The race is on! At least for in-state runners, so lace up those sneakers and refresh that training schedule the Trail Rail Run is less than a month away. Following an email-based survey sent out to race participants and volunteers Trail Rail Run Director Tyler Cheesman has elected to move forward with the 2020 race.

“It’s wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I’m so glad that we are at least having a version of the event this year.” Cheesman stated.

Her usual planning and preparations were put on hold in March and April due to closures and restrictions. With many upfront costs and detailed organization for an event this size, much uncertainty led to postponing crucial ground work.

“Six months worth of work will be done in 29 days!” Cheeseman said.

May 8, Cheesman announced on the race’s website and on its Facebook page the choice to move forward with the run on Saturday, June 6.

“After sincere consideration of the runners’, volunteers’ and our community’s safety in compliance with Governor Bullock’s restrictions the June 6th Trail Rail Run will continue for Montana residents only,” Cheeseman said.

With green lights from the Governor, U.S. Forest Service and the Mineral County Health Department the Eighth Annual Trail Rail Run will proceed but with necessary modifications.

Unfortunately, with out-of-state travel limitations still in place this means runners from neighboring states are unable to make the trek to Montana to tread the beautiful railroad grade.

“I know our community relies on tourism and are struggling so much this year compared to normal. No one wants to cancel these events but it is crucial that we keep our community safe and I know we are all in this together,” noted Cheesman of the economic impact.

The race is always a huge draw for out of state visitors, with athletes coming as far away as Illinois and Colorado last year.

Cheesman estimated that roughly half of the participants are out of state runners. Last June the event tallied close to 290 competitors participating in race lengths varying between a 5K which starts at Two Mile or the grueling 50 miler beginning over in Idaho.

In whatever stride or pace, each contestant looked forward eagerly to their post finish line huckleberry milkshake from the St. Regis Gift Shop.

“I’ve had a lot of out of state runners contact me and say they’re really disappointed in the decision, but the thing they don’t realize is that it’s out of my control. This is a state directive.”

In growing popularity this ultra-run on the Milwaukee Railroad Grade started back in 2013. Cheesman volunteered and ran in the race from the events’ creation, then took the helm as race director in 2017.

Wanting to assure that the race would have a future Cheesman declared, “I love this community, I love our history, I love our mountains and I loved this race! I did not want the event to end and I wanted to make sure it stayed in our community and involved them as much as I could. We would not be able to continue without our locals and our sponsors!”

The event will see many changes to comply with state and local guidelines. Runners are being encouraged to have a driver to take them to their starting line to decrease the number of individuals on busses and maintain social distancing guidelines.

There are several different deferral or partial refund options for out of state runners or for those who do not feel comfortable participating in the race due to COVID-19.

If choosing not to run this year participants have an opportunity to forgo a refund and donate their entry fees to the Trail Rail Run and the St. Regis Community Council.

To comply with in-state health guidelines the 50-mile and 50-mile relay races will be starting at Lookout Pass, on the Montana side and will have a loop added to reach the 50-mile total.

After crossing the finish line at St. Regis Park post-race celebrations will look significantly different, that information will be included in runner’s packets. Awards and certificates will be mailed after the race.

For now, Cheesman is barreling full speed into planning mode.

“I am in desperate need of volunteers! she said. “Many people don’t realize the Community Center and all of their events are put on by volunteers who all but one fit into the elderly category and should not be exposed!”

Medical personnel are needed, as well as aid station workers and people to help maintain social distancing at the finish line.

Typically, people sign up to volunteer online but Cheesman is recommending interested volunteers to email her directly at trailrailrun@gmail.com.

She also wanted to remind non-residents and those wishing to further social distance that a virtual race is also being held on June 6. Runners must show proof of completing their distance by 10 p.m. Mountain Time the day of with a smart watch or GPS.

Registration for the Trail Rail Run is open and fees will increase on June 1.

As far as next year’s run is concerned Cheesman plans to continue as race director and she concluded, “The race will move on in the future as well but may lose a few past participants and need time to rebuild, in a time like this that is okay and understandable.”