4 cycling and walking events in Hamilton, Montana

Robert's Run exists to celebrate Robert Leonardi's spirit by connecting our communities and supporting the Play Like Robert Foundation. Robert's Run is a 10K, 5k, 1 mile and Tri-fecta (participate in all 3 races) run/walk in Hamilton Montana on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Our courses show off the beauty of the Bitterroot Valley! The 1 mile run/walk is stroller friendly. We suggest a large wheeled stroller for the 5K and 10K courses. Stay after the race and enjoy the family friendly festival including refreshments and games.

Our Race Ambassador Keira D’Amato will not be able to join us for the Runner’s Clinic Friday, August 2nd, due to unforeseen circumstances. Our new Ambassador, Olympian and World Bronze medalist in the 10,000 meters, US Cross Country Champion, NCAA Champion in the indoor 3000 meters, Emily Infeld will be joining us in her place. We are thrilled to have Emily as our Race Ambassador for Robert’s Run. Emily will share her running journey and answer questions at our Runner’s Clinic on Friday, August 2nd at 6:30 pm at the Performing Arts Center at Hamilton High School. Additionally, she will be available to meet and take photos after the runner’s clinic and during the races on Saturday, August 3rd. She will be participating in the 1 Mile race. Don’t miss your chance to meet Emily and participate in Robert’s Run.

All in-person participants who register on or before July 27th, 2024, will be guaranteed a race t-shirt. Packet pick-up will be available on Friday, August 2nd from 4:00pm to 8:00pm in the parking lot at Hamilton High School located at 327 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton, MT. Packet pick-up will also be available on race day starting at 6:00am at the same location in the Hamilton High School parking lot. Our timing chips will be attached to the race bibs, so in order to be timed, you will need to pick up your race packet which includes your bib.

We also offer a Virtual 10K, 5k, or 1 mile run/walk, you choose the distance. This can be done anywhere and anytime on Saturday, August 3rd.

Additionally, you have the option to "Play like Robert". Our fundraising event is not just a 10K/5k/1 mile, Tri-Fecta run/walk. The "Play Like Robert" option can be completed anywhere on Saturday, August 3rd. You can Fish, Camp, Swim, Hike, Garden, Read, Cook, Build, Golf, Bike, Travel, Play, or anything you can think of that is active!

The Play Like Robert Foundation is a non-profit that engages in charitable and educational activities. The Play Like Robert Foundation connects people through learning, play, and the courage to try. Our mission is to support various charitable organizations in the community, create engaging environments for children to get active, and support educational systems and resources.

The Play Like Robert Foundation in partnership with Ravalli County was awarded a Transportation Alternatives Grant for the construction of a pedestrian/commuter path from the beginning of the RAL Trail on Golf Course Road to Daly School. By participating in Robert's Run you will help us complete this project to make Golf Course Road and Kurtz Lane safer for all. If you would like to specifically donate to the Golf Course Expansion pedestrian/commuter path, you can do it here at our website https://www.playlikerobert.org/

The Play Like Robert Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization (IRS#87-3053991). Sponsorships and donations are tax deductible for the amount paid above fair market value of goods received. Please consult your tax advisor regarding specific questions about your tax deductions.

Welcome to Get Lost Gravel!

With all proceeds going to charity and offering world-class gravel loops in the Bitterroot Valley, Get Lost Gravel offers an opportunity for everyone to find adventure. Come race to win the Copper King's Mug or just to experience the finest Montana gravel has to offer!

Proud to announce we will be the third test of the Montana Off-Road Cup! Are you tough enough to take on all three? Save now with the event bundle!

The Forge: 82mi with 6100ft of climbing. This epic lollipop loop offers over 60 miles of continuous backcountry gravel. Starting and finishing at iconic Red Barn Bicycles riders will enjoy an early morning rollout up gorgeous Sleeping Child Canyon. The first taste of dirt starts with a burly climb up Two Bear Road. Once up top, a 50-mile high country circuit gives a 360-degree tour of the Rye Creek Drainage and provides numerous postcard views of the Bitterroot Mountains and valley below. Finish the day back at the Barn with refreshments and food sponsored by the Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists (vegetarian options available).

The Forge - RidewithGPS

• Fully Stocked Aid Stations located at mile 23.7 (Two Bear Summit), mile 49 (Start of OHV trails), mile 60.1 (end of OHV trails); there will also be water at mile 17.6 (721 Rd turnoff) for those who need a pitstop during the Two Bear ascent and mile 39.8 (God's Half Acre turnoff)

The Smelter: 47mi with 4100ft of climbing. Riders will chase the early morning rays up Sleeping Child Canyon to reach Two Bear Road. This epic Forest Service road climbs its way an additional 2500 feet from the canyon floor, giving unforgettable views each pass of the switchback. Grind your way to the top or stop for a few roadside selfie breaks, either way, it'll be a climb that is as rewarding as challenging! After celebrating with a fully stocked aid station at the top, try not to GET LOST traversing old logging roads and a bit of singletrack as you make your way towards Sawdust Gulch. One last glorious view into the valley before sending it down the gulch proper and Sleeping Child to the finish line. Cold beverages and some grilled-up goodies sponsored by the Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists will be provided under the tent and DJ Cove will keep the vibes going through the afternoon.

The Smelter - RidewithGPS

• Fully Stocked Aid Stations located at mile 23.7 (Two Bear Summit), mile 36.6 (Sawdust Gulch); there will also be water at mile 17.6 (721 Rd turnoff) for those who need a pitstop during the Two Bear ascent.

• Course includes short sections of singletrack. Please walk if you don't feel comfortable.

The Prospector (new!): 32mi with 2700 feet of climbing. A new route addition for this year's event, this course is a distilled version of our longer courses designed for riders looking for adventure but unsure about going full send in a public setting. Incorporating the dazzling ride through Sleeping Child Canyon and enough of Two Bear Road to fill an Instagram page, the course keeps riders on FS roads and two track for the full length while missing the more technical singletrack sections. A quick rip down Sawdust Gulch is the last test of might before smooth sailing back the party at the Barn with DJ Cove.

The Prospector - RidewithGPS

• Fully Stocked Aid Station located at mile 22.4 (Sawdust Gulch)

• There will also be water (and probably some snacks) at mile 16.2 (718 Rd turnoff) for those who need a pitstop

• This course is intended to be an option for the more casual rider and as such we will not be awarding podium prizes; you will still receive timing and results on Competitive Timing website

Podiums

Top 5 M/W Smelter/Forge

Top 3 M/F Junior Smelter Course 18 and under

Top 3 M/F Masters 40-49, 50-59, 60+, Smelter/Forge

What's Included

Get Lost Gravel custom gear

Fully stocked aid stations

Hammer Nutrition Support

Ride support

Post-race drinks

Post-race grilled fare

Finishers swag

Weekend Schedule:

Friday:

10am - 6pm Packet Pickup at Red Barn Bicycles

Saturday:

10:00am - 4:00pm Packet Pickup at Red Barn Bicycles

11am Red Barn Ramble T-Shirt Group Ride (Open and Free to all)

• Come ride a 'Root classic with us – Old Darby Road! A perfect way to shake out your legs and explore the valley. Based on participation, we can also form groups and suggest longer routes for those who are interested (e.g. Two Bear Recon, or to Lake Como)

**Time TBD: Hamilton Community Cinema presents "A bike movie"!

• We are partnering with the HCC for a bike themed movie night and hang with fellow riders. We haven't selected a movie yet, so please submit any suggestions! There will be free snacks and refreshments for riders and suggested donation for anyone wanting to join the fun.

Sunday:

6:00am - Race Day Packet Pick-up Inside the Barn

7:00am - Find starting corrals

7:20am - The Forge Race Start

7:40am - The Smelter Race Start

7:45am - The Prospector Party Start

12:00 - 4:00pm DJ Set by Cove (@cavemanjazz)

12:30pm - The Smelter Podiums

2:00pm - The Forge Podiums

*Race day schedule/timing subject to change

Play Like Robert Foundation

We are extremely proud to be supporting the Play Like Robert Foundation again this year with proceeds benefiting their cause. PLR is involved in numerous projects and provides funding to community organizations throughout the Bitterroot Valley. More about their story and message, as well as the impact they are having on the valley can be found at Play Like Robert

Camping

Free on-site site dry camping is available for RVs, vans, and tent spaces, inquire with [email protected]. There are also numerous paid and dispersed camping opportunities throughout the valley provided by our partners the Forest Service.

Wildfire and Smoke Policy

In the event of smoky conditions causing variable air-quality, Get Lost Gravel organizers reserve the right to make a final race cancellation decision by 6:00am on the race morning of Sunday August 3, 2026 based on AirNow.gov readings for the course area and locations of any active fires in the area.

The event will not be canceled for AQI 0 (green) to 150 (orange), but may be shortened.

AQI >150 (Red, Purple or Maroon) the event will be canceled, riders will have the choice to (i) defer their registration at 50% value to the next year the event is permitted or donate their registration.

*This event is currently pending final approval from the U.S. Forest Service and subject to change/cancellation.