Wulfman’s Continental Divide 14K

Every continent except Antarctica has a continental divide. In North America the divide runs from northwestern Canada along the crest of the Rocky Mountains to Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental, and it is generally the line that divides the flow of water between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean.

* A point-to-point 14K race on the Continental Divide Trail  (CDT) between Homestake Pass and Pipestone Pass in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The race is run from Homestake to Pipestone in even years and in reverse direction in odd years. You may consider this trail gentle if you are used to the rugged back woods. See trail photos taken at each kilometer. The trail provides good footing in most places, and the correct path is clearly marked for the race. You may also find the Wulfman’s tips useful for running this route.

* The trail is too narrow for a mass start, so seeded time-trial starting/timing format is used, with starting assignments beginning at 8 a.m, (9 a.m. in odd numbered years) and with runners starting every 10 seconds, thereafter. Your race number will coincide with your assigned start time. For example, if you have the race number “8:12:30,” your running time will start rolling at precisely 30 seconds after 8:12 a.m, whether or not you are physically in the starting chute at that time.

* Under normal late June conditions, the route takes about an hour to race swiftly like the deer, and it takes about 3 hours to walk briskly at the porcupine’s pace.

* Bussing is provided to take runners to the start area in odd numbered years, and during even numbered years the busses bring runners back from the finish line.

* There is an aid station on the course, but you may want to carry more of your own food, beverages, first aid, etc.

* There will be a “sweeper” who walks or rides the course far behind the last participant to help ensure that all participants make it from start to finish.