HISTORY OF THE ELKHORN MOUNTAIN ENDURANCE RUNS, CAMPS AND RETREATS

In 1989, the first running of the Elkhorn Mountain Endurance Runs took place on the Elkhorn  Mountain trails just south of Montana City, Montana.  The original race included a 100K (62.2 mile) trail race through the Elkhorn Mountains and a 5K (3.1 mile) and a 10K (6.2 mile) race through the foothills near Montana City.

In 1997, the races were expanded to include a 50K (31 mile) run through the Elkhorn Mountains and a 1 mile run/walk on a path developed and maintained by the Ash Grove Cement Plant.  Because of the increase in new homes in the Montana City area, the race courses for the 5K and 10K were changed in 1997 to follow local roads.  The 1-mile, 5K and 10K runs have since been dropped from the race schedule.

The Elkhorn Mountain Endurance Run 100K was ranked in the Ultrarunning Magazine as one of the toughest 100K trail races in the United States as well as being one of the largest.   The race attracted numerous elite ultra distance runners from all over the United States and Canada.  The race also saw participants from as far away as Australia and England.

The races continue to benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Thousands of dollars per year have been raised since the races were started in 1989.   Beginning in 2006, race participants submitting pledges of $100 or more will receive a special award.  For 2008 some type of technical running apparel will be awarded.  (Click on the Shriners' Logo to print out a pledge form)

In 1997, a series of Running Camps were added to the Elkhorn Mountain Endurance Run activities, and since the summer of 1999 Fitness Retreats have been offered by Jim and Bobbie Pomroy, the founders of the Elkhorn Endurance Runs.  Future offerings, both in running events and Fitness Retreats, will be posted as they are scheduled.

New management took over the event in 2005 and it was decided to change from a 50/100 K race format to a single 50 MILE race.  The 50 mile course was changed to include mostly all trail, with some dirt Forest Service Roads, and has proved to be quite challenging.  A generous finishing time is allowed.

A fantastic 50K run was added to the schedule in 2006.  The 50K course is challenging but scenic, and covers the same trails as the 50 mile event.

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