2 events in Flathead County, Montana
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find trail running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Flathead County
2 events in Flathead County-
Sun, Jun 21, 2026 at 7:00 AMSee full details
Join us for our 8th year of our point-to-point mountain marathon show casing the newest trails on the Foy's to Blacktail Trail system! Maximum 100 sign ups allowed, so sign up soon! Racers with gather at Herron Park at 5:30 a.m., with final bib assignment and a pre-race meeting starting promptly at 5:45. Busses leave promptly at 6 a.m. to take racers to the start at the Lakeside to Blacktail Trail (NO parking at the start of the race). More details about the course (see cool interactive map from OnX Backcountry), drop bags, Race Series, etc., can be found on the main website, Foy's to Blacktail Trail Marathon.
All runners will be eligible for a random give away of cool swag like a pair of running shoes!!
Remember to bring your bear spray. All racers must race with it because there is a real risk of running into wildlife such as bears and/or mountain lions that feel threatened and get aggressive. Even those at the back of the pack need to be aware of startling any of these charismatic megafauna.
There will be a strict 12 pm cut off time to reach the Emmons Saddle aid station, however even the slowest runners in the past have made it under this cut off. You will need to be moving at an average pace of >3 mph to meet this cut off.
This race, along with the FTBT-Herron Half Marathon, 10k, & 5k trail races, are our longest-running annual fundraisers. The money raised from the races goes directly to building and maintaining trails in the 40+ mile FTBT system, including new trails on Emmons Ridge south to Blacktail Mountain. In addition to event fees, our trails thrive largely in part to our dedicated sponsors. See the main webpage for a list of current and past sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring this year's or future races, please reach out to [email protected].
The Flathead Race Series!
See main website for details. Races include FTBT races, the Big Mountain Run, the Whitefish Trail Blazer races, and the Le Grizz races. At the end of the year, Competitive Timing will compile a list of all who have completed the series as well as a leader board.
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Sat, Aug 08, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
Floral Park Mountain Club presents the Inaugural Blacktail Balderdash: an off-trail footrace in the Montana Mountains.
August 8, 2026
You Will Get Lost!
No beating around the bush, the Blacktail Balderdash is hard. You will get lost, confused, frustrated, and may want to send us hate mail before the halfway point. Whether you believe it or not, you can push yourself harder than you think, and in that uncertainty lies the beauty of the challenge.
In between the checkpoints, there is no marked course. This is a true choose-your-own-adventure race where your ability to improvise in the woods is more important than your 5k time!
This race takes place at beautiful Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, highlighting Flathead Valley's shining features including dense forests, sweeping views of the Swan Range and Glacier National Park, and a large variety of native plants and wild flowers.
A Course for Everyone!
To keep your imaginations active and your creative juices alive, the courses will not be revealed until the day before the race at packet pickup.
*Note that distances and elevations of courses are approximate, as the exact course depends on you!
Green Course: This route is an action packed loop of ski cuts, off trail travel, and a ton of fun. (~5 miles, ~3000ft elevation gain)
Blue Course: This route explores all corners and crevices of the Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. Expect turmoil, glory, disorientation, and a true mountain experience. (~10 miles, ~5000ft elevation gain)
Black Course: If you truly love testing yourself and the limits of what qualifies a good time, this is the route for you. Brace your self for two loops of the Blue course as we challenge your psyche along with your body. As you finish the first loop, you will be tempted with the option to forgo the second loop in favor of a Blue Course finish, or continue into another loop in pursuit of Black Course bragging rights. (~20 miles, ~10000ft elevation gain)
About Floral Park Mountain Club:
Floral Park Mountain Club formed in 2025 as a community focused club in Northwest Montana intended to bring people together through a mutual love of the outdoors. In everything that we do, we strive to make all feel included and welcome. Challenge yourself, grow together, and spread kindness.
Donations:
All donations will be put towards making the Blacktail Balderdash bigger and better each year!
Required Gear:
TBD
Post Race Party + Awards:
Food and beverages will be provided at a finish celebration. Awards will be given with categories to be announced. Start times to be determined.
Course Aid Stations:
Aid stations will be stocked with various nutrition and hydrations options (Specifics TBD).
Race Weekend Guide & FAQs
TBD
Location
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
13990 Blacktail Rd, Lakeside, MT 59922
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at [email protected]