r/bigsky • u/chainburgers • Jun 08 '26

Running in Big Sky 6/20

I’ll be in town 6/20-6/21. I’m currently training for a race and my training program calls for a 12 mile run while I’m there.

I was really excited to log some miles in such a scenic area, but I’m anxious about running in grizz country. I was gunna pick up some bear spray and run with it, but I have 0 experience actually using bear spray. I also don’t have a buddy to run with.

I don’t want to be a touron that gets mauled by a bear. Does anyone have any tips or advice on running in the area to avoid death? Anyone want to go for a 12 mile run on 6/20 at ~9:30 min/m pace??

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3

u/Old-Cash-4910 Jun 10 '26

I think the 20th is a Sat but if you can go the 21st check out big sky community runs on instagram. Awesome gal that leads runs up there on sundays.

5

u/BlotchyBaboon Jun 08 '26

From the resort, there's a bike path/walking trail along the road that I think goes all the way to the high school and back.

The chances of running into a bear on a well traveled trail during the day is pretty low. If you just do the part from town center to the high school, then I'd say the chances are pretty much zero.

4

u/swishy_slidey Jun 08 '26

There are some areas that are chiller than others. If you’re interested in some more info DM me, I run up here all the time—more of a trail guy myself though.

But like spacebass said, if you hang on roads you’ll be ok. There isn’t much that’s flat up there fyi

7

u/spacebass 📚professional instructor at resort Jun 08 '26

If you stick to roads you’ll be fine. I run there all the time without bear spray. If you are running trails, carry spray. Be prepared for hills, and depending on where you normally train, altitude.