Race the Wolf: Half Marathon
Course Description
Race the Wolf’s trail half marathon takes runners on a tour of Schweitzer Mountain. This is a challenging half marathon-ish race with technical rocky sections and some off-trail. While you will have “only” one big climb, do not overestimate your conditioning or underestimate the course. Once you reach the high point, enjoy the sweeping cruise downhill to the finish line!
Race the Wolf Half Marathon is part of The GRIT North Idaho Trail Series. Register for and complete all of the series’ races to be eligible for cool finisher awards and bragging rights. Go Big!
It is the responsibility of all participants to read all emails and/or watch all videos posted with race updates and final race day instructions (check. your. spam. folder.). We send final instructions about two weeks before race day.
These races will be held rain or shine.
Course Map
Distance: 13.25 miles
Elevation gain: 3,009’
The trail half marathon does a single loop around Schweitzer Mountain, and shares the course with the Marathon.
You can also view the half marathon course on MapMyRun.
Aid Stations
Mile 6.8 Outback - Water, soda, minimal food
Mile 9.4 Sky House - Water, soda, food
Cutoff Times
Cutoff times are firm. Do not argue with any volunteer or ski patrol personnel. You must LEAVE the aid stations by the cutoff times listed.
4:00 pm - Mile 9.3 Sky House
5:00 pm - Finish line closes. You must finish by this time to have an official finish.
Spectator Access
We love spectators! The easiest places to watch your competitors are:
Near the Clock Tower, where you’ll see the race start and finish.
Near the Sky House, approximately Mile 9.3. Hike-in, or buy a day lift pass.
Course description, long version
Courses will be heavily marked with obvious directional signs and flagging tape. Be sure to read and watch this year’s final instructions, so you know which color flagging to follow.
Runners need to self-support between aid stations. Carry a pack, hand-helds or belt.
Backside loop: From the start line, go past Horse Corral and in a short distance take a left on Upper Grrrr to Huckleberry Ridge. Follow flagging and signs.
At 2 miles you will hit a dirt road. Go right 50 yards, then go left on Cloudwalker (Service Road).
Take this to the second trail on the right (unsigned) this runs parallel to the service road. Once you reach the service road again, stay on it 3.8 miles to the Outback Aid Station Three at Mile 6.8.
From here, cross the creek toward Little Blue Ridge. Begin climb straight up for 1.65 miles.
At the top (you’ll see the T-bar ski lift) go left up the ridge.
Go past the front of the Sky House. Aid Station Four is on the Wedding Platform just past the chairlift, and behind a clump of trees at Mile 9.3.
From here proceed down gravel road, past pond on right and take a left on Beargrass Trail again, to the finish. 13.6 miles (or whatever your Garmin says).