HISTORY OF THE BIGHORN MOUNTAIN WILD AND SCENIC TRAIL RUNS

The inaugural Bighorn Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run was held in 2002 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the annual Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Runs (50 mile (actually 52 miles), 50 K (actually 32.5 miles), and 30 K (actually 17.5 miles)). These runs were initially started by local trail runners interested in preserving and protecting the Dry Fork and Little Bighorn River Canyons from a planned pump storage hydroelectric project and other development. We desired to increase public awareness of the natural beauty, rugged terrain, and unique geology of the Bighorn Mountains and Dry Fork and Little Bighorn River drainage in particular so that informed decisions could be made regarding management of these resources. Through extensive public input, the planned pump storage hydroelectric project has been placed on hold and probably is dead; but the area remains potentially threatened in the future by other possible development.

The runs largely continue at this time as a public service by trail running enthusiasts and volunteers in the Sheridan community to promote recreation and tourism in Sheridan County. The course is designed to maximize the exposure of the participants, their families, and race volunteers to an extremely scenic, wild, and primitive area of our geologically unique Bighorn Mountains. The course allows maximum flexibility to accommodate a variety of unpredictable weather conditions or adverse course contingency courses (hopefully would never have to be used) that would be esthetically acceptable to the trail runner; while allowing race management to maximize their volunteer support in conducting these events.

The Bighorn Trail 100 is in its third year. The race committee has purposely heavily restricted the number of entrants to ensure that we have adequate volunteer support and put on a quality event. We do not want to jeopardize in any way the established tradition of quality that we have established and wish to maintain for the conjoining Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Runs.

The inaugural Bighorn Trail 100 in 2002 was held in great weather with the course proving tougher than anticipated. Brandon Sybrowsky led from the start and was never headed, finishing in 21:05:32, as he bested second-place finisher Tom Possert by more than 3 hours. Jean Heishman persevered to win the women’s race in 30:05:08, finishing approximately 25 minutes ahead of Margarita Phillips. The 31 hour time limit with the accompanying cutoff times throughout the race proved to be tougher than we had planned; as we only had nine finishers in a field of 37 starters (24% finishing rate) for the inaugural event. The 2nd annual 100M race proved to be much improved, resulting in 32 finishers. The cutoff times were extended due to the low number of finishers in the 1st year. This allowed for much more time to complete each leg of the race. Paul Sweeney came in in first place with a time of 22:53:58, followed by Ken Gregorich with a time of 23:18:37. The women's race was dominated by Gail Bazely with a time of 30:09:44, followed by Katy Cotton in 2nd place with a time of 30:53:38. All in all, the participants were pleased with the extended cutoff times and the race turned out to be a great success.

The Little Bighorn drainage section of the 2002 Bighorn Trail 100 proved much more difficult than we had thought, with many runners having difficulty making the 48 mile cutoff time at Porcupine Ranger Station of 16 hours in the 2002 event. The cutoff time at Dry Fork Ridge (Head of the Dry Fork) at 82.5 miles of 26 hours was also difficult for the 2002 participants. In an effort to increase the number of finishers, we have extended the time limit to finish the race from 31 hours in the 2002 event to 34 hours in the 2003 event with modified cutoff times designed to allow a higher finisher rate, but still ensure runner safety.

Participants felt that the 2002 Bighorn Trail 100 course was very scenic and well marked. Glow sticks were strategically located in the Little Bighorn drainage section of the course and were very much appreciated by the participants. Aid stations were manned with enthusiastic volunteers, strategically placed throughout the race, and stocked with ample food, electrolytes, and liquids. We are fortunate to have Sheridan Search and Rescue participate in our race. They provide difficult to establish communication links on the course which are necessary for the safety of our participants. Sheridan Search and Rescue were of vital assistance in a difficult rescue of a runner from a very remote location in the Little Bighorn Canyon in the middle of the night during the 2002 Bighorn Trail 100. The participant, who was in need of emergent medical attention because of hypothermia and seizures secondary to hyponatremia, fortunately made a full recovery after a several day hospital stay.