Point to point across the Apsaalooke people’s Awaxaawippíia — “ominous mountain” — through jagged cliffs, scree fields, and high alpine lakes, between two multi-generational Montana cattle ranches. A Hardrock and Western States qualifier that doesn’t take first-timers.
Quick facts
- Location: Westling Ranch, Wilsall, MT (start) to Berg Ranch, Lennep, MT (finish) — point-to-point through the Crazy Mountains
- Date: July 24-25, 2026, 6:00 AM start
- Distance: 100 miles, 36-hour cutoff
- Website: crazymountainultra.com
- Contact: forms@crazymountainultra.com — Race Director Megan DeHaan
- Registration: Opens December 14 via UltraSignup, capped at 200 entrants. Requires a qualifying trail ultra (50+ miles, 6,500+ ft gain, completed within 2 years) submitted at registration — no exceptions, and this cannot be your first ultra. Standards tighten starting the 2027 race.
Course description
A point-to-point crossing of the Crazy Mountains, starting at the Westling Ranch in Wilsall and finishing at the Berg Ranch in Lennep — two multi-generational family cattle operations that host the race on their land. The course crosses Indigenous lands of the Apsaalooke, along with private and Forest Service land, through jagged cliffs, scree fields, and high alpine lakes. Terrain is primarily singletrack with sections of forest road and two-track, but at times there’s no distinguishable trail at all — runners follow cairns and ridgelines. Some gaps between aid stations exceed 13 miles, and the race explicitly warns this is “graduate level” terrain where downhill doesn’t necessarily mean runnable.
Elevation change
Approximately 25,000 feet of gain and 22,000 feet of loss (point-to-point, finishing lower than the start). Elevation ranges from 5,800 feet to 10,200 feet.
Aid stations
11 aid stations across the point-to-point course, including Halfmoon, Crandall (mile 70.4), Forest Lake (mile 78.3), Sunlight Pass, and Hunting Camp (mile 92.8, no crew access). Runners must check in and out of every aid station; missing a checkpoint or checking out after the cutoff results in removal from the course.
Special conditions & average temps
The race is deliberately scheduled in July for the best odds of stable weather, but the Crazies are known for sudden shifts — the 2023 running opened with a raging hail, lightning, and rainstorm within the first hour, golf-ball-sized hail at the aid stations, then warmed to 80°F by the finish. Runners must carry mandatory gear including a waterproof rain jacket, emergency blanket, and headlamp. This is bear country — cougars, black bears, and moose are also present, and bear spray is strongly recommended. Long stretches above treeline and remote terrain mean self-rescue capability is essential.
Recent results — top 3, men & women
2025
- Men: 1. Brandon Benefield 20:41:51 (course record) · 2. Kris Tyson 21:25:32 · 3. Peder Anderson 23:22:50
- Women: 1. Cassi Knight 25:49:40 · 2. Jenna Bogue 26:13:34 · 3. Dalton McCurdy 26:37:31
2024
- Men: 1. Seth Swanson 22:08:45 · 2. Brandon Benefield 22:31:28 · 3. Croom Beatty 23:05:39
- Women: 1. Rachel Entrekin 25:06:10 · 2. Kyla Maher 25:49:10 · 3. Liz Wigylus 26:53:39
2023
- Men: 1. Nate Jaqua 22:02:40 · 2. Jonathan Castrejon 22:55:58 · 3. Justin Adams 24:10:19
- Women: 1. Sarah Riordan 25:59:40 · 2. Kyla Maher 27:44:43 · 3. Jennifer Allen 28:15:54
Registration deadline & how to get in
Registration opens December 14 at 6:00 AM MST via UltraSignup and is capped at 200 runners — it sells out quickly. A qualifying trail ultra of 50+ miles with at least 6,500 feet of gain, completed within the prior 2 years, must be submitted at the time of registration or the entry is canceled without refund. Starting with the 2027 race, qualifying standards tighten to a 100K with 10,000+ ft gain or a 100-mile mountain race with 15,000+ ft gain. All entrants also owe 8 hours of trail work or volunteer service, due by June 30 of race year.
Traveling to this race? Find lodging near the venue via Hotels.com.