Eight high passes through the Salmon River Mountains during peak elk rut, with “TUF footing” the race’s own shorthand for what’s underfoot — a Hardrock qualifier since 2012.
Quick facts
- Location: Jug Mountain Ranch, McCall, ID (start/finish) — a single loop through the Salmon River Mountains
- Date: September 19-20, 2026, 6:00 AM Saturday start
- Distance: Approximately 103.9 miles, single loop, 36-hour cutoff
- Website: imtuf100.com
- Contact: jeremy_humphrey@yahoo.com — Race Director Jeremy Humphrey
- Registration: Opens January 2 via UltraSignup. A Hardrock 100 qualifier since 2012 and a Western States 100 qualifier.
Course description
A single-loop course through the Salmon River Mountains outside McCall, Idaho, starting and finishing at Jug Mountain Ranch. The route crosses 8 high passes on its way through steep climbs and descents, exposed summits and ridgelines, and deep canyons carrying pristine rivers. Race organizers describe the footing simply as “TUF” — expect loose, technical terrain throughout. The race falls during peak elk rut, so bugling bulls are a near-constant soundtrack, and the surrounding forest holds bear, wolves, mountain lions, and moose.
Elevation change
Approximately 22,000 feet of cumulative gain and loss, crossing 8 named passes.
Aid stations
Aid stations range from backcountry remote to lively trailhead gatherings, with crew and pacer access at key stations including Upper Payette Lake, Snowslide Trailhead, and Chinook Campground. Multiple stretches between stations run 10 miles or longer, so self-sufficiency between aid points is essential.
Special conditions & average temps
Mid-September in the Salmon River Mountains brings cold nights and variable weather at elevation, with sections above treeline exposed to wind and sudden storms. The technical, rocky, and root-strewn footing is the course’s defining feature more than temperature extremes. Wildlife encounters are common and expected — this is prime elk, bear, and mountain lion habitat, and runners frequently hear bugling elk throughout the race.
Recent results — top 3, men & women
2025
- Men: 1. Mike Sidic 20:04:24 · 2. Mac Moss 20:47:18 · 3. Zachary Russell 20:54:42
- Women: 1. Sarah Riordan 25:09:30 · 2. Ginny Robbins 25:52:07 · 3. Alex Benjamin 27:00:14
2024
- Men: 1. David Ayala 22:17:57 · 2. Cole Campbell 22:30:06 · 3. Benjamin Bruno 23:10:00
- Women: 1. Madison Liechty 24:22:28 · 2. Kyla Maher 25:49:24 · 3. Meg Inokuma 26:26:52
2023
- Men: 1. Mark Hammond 21:38:01 · 2. Gabe Joyes 21:57:39 · 3. Benjamin Bruno 22:10:37
- Women: 1. Kaci Lickteig 25:01:30 · 2. Devon Goldstein 28:18:09 · 3. Alexa Johnston 28:45:21
Registration deadline & how to get in
Registration opens January 2 via UltraSignup and closes September 13 at 11:59 PM PT, or earlier if the field fills. A 50% refund is available until July 1; no refunds, rollovers, or transfers after that date.
Traveling to this race? Find lodging near the venue via Hotels.com.