Blacktail Balderdash takes place at 13990 Blacktail Rd in Lakeside, Montana on August 8, 2026. This adventure race offers three distance options: 5 miles, 10 miles, and 20 miles, accommodating different fitness levels and training goals. The race starts at 9:00 AM. Entry fees range from $35 to $75 depending on distance and registration timing. Adventure racing typically combines running with navigation and mixed terrain, though specific course details should be confirmed directly with the race organizers. Lakeside sits in northwest Montana near Flathead Lake, providing a mountain region setting for summer endurance training. Verify accommodations well in advance for race weekend lodging in the area.
From the Race Organizer
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 more than likely 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, the course will be sparsely marked. This is a true adventure race where your ability to keep moving through challenging terrain 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) Not Ready to Run? Volunteer! This race wouldn't be possible without the energy of our amazing volunteers! If you are interested, please click HERE to sign up as a volunteer! All volunteers receive a free beer at our after party! 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: -Bear Spray -1L Water Carrying Capacity (Green Course) -Emergency Whistle Recommended Gear: -GPS, Phone, or Navigational Device -Compass -Extra Nutrition -Sunscreen -Bug Spray -Hiking Poles -Gaiters or Pants Post Race Party + Awards: Bias Brewing will be hosting an afterparty at 6:30pm. We will party in their courtyard (weather permitting) or upstairs if it's rainy. All volunteers will receive a free beer token to use at the party! Course Aid Stations: Three aid stations will be stocked with a variety of nutrition and hydration options including Skratch Labs, SaltStick, and many other goodies! Race Weekend Guide & FAQs August 7th 4-8pm: Packet Pickup: Sweet Peaks Ice Cream in Kalispell, MT August 8th 6:45am-7:45am: Packet Pickup: Summit Lodge at Blacktail Ski Area 7:45am: Racers Meeting: Start Line near Summit Lodge 8:00am: All Distances Start 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 Thank you to our Sponsors and Supporters! Glacier Bank Workday Altra Oboz Skratch Labs SaltStick 4 Hour Fuel Sweet Peaks Bias Brewing Blacktail Ski Area
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Lakeside, MT. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for August 8.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Lakeside, MT.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
Blacktail Balderdash 2026 — Lakeside, MT takes place on August 8, 2026. The race is held in Lakeside, Montana.
Where is Blacktail Balderdash 2026 — Lakeside, MT held?
Blacktail Balderdash 2026 — Lakeside, MT is held at 13990 Blacktail Rd in Lakeside, Montana.
Where can I find hotels near Blacktail Balderdash 2026 — Lakeside, MT?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Lakeside. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
