Homestake Pass 5-miler

Distance: 5 miles, 1 mile kids' run
Location: Butte, MT
http://www.homestakelodge.com/events1.html
This is the most competitive trail race I have been to in Montana. The competition is probably drawn in by the pairing of a great trail and a modest cash prizes for the top 3 overall. The course is a single loop on cross country ski trail. The route was full of tough rolling hills ranging in length from 200 ft to 1/3 of a mile. With such stiff competition the start was particularly tough because the whole field went out so fast, and the runners were still closely packed when, less than 1/4 mile into the race, we had to negotiate a hairpin right turn on a mild downgrade. The trail surface was in great shape and it was plenty wide for passing. Since it's a ski trail, the course winds over a relatively short area- so fans willing to walk a little should be able to see most of the race and watch all the excitement unfold. After the race there is a BBQ on the deck of the lodge, which offers a lovely view of aspens in fall color (in case you missed the scenery during the race). Thumbs up for the creative prizes for all participants in the kid's race. The race is put on a by a private cross-country ski lodge that just opened for business in 2006 or 2007. I really appreciate that the owners are willing to open up their lodge and allow us runners to play on the trails, and I know they can't do the race if it loses money. That said, at $25 the race is a little on the expensive side and I would appreciate if, in a few years after the race and lodge are better established, they could lower the entry fee or at least not adjust it for inflation. Also, the race organizers were a little slow in posting results.