Sawtooth Ridge 50M - 2021 runner update #1

Runners,

The inaugural Sawtooth Ridge 50M is about six weeks away, so we wanted to share a handful of updates and reminders. If you have any questions or simply want to talk trail, please reach out at any time.

Be Prepared for Snow

There is still plenty of snow above 6,000’ in the Sawtooth Backcountry — by recent standards, 10% to 15% above normal. Since the average elevation of the race is 5,800’, there’s a decent chance we’ll see snow at higher, north-facing elevations on race day. We’ll continue to share snowpack updates as race day approaches but, for now, plan on slippery conditions. 

Enjoy the Longer Cutoff

Because of the increased likelihood of snow on the course, we extended the course cutoff from 14 hours to 18 hours. We also added a “soft,” 10-hour cutoff at Moses (mile 27.8) for folks who decide getting a ride back to the start isn’t such an awful idea, after all. You can read about our “soft” cutoff approach here. 

For those of you pursuing UTMB/ITRA points, the extended cutoff doesn’t change Sawtooth’s four points.

Follow a Volunteer to Parking

Although we’re hosting the race relatively early in the season, the Sawtooth Backcountry is a popular summer destination, and with the holiday weekend lining up with the race, we’ll be sharing the landscape with other folks. Accordingly, please try to arrive early (especially if you plan to camp), and follow the volunteers’ directions when parking on Saturday morning.

Don’t Forget — Three Aid Stations are Hike-In

This race is rugged and remote. Of the race’s six aid stations, three are hike-in, meaning volunteers are hauling in everything on their backs! Don’t be surprised, then, when ice isn’t available at Eagle Lake (mile 13.8), Prince Creek I (mile 20.1) and Price Creek II (mile 39.8). We will, however, have potable water, Tailwind and soda at these stations. 

Review Our COVID-19 Protocol

The COVID-19 landscape is quickly changing, and we consider this a good thing! Still, we wanted to share our current COVID-19 protocol, which you may read at the bottom of the race website. We will update our protocol as conditions permit.

Say Hello via Zoom

We’re hosting a pre-race information session — which is not mandatory! — via Zoom on Wednesday, June 16th at 6:00pm Pacific Time. The call will be an opportunity for you to ask questions and meet fellow runners. We’ll send dial-in information via email in a couple weeks. Oh — the call does not replace the mandatory pre-race brief!

Happy training.

Denis & Colin