Blacktail Balderdash
- Date Sat 8th August 2026
- Time 9:00AM MDT
- Location Lakeside, Montana
- Price $49.11 - $80.85
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5 Mile, 10 Mile
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at the inaugural Blacktail Balderdash, taking place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the stunning Blacktail Mountain Ski Area in Lakeside, Montana! This unique off-trail footrace promises to challenge even the most seasoned athletes as participants navigate through the breathtaking terrain of the Flathead Valley. With three exciting race distances to choose from, runners can select the Green Course (approximately 5 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain), the Blue Course (around 10 miles with 5,000 feet of elevation gain), or the ultimate test—the Black Course, featuring two loops of the Blue Course, totaling about 20 miles and 10,000 feet of elevation gain!
Embrace the thrill of exploration as you tackle this sparsely marked course, where getting lost is all part of the adventure. The event showcases the natural beauty of Montana, with dense forests and sweeping views of the Swan Range and Glacier National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the trail scene, the Blacktail Balderdash offers a fun and rewarding experience for everyone. Don’t miss out on the post-race celebration at Bias Brewing, where all volunteers will receive a complimentary beer token!
Embrace the thrill of exploration as you tackle this sparsely marked course, where getting lost is all part of the adventure. The event showcases the natural beauty of Montana, with dense forests and sweeping views of the Swan Range and Glacier National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the trail scene, the Blacktail Balderdash offers a fun and rewarding experience for everyone. Don’t miss out on the post-race celebration at Bias Brewing, where all volunteers will receive a complimentary beer token!
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 more than likely 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, THE COURSE WILL BE SPARSELY MARKED. This is a true adventure race where your ability to keep moving through challenging terrain 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) _
NOT READY TO RUN? VOLUNTEER! [https://app.unison.io/schedules/5kIXwIqZmx40HUz0usJMET]
This race wouldn't be possible without the energy of our amazing volunteers! If you are interested, please click HERE [https://app.unison.io/schedules/5kIXwIqZmx40HUz0usJMET] to sign up as a volunteer! All volunteers receive a free beer at our after party!
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:
-Bear Spray
-1L Water Carrying Capacity (Green Course)
-Emergency Whistle
RECOMMENDED GEAR:
-GPS, Phone, or Navigational Device
-Compass
-Extra Nutrition
-Sunscreen
-Bug Spray
-Hiking Poles
-Gaiters or Pants
POST RACE PARTY + AWARDS:
Bias Brewing will be hosting an afterparty at 6:30pm. We will party in their courtyard (weather permitting) or upstairs if it's rainy. All volunteers will receive a free beer token to use at the party!
COURSE AID STATIONS:
Three aid stations will be stocked with a variety of nutrition and hydration options including Skratch Labs, SaltStick, and many other goodies!
RACE WEEKEND GUIDE & FAQS
August 7th
4-8pm: Packet Pickup: Sweet Peaks Ice Cream in Kalispell, MT
August 8th
6:45am-7 Packet Pickup: Summit Lodge at Blacktail Ski Area
7 Racers Meeting: Start Line near Summit Lodge
8 All Distances Start
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
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS!
*
GLACIER BANK
*
WORKDAY
*
ALTRA
*
OBOZ
*
SKRATCH LABS
*
SALTSTICK
*
4 HOUR FUEL
*
SWEET PEAKS
*
BIAS BREWING
*
BLACKTAIL SKI AREA
AUGUST 8, 2026
_YOU WILL GET LOST!_
NO BEATING AROUND THE BUSH, THE BLACKTAIL BALDERDASH IS HARD. You will more than likely 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, THE COURSE WILL BE SPARSELY MARKED. This is a true adventure race where your ability to keep moving through challenging terrain 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) _
NOT READY TO RUN? VOLUNTEER! [https://app.unison.io/schedules/5kIXwIqZmx40HUz0usJMET]
This race wouldn't be possible without the energy of our amazing volunteers! If you are interested, please click HERE [https://app.unison.io/schedules/5kIXwIqZmx40HUz0usJMET] to sign up as a volunteer! All volunteers receive a free beer at our after party!
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:
-Bear Spray
-1L Water Carrying Capacity (Green Course)
-Emergency Whistle
RECOMMENDED GEAR:
-GPS, Phone, or Navigational Device
-Compass
-Extra Nutrition
-Sunscreen
-Bug Spray
-Hiking Poles
-Gaiters or Pants
POST RACE PARTY + AWARDS:
Bias Brewing will be hosting an afterparty at 6:30pm. We will party in their courtyard (weather permitting) or upstairs if it's rainy. All volunteers will receive a free beer token to use at the party!
COURSE AID STATIONS:
Three aid stations will be stocked with a variety of nutrition and hydration options including Skratch Labs, SaltStick, and many other goodies!
RACE WEEKEND GUIDE & FAQS
August 7th
4-8pm: Packet Pickup: Sweet Peaks Ice Cream in Kalispell, MT
August 8th
6:45am-7 Packet Pickup: Summit Lodge at Blacktail Ski Area
7 Racers Meeting: Start Line near Summit Lodge
8 All Distances Start
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
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS!
*
GLACIER BANK
*
WORKDAY
*
ALTRA
*
OBOZ
*
SKRATCH LABS
*
SALTSTICK
*
4 HOUR FUEL
*
SWEET PEAKS
*
BIAS BREWING
*
BLACKTAIL SKI AREA
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Location
13990 Blacktail Rd, Lakeside, 59922, MT, United States
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Blacktail Balderdash
