Running Up for Air | Bozeman

Run or hike as many laps as you can up/down Drinking Horse Mountain in 3, 6, or 12 hours!

WHAT IS RUFA?
The Up For Air Series brings endurance athletes together to celebrate a shared passion for running, amplify informed dialogue about air quality issues, and support organizations that are working toward solutions. We strive for a minimal footprint on the trails but maximal impact on the nonprofits fighting for cleaner air in our communities.

RUFA IN BOZEMAN, MT | FEB 21, 2026
Participants of RUFA Bozeman will attempt to summit the Drinking Horse Mountain as many times as possible to support the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. 

With each registration, a fundraising page will be created on your behalf. Participants are also encouraged to gather pledges from friends and family for each lap completed up the mountain. All proceeds from this event go to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation to support wildland firefighter families and those who have been killed or injured in the course of protecting our lands, forests, homes and communities.

COLD WEATHER POLICY
Safety is our biggest priority. There are inherent risks to running a mountain race during the winter months. We reserve the right to cancel the race, delay the start time, or shorten the event, if the race organization deems the conditions to be too dangerous for volunteers and/or participants. Expect cancellations or delays if temperatures are below zero, windchill is below -10, visibility is impaired due to snow, conditions on course become unsafe, or any combination of these conditions occur that could endanger participants and/or volunteers. In short: this is a mountain race and we could have mountain weather. Hope for the best, be prepared for the worst, and understand we will ultimately make the decision that keeps people safe.

MANDATORY & RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

*Traction devices/shoe spikes are required and mandatory (Kahtoola Microspikes and Exospikes). 
*12 HR runners are required to have a headlamp for the first 1.5 hours of the event.
Read our full mandatory equipment/recommended gear list here

RUFA Cold Weather Policy
Safety is our biggest priority. There are inherent risks to running a mountain race during the winter months. We reserve the right to cancel the race, delay the start time, or shorten the event, if the race organization deems the conditions to be too dangerous for volunteers and/or participants. Expect cancellations or delays if temperatures are below zero, windchill is below -10, visibility is impaired due to snow, conditions on course become unsafe, or any combination of these conditions occur that could endanger participants and/or volunteers. In short: this is a mountain race and we could have mountain weather. Hope for the best, be prepared for the worst, and understand we will ultimately make the decision that keeps people safe.

Aid Stations

There will be 2 total aid stations:

• 1 main base aid station at the bottom of Drinking Horse Mountain trail. 
  
  
  • Base Area Provisions: 
    • Water
    • Electrolyte drink
    • Broth/soup
    • Trail Mix
    • Coke/Sprite
    • Pretzels
    • Additional food options

• 1 small, very limited aid station at the top of Drinking Horse Mountain.
  • A few snacks, limited water

*Runners are expected to carry enough water to complete 1 full lap (2.2 miles). 
*There will be a drop bag area so you can stow extra layers and other necessities at the base aid station.
*All aid stations are cupless, you must have your own water vessel, cup, and/or mug.

Bib pickup will take place at Bozeman Running Company on Friday, February 20th from 10 AM - 7 PM.

MANDATORY & RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

*Traction devices/shoe spikes are required and mandatory (Kahtoola Microspikes and Exospikes, find them at Bozeman Running Company).
*12 HR runners are required to have a headlamp for the first 1.5 hours of the event.

RUFA Runners should be prepared for snow, ice, wind, cold temps, rain, mud, and snow. So.... everything! Bring layers from head to toe (you can stow them in your car, or in a drop bag at the base aid station). Depending on your lap count and how long you'll be out there, layers will be critical to managing your temps and keeping you going. If you're unsure how to prepare, we recommend stopping into Bozeman Running Company and any staff member can help you gear up for this event.

• Sunrise will be at 7:16am (civil twilight 6:19am)

• Sunset will be at 6:00pm (civil twilight 6:39am)

Wildland Firefighter Foundation (Montana chapter)

We are proud to raise money for the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, our local nonprofit partner. All fundraising dollars and 100% of race proceeds go to supporting WFF and the work they do to support those who risk their lives to protect our forests, homes, and communities. 

To learn more about WFF, visit https://wffoundation.org/

There are no refunds, deferrals, or bib transfers offered for this RUFA event. If you have signed up and are no longer able to attend, please know that your registration fee is donated to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. If you need to change your time slot or start time, please reach out to BRC at events@bozemanrunningcompany.com