Last Best Ride and Big Mountain Run this weekend in Whitefish

There will be two mountain races in Whitefish this weekend: The 43rd annual Big Mountain Run is on Saturday, and the fifth rendition of The Last Best Ride gravel cycling race is Sunday. 

The Big Mountain Run starts at 9:30 a.m. at the base of Big Mountain near the Hell Roaring Saloon. Participants will run or hike up the Danny On Trail for 3.8 miles with 2,200 ft of elevation gain, to finish at the summit.  

The run is a fundraiser for Glacier Nordic Club, and will feature fun awards including the Birthday Club, King, Queen, Prince, Princess and Top Dog. 

“The Big Mountain run has a deep history of local mountain athletes seeking out a fitness challenge, as well as newbies who want to experience the fun,” said Jennie Bender, director of Glacier Nordic Club. “Mountain running is a passion of mine, and I love having this event as a part of our organization.”  

For more information and to register, visit glaciernordicclub.org/events-3/big-mountain-trail-run.

The Last Best Ride returns under new leadership. Director Shaun Radley of MTCX, LLC, takes the reins from the event’s co-founders, Jess Cerra and Sam Boardman.    

Riders will depart downtown Whitefish on Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. from Great Northern Cycle and Ski on Central Avenue   Riders will complete either the long course of 95 miles with 8,189 feet of elevation gain, or the short course of 55 miles and 5,000 feet of elevation gain, before finishing at Depot Park. 

“What Jess and Sam built is not only a bike race, it is a community event that creates core memories and lifelong friendships,” Radley said. “I witnessed the magic of the event over the past three years and am honored to carry on the tradition. 

“We sincerely appreciate the support we continue to receive from the City of Whitefish, Department of Natural Resources, United States Forest Service, Whitefish Mountain Resort, F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co., BNSF Railway, and other public and private landowners to permit this event and allow for responsible and safe recreation,” he added. 

While most roads will remain open to traffic during the event, this event will bring a high volume of cyclist traffic to the roads and trails within the course routes. Motorists are advised to use alternative roads if possible. 

Use caution and take note of posted race signage on: Canyon Creek Road, Haskill Basin Road, East Edgewood Drive, East Lakeshore Drive, Wisconsin Avenue and Lower Whitefish Road, as well as other roads along the courses. 

   Jason Reid of Bellingham, Wash., pushes his bike to the summit of Big Mountain during the Last Best Ride gravel bike race on Sunday, July 28, 2024. (Matt Baldwin/Whitefish Pilot)