-counters, salt tablets, and a water-proof poncho are always great to have on hand. While we do our best to make sure our aid stations are well stocked, any gels, electrolytes or other special “fuel” you want to make sure you have on hand is also a good idea. Plan for the worst case scenario, and remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear!

Early Bird Start

A 6 am start is available for runners who need more time. If you are interested in this option, please be sure to let us know at your packet pickup so we can make sure to track you for your official time!

Crewing/Pacing

Both crewing and pacers are allowed at the Le Grizz. When crewing please park at aid stations or clear pull-outs marked along the road. The road will not be closed and be considerate of non-race traffic. Pacers need to be considerate of other racers. All participants running slower than a 12 hour pace must have their own crew to monitor them for safety. Racers running slower than a 12 hour pace without their own crew will be disqualified by staff.

Awards

There will be unique awards for the top runner in each age category: Open (up to 39), Masters (40-49), Seniors (50+). There will be a unique award for all finishers. We will also have awards for top fundraisers for the Glacier Institute!