HalfRuns
Nitty Gritty Off Road Race

Nitty Gritty Off Road Race

The Nitty Gritty Off Road Race offers a challenging, low-key trail running experience in Red Lodge, Montana.

Race Date

Aug 16, 2026

Location

Red Lodge, MT

Solid Pick54

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Location
Red Lodge, Montana
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 4.31 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
166

Highlights

Good For

Beginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Low KeyLocal CommunityGreat Post Race

The Experience

Set against the backdrop of Red Lodge Mountain Resort, the Nitty Gritty Off Road Race is an event that lives up to its name. This is a true test of grit, featuring significant climbing on a course that blends dirt roads and single-track trails.

With a motto of "low key, high elevation," the Nitty Gritty offers a challenging yet welcoming atmosphere. While the terrain demands effort, the overall vibe is relaxed, with distances suitable for all abilities. Runners can tackle the marathon solo or form relay teams. The race, which has seen about 56 finishers recently, draws participants from roughly 10 states and boasts a repeat-runner rate of around 23%.

Beyond the demanding course, the race is known for its community feel, with dogs welcome and post-race rewards like beer and snacks adding to the appeal. It’s an event for those who embrace the spirit of trail running and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with it.

Race-provided description

This off-road marathon will be held at Red Lodge Mountain Resort. The Nitty Gritty is starting to earn quite the reputation.  And that is, one nitty, gritty marathon with LOTS of climbing all on dirt roads and single track trails. With a late August date, your summer of running and racing will be what prepares you for this “battle royal” event.  Form a six, three or two runner relay team to tackle the marathon, or if you have the grit, try the solo hot lap, half, or full marathon! The Nitty Gritty embodies our motto the most out of any race: low key, high elevation. While the terrain is challenging, everything else is lowkey and there is distance for all abilities. Dogs are welcome to run with you on or off leash, the beer and snacks might be the biggest draw….second only to the awesome people! Small but mighty, this race is for those who love trail running and everything that comes with it! Bring your bear spray, camp chair, and good attitude. So lay the peer pressure on your friends, because its time to get down to The Nitty Gritty!   Race Start Times: (Please arrive 45 minutes before your start time for registration and a pre-race meeting)

Solo Full: 7:30am Teams: 8:30am Solo Half: 9:30am Hot Lap: 10:30am

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, August 16, 2026

Start Time

9:30 AM

Giveaway

TBD

Start Location

Red Lodge Mountain, Red Lodge, MT, 59068

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Mountain

Surface

Dirt Trail, Paved

Difficulty

Hilly

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles4.31 Miles

Quality Score

Solid Pick54
Methodology
Heritage8/20

4 years running

Size9/15

~55 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

23% returning runners

Course & details6/15

3 timing sources · 8 photos

National draw6/10

runners from 10 states

Front-pack speed0/5

winner 1:58:37

Weather0/10

typical high 79°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

56°

Afternoon (High)

79°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.0"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

47%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 166 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

166

Median time

2:50:51

Latest turnout

49

States

18

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:55p50 median ≈ 3:057:45

Turnout by year

20222025

'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Nitty Gritty Off Road Race?

The Nitty Gritty Off Road Race is held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, starting at 9:30 AM.

Where does the Nitty Gritty Off Road Race take place?

It takes place in Red Lodge, Montana.

What distances does the Nitty Gritty Off Road Race offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 4.31 Miles.

Is the Nitty Gritty Off Road Race course flat and good for a PR?

The Nitty Gritty Off Road Race is a hilly, loop course course.

How many people run the Nitty Gritty Off Road Race?

HalfRuns has finish records for 166 runners who have completed the Nitty Gritty Off Road Race.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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