City to Sky
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About the race
City to Sky is a pair of trail races in Missoula, Montana, that finish in the University District and include less than 2 miles of pavement and single-track trails across local open space and conservation lands.
The event offers these distances:
- 50K: Multiple mountain summits with about 8,000 feet of elevation gain over 33 miles.
- 25K: Runs the back half of the 50K on the House of Sky Ridgeline Trail.
The 25K requires participants to use the provided shuttle bus to the start; participants dropped off near the start will have their bib removed. Packet pickup is the Saturday before the race at the Run Wild Missoula office in downtown Missoula and there is no race day packet pickup. Nearby parking is available south and east of the track and on Higgins Avenue; parking in University housing lots, along Cinnabar Drive, or in soccer lots is not allowed.
The 50K has mandatory on-course gear including a headlamp, waterproof breathable hooded jacket, space blanket, and a 32 oz water-carrying capacity. Drop bags are provided for both distances and are managed at set aid stations. Aid stations are cupless so runners must refill personal hydration devices; available items include GU gels, drink mix, fruit, pickles, chips, and cookies.
Chip timing with multiple splits and live tracking is used. Crewing and pacers are not allowed. Safety rules include running against traffic on Pattee Canyon Drive and waiting for marshals before crossing; early crossing can lead to disqualification. Other rules: no headphones, no dogs, visible bibs on the front, poles allowed, and runners must drop only at aid stations following aid station procedures.
Post-race offerings include hot food and Big Sky Brewing beer. Awards are given to top finishers by gender categories and top Master runners. The organizers emphasize land stewardship, leave no trace practices, and potential disqualification for guideline violations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
