Palisades Ultra Trail Series

07/19/2025

Despite no event this year, Race Board member Chris Carney lead a PUTS 100 mile self supported effort that started yesterday morning at the traditional 0600 Friday start. Joined by superstar PUTS volunteers Charles Volker and Jeremy Farrell, they set off for a battle against the heat and terrain. They had the untrimmed fight against stinging nettle and brush that normally isn’t there to deal with as well. No backcountry aid stations to assist them. It was slow and hot going.

With support from family and friends they fought through the day Friday. Jeremy dropped at mile 40 with stomach issues and Carney and Charles made it into Big Elk camp at mile 50 with 20 minutes to spare before the 2 am cutoff but decided to call it.
A valiant effort gentleman. Like many of you, their respect for how difficult the course is was renewed.

07/19/2025

Lots of feelings this week and especially today on the 3rd weekend of July. It’s been weird having all this free time to spend with our families this summer;
No build up of the past month worth of weekends clearing trail.
No year long marketing pressure to push for signups to cover costs.
No aid station volunteer coordination and planning.
No massive shopping sprees to Costco and Sam’s.
No early mornings marking the trail.
No stress of getting Horses and humans to haul in 100’s of pounds of aid station supplies into the deep backcountry.
No storage container unloading and packing up for our caravan to head to YMCA Big Elk Creek Resident Camp camp for half a week.
No stress over parking coordination and being able to use the camp in general.
No tech concerns with Garmin’s satellite network and message delays.
No bears getting into Jeff’s tent.
No stress over finisher awards.
No 16 hour days with little food and in the blazing heat.
No concerns with calling search and rescue or life flight.
No post race trail sweep on little sleep and no energy.
And the list goes on and on….

Beyond all the work and effort during each summer, and all year long, we also feel a loss;

No meeting new friends from all over the world.
No intimate moments with 100 mile runners at their breaking point in the shadow of Bruno at mile 50 as they contemplate doing the course again.
No tales of super human efforts back up Bruno, knowing they won’t finish but pushing as far as possible.
No tales of superhuman efforts from our local IFTR friends volunteering and giving their all for PUTS to be successful and safe.
No finish line high fives.
No kids waiting at the finish line for their parents with a massive amount pride and inspiration in their eyes.
No excuse to bring the Race Board together and for Spencer to fly or drive in from TN.
And finally - No post race realization of a miracle it was to see everything come together and the affect it has in people’s lives.

The future for PUTS is still in doubt but what is not in doubt is our love for all of you, our PUTS family.

04/26/2025

Volunteers Needed!!
Looking for a way to give back!? Come join us on May 17th for our Camp Clean Up Day!

www.bigelkcreekcamp.com
Call for more detail! 480-738-1759

04/24/2025

PUTS STORE DISCOUNTS:
All our remaining store items are marked down to 50% off or more.
We set things up so if you are local and want to pick them up you get a break on shipping. Make sure to select local pickup on checkout.
Spring 2025 Update:
It has been weird not having the hustle and bustle of race planning this year. We still feel strongly that we made the correct decision to cancel the event for 2025 and look for a new RD(s) to take over the event going forward.
We are still looking so if you know an experienced person(s) to take over please pass along our email and have them reach out.
We would hate to see PUTS not continue but we also want to make sure that if it does, it is in good hands.

Welcome to the Palisades Ultra Store! Grab some swag for yourself or crew!

04/17/2025

As the spring thaw is in full force and summer is coming closer, we have not forgotten our Palisades family. We hope your spring training is going well and that you have a spectacular summer lined up!
We miss you all but if you haven’t planned out your schedule make sure to check out other ultras in the Idaho area, including River of no Return in Challis, Scout Mountain Ultra Trail in Pocatello, Beaverhead Endurance Runs in Salmon and in our own backyard and coming up this weekend, ButtIn Gear’s Spitfire. Registration for that one closes tonight!
You can also check out Idaho Trail Ultra Series and the full list of races (all of these above and more) that are part of that.
Happy trails!

Conquer the volcano at Spitfire Ultra Trail Challenge. Come run your ash off on one of the largest tuffed volcanos in the world. Choose your adventure from 5k-55k. You'll experience jagged volcano rock, sagebrush, and cliff edges, as well as physical and mental challenges. This is the Perfect spring...

04/11/2025

While we won’t be at the YMCA camp this year hosting our race, your kids can still go and explore the magic of Palisades. Looks like the Y has revamped things and really have a great new program lined up!

10/31/2024

Heads up. If you are sad about missing out on PUTS next year our good friends to the north put on a fantastic show the week before the normal PUTS weekend.

Registration for the 2025 races (55K and 100K) open this Friday (Nov. 1 @ 6am MDT). Get registered early because we have no waitlist. The 100K is a 2025 Western States Qualifying Race!!