Blacktail Balderdash
- Date Sat 8th August 2026
- Time 9:00AM MDT
- Location Lakeside, Montana
- Price $38.53 - $70.27
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5 Mile, 10 Mile
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Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Inaugural Blacktail Balderdash, taking place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in the stunning Lakeside, Montana. This off-trail footrace at the beautiful Blacktail Mountain Ski Area promises to challenge even the most seasoned runners. With three exciting course options, participants can choose their own adventure: the GREEN COURSE, a fun loop of approximately 5 miles with around 3000 feet of elevation gain; the BLUE COURSE, which stretches about 10 miles with a challenging 5000 feet of elevation gain; or the ultimate test, the BLACK COURSE, featuring two loops of the Blue Course for a grueling 20 miles and an elevation gain of about 10,000 feet.
Embrace the unpredictable nature of this race where no marked course means that improvisation is key! Expect breathtaking views of the Swan Range and Glacier National Park, as well as a vibrant display of native plants and wildflowers. Whether you're there for the camaraderie, the challenge, or the stunning scenery, the Blacktail Balderdash promises an exhilarating experience for all. After crossing the finish line, join the post-race celebration with food, beverages, and awards to honor your achievements.
Embrace the unpredictable nature of this race where no marked course means that improvisation is key! Expect breathtaking views of the Swan Range and Glacier National Park, as well as a vibrant display of native plants and wildflowers. Whether you're there for the camaraderie, the challenge, or the stunning scenery, the Blacktail Balderdash promises an exhilarating experience for all. After crossing the finish line, join the post-race celebration with food, beverages, and awards to honor your achievements.
Organiser's Description
Floral Park Mountain Club presents the Inaugural BLACKTAIL BALDERDASH: AN OFF-TRAIL FOOTRACE IN THE MONTANA MOUNTAINS.
AUGUST 8, 2026
_YOU WILL GET LOST!_
NO BEATING AROUND THE BUSH, THE BLACKTAIL BALDERDASH IS HARD. You will get lost, confused, frustrated, and may want to send us hate mail before the halfway point. Whether you believe it or not, you can push yourself harder than you think, and in that uncertainty lies the beauty of the challenge.
In between the checkpoints, THERE IS NO MARKED COURSE. This is a true choose-your-own-adventure race where your ability to improvise in the woods is more important than your 5k time!
This race takes place at BEAUTIFUL BLACKTAIL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, highlighting Flathead Valley's shining features including dense forests, sweeping views of the Swan Range and Glacier National Park, and a large variety of native plants and wild flowers.
_A COURSE FOR EVERYONE!_
To keep your imaginations active and your creative juices alive, the courses WILL NOT BE REVEALED UNTIL THE DAY BEFORE THE RACE AT PACKET PICKUP.
*_Note that distances and elevations of courses are approximate, as the exact course depends on you!_
GREEN COURSE: This route is an action packed loop of ski cuts, off trail travel, and a ton of fun. _(~5 miles, ~3000ft elevation gain) _
BLUE COURSE: This route explores all corners and crevices of the Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. Expect turmoil, glory, disorientation, and a true mountain experience. _(~10 miles, ~5000ft elevation gain) _
BLACK COURSE: If you truly love testing yourself and the limits of what qualifies a good time, this is the route for you. Brace your self for TWO LOOPS OF THE BLUE COURSE as we challenge your psyche along with your body. As you finish the first loop, you will be tempted with the option to forgo the second loop in favor of a Blue Course finish, or continue into another loop in pursuit of Black Course bragging rights. _(~20 miles, ~10000ft elevation gain) _
ABOUT FLORAL PARK MOUNTAIN CLUB:
Floral Park Mountain Club formed in 2025 as a community focused club in Northwest Montana intended to bring people together through a mutual love of the outdoors. In everything that we do, we strive to make all feel included and welcome. Challenge yourself, grow together, and spread kindness.
DONATIONS:
All donations will be put towards making the Blacktail Balderdash bigger and better each year!
REQUIRED GEAR:
TBD
POST RACE PARTY + AWARDS:
Food and beverages will be provided at a finish celebration. Awards will be given with categories to be announced. Start times to be determined.
COURSE AID STATIONS:
Aid stations will be stocked with various nutrition and hydrations options (Specifics TBD).
RACE WEEKEND GUIDE & FAQS
TBD
LOCATION
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
13990 Blacktail Rd, Lakeside, MT 59922
RACE CONTACT INFO
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at floralparkmountainclub@gmail.com
AUGUST 8, 2026
_YOU WILL GET LOST!_
NO BEATING AROUND THE BUSH, THE BLACKTAIL BALDERDASH IS HARD. You will get lost, confused, frustrated, and may want to send us hate mail before the halfway point. Whether you believe it or not, you can push yourself harder than you think, and in that uncertainty lies the beauty of the challenge.
In between the checkpoints, THERE IS NO MARKED COURSE. This is a true choose-your-own-adventure race where your ability to improvise in the woods is more important than your 5k time!
This race takes place at BEAUTIFUL BLACKTAIL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, highlighting Flathead Valley's shining features including dense forests, sweeping views of the Swan Range and Glacier National Park, and a large variety of native plants and wild flowers.
_A COURSE FOR EVERYONE!_
To keep your imaginations active and your creative juices alive, the courses WILL NOT BE REVEALED UNTIL THE DAY BEFORE THE RACE AT PACKET PICKUP.
*_Note that distances and elevations of courses are approximate, as the exact course depends on you!_
GREEN COURSE: This route is an action packed loop of ski cuts, off trail travel, and a ton of fun. _(~5 miles, ~3000ft elevation gain) _
BLUE COURSE: This route explores all corners and crevices of the Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. Expect turmoil, glory, disorientation, and a true mountain experience. _(~10 miles, ~5000ft elevation gain) _
BLACK COURSE: If you truly love testing yourself and the limits of what qualifies a good time, this is the route for you. Brace your self for TWO LOOPS OF THE BLUE COURSE as we challenge your psyche along with your body. As you finish the first loop, you will be tempted with the option to forgo the second loop in favor of a Blue Course finish, or continue into another loop in pursuit of Black Course bragging rights. _(~20 miles, ~10000ft elevation gain) _
ABOUT FLORAL PARK MOUNTAIN CLUB:
Floral Park Mountain Club formed in 2025 as a community focused club in Northwest Montana intended to bring people together through a mutual love of the outdoors. In everything that we do, we strive to make all feel included and welcome. Challenge yourself, grow together, and spread kindness.
DONATIONS:
All donations will be put towards making the Blacktail Balderdash bigger and better each year!
REQUIRED GEAR:
TBD
POST RACE PARTY + AWARDS:
Food and beverages will be provided at a finish celebration. Awards will be given with categories to be announced. Start times to be determined.
COURSE AID STATIONS:
Aid stations will be stocked with various nutrition and hydrations options (Specifics TBD).
RACE WEEKEND GUIDE & FAQS
TBD
LOCATION
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
13990 Blacktail Rd, Lakeside, MT 59922
RACE CONTACT INFO
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at floralparkmountainclub@gmail.com
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Location
13990 Blacktail Rd, Lakeside, 59922, MT, United States
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