Blacktail Balderdash 2026

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