07/24/2026
Hey, everyone! š Iām excited to share an update about registration for ABF 2027. This year's race is scheduled for Saturday, January 9, and Iām planning to open registration on Friday, July 31. We have a couple of changes this year, and I wanted our ABF family to hear about them ahead of time. Itās a little long, but I want to be sure to include everything!
With the changes to the UTS calendar this year, we are currently in the Bridge Series. The new UTS series will begin in January so that it aligns with the calendar year, and ABF will have the honor of being the first race in the 2027 series... I promise there is nothing like ringing in the new year and the new series with 16 mountain climbs!
In the past, we have opened ABF registration to UTS participants first. Since the current Bridge Series only runs through the end of this year, we arenāt able to do that this year. Instead, registration will open on July 31 to all current AURA members.
ā”ļø Hereās the important partā¦if you think there is ANY possibility that youāll want to participate in the 2027 UTS, please register during the first week! Registration will be open exclusively to AURA members for one week before opening to the general public. All AURA members will receive an email on July 31 with a link to register, so please make sure your membership is current and that AURA has the correct email address for you. Taking a minute to do this is WAY easier than climbing Brush Heap... so go give it a quick check and make sure you get your invitation! ā¬
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Our second change is that ABF is transitioning from a donation-only event to a paid race. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our runners over the years. Your support has allowed ABF to remain the special, grassroots event we all love. This change will help us plan more accurately, continue providing a safe and well-organized race, and continue to support the community organizations that make race day possible.
Registration will now include a t-shirt and a commemorative finisher award for every runner. We will have long sleeve tees, hoodies, and hats available for order before race day. That means after the trail thoroughly humbles you, weāll be waiting with a warm building with food, friends, and something to prove you survived ABF!
As always, race proceeds will benefit the Ouachita Amateur Radio Association and the Big Fork Community Center. Both organizations are instrumental in making ABF possible, and we are so grateful for everything they do for our runners.
Iām truly looking forward to ABF 2027! We listened carefully to your suggestions after the 2026 race, and weāre already working hard to make this a wonderful year. I canāt wait to welcome everyone back to Big Fork for another day of miles, mountains, good food, good friends, and shared questionable life choices! š¤Ŗ
Until next time, hereās a photo of cooler days out at ABF!
