New race launches ahead of Big Sky PBR as part of Big Sky’s Biggest Week
By Carli Johnson SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Editor’s note: Big Sky’s Biggest Week is produced by Outlaw Partners, publisher of Explore Big Sky.
Runners gathered early Sunday morning, July 13, at the Big Sky Events Arena for the inaugural Running of the Bulls trail race. Hosted by Outlaw Partners, the event was part of Big Sky’s Biggest Week, a series of events culminating with Big Sky PBR on July 17, 18 and 19. Proceeds from the race benefited the Big Sky Community Organization and their trail building efforts across Big Sky, including the ones featured in the footrace.
While no bulls partook in the actual race, PBR stars Outlaw and Midnight Rock were present at the startline.
Human participants competed in three different distances: a 21K, 11K or a 5K relay. The 21K began at 7 a.m. with a horseback rider leading the first half mile. That route wound through town and along the Ousel Falls Trail, extending up through Fish Camp in the Yellowstone Club Area before returning to town. The 11K course veered directly from the arena into the Uplands and Hummocks trails, which also served as the loop for the 5K relay. Relay teams consisted of three runners of all age groups, each completing one 5K segment.
Awards for top finishers included custom belt buckles, an Osprey backpack, Riverhouse BBQ & Events gift cards and tickets to Big Sky PBR.
The race was directed by Liz Peabody, local runner and organizer of Big Sky Run Club, who partnered with Outlaw Partners after years of wanting to produce a local, family friendly race.
Runners take off on the 11K course. PHOTO BY LAURA WELLS 
PHOTO BY LAURA WELLS 
PHOTO BY LAURA WELLS 
Runners celebrate the completion of their 5K relay race. PHOTO BY LAURA WELLS 
First place 21K finisher Jack Reaney finishing strong. PHOTO BY LAURA WELLS 
Third place finisher for the 21K happily collects her medal after crossing the finish line. PHOTO BY LAURA WELLS 
PHOTO BY LAURA WELLS 
PHOTO BY LAURA WELLS
“I’ve always been a racer, not a race director,” Peabody told EBS, the sounds of finish line cheers still audible from behind her during the interview. “I wanted to create more opportunities for people because when I moved here, there weren’t many races like this. This is a dream come true.”
Peabody said the intention is for the race to become a recurring event. “The plan is that this race will always be here,” she said.
The race attracted visitors as well as Big Sky locals. Among the former was a couple from upstate New York, currently on a cross-country road trip. They’ve been making it a point to join group runs in each town they visit and after discovering Running of the Bulls only a few days prior, they didn’t hesitate to sign up.
“I thought the course was awesome,” said Ben Dlugosh, one of the visiting pair of New Yorkers. “I loved the approach and then the climb was amazing. The finish down the main street in town was so fun.”
Feedback from runners was largely positive. “The course was really fun, lots of great volunteers and good energy,” said another athlete, Jen Maixner, who finished second in the women’s 11K.
“The turnout is great, the stoke is high, and everyone is smiling and cheering,” Peabody said on race day. “I definitely feel the Big Sky love.”
Results can be found online.
