Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race tests mettle, endurance

Published: March 8, 2011

If you're looking to add some real adventure to your life, look no further than the 33rd annual Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race. This unique test of mettle and endurance is set amid one of Montana's most spectacular regions, running from the heights of the majestic Beartooth Mountains, rolling along scenic farm and ranch land, and slicing through the untamed waterways of the Yellowstone River. The late broadcaster Charles Kuralt described this route as "the most beautiful drive in America." Beautiful, yes, but springtime in the Rockies can be beastly, with snow and wind and frigid temperatures, and participants should come prepared for all weather variables.  

Traditionally held on the fourth Sunday in April, this year's event has been moved up a week to accommodate the Easter holiday. The race kicks off at 8 a.m. Sunday, April 17, nine miles south of Red Lodge, and finishes 75 miles away in Coulson Park south of Billings.

The race is divided into three segments, beginning with an 8.8-mile run that starts at an elevation of 6,400 feet and descends through Rock Creek Canyon into the historic town of Red Lodge where spectators cheer participants on for the final mile.  

The bicycle leg is guaranteed to feed cyclists' hunger for speed, as they make their way along the 43-mile course over Highway 212 from Red Lodge to Laurel, descending more than 2,000 vertical feet en route.

While the bike leg covers the longest distance, the river leg takes nearly twice as much time, and endurance is the key factor. The 23-mile paddle segment along the Yellowstone River offers navigable stream flows, wildlife encounters and spectacular scenery, but also presents more than a few challenges. Teams can employ one or two paddlers (kayaks or canoes); the team's classification is based on the length of the boat used: boats over 14 feet compete in a "racing" classification; those under 14 feet fall in the "sport" class.

Peaks to Prairie participants can compete in either a triathlon event, which includes all three race segments, or a duathlon format, which includes only the running and biking legs. Organizers say that the fastest way to run this gauntlet is to provide a fresh body for each segment, but those who want the ultimate challenge may opt to participate as a soloist. There are categories for male, female, mixed, and family teams; open and masters age divisions; and sport or racing qualifications.

A pre-race pasta feed is on tap rom 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday evening, April 16, at Cafe´ Regis, 16th and Word in Red Lodge; cost is $12. Race packet pick-up is also available at the cafe from 5-8 p.m. A post-race festival at Coulson Park in Billings features an awards presentation, along with entertainment, refreshments and kids' races.

Entry fees are $40-$80 and registration deadline is April 13. For more information and to connect with people looking for team members, visit www.peakstoprairie.org or call 406-672-1772.