This page has everything you need to know (and yes, I know it's a lot) so make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom!
Course Maps
60K and 200K Fat Pursuit
The Fat Pursuit is a 60k or 200k human-powered winter race on a network of groomed snowmobile trails in Island Park, Idaho. Groomed is relative. This is a backcountry event that will require some experience and winter survival skills. You will be challenged, humbled and rewarded in many different ways. The 200k distance course will not be marked and you will need to navigate by GPS or map and compass. The 60k will be well marked. If you can read a map you will have no problem following the route. You will need to be self-sufficient and carry all your own gear, food, and water, although there will be checkpoints and aid stations.
The race HQ and start/finish will be at Sawtelle Mountain Resort. 200k racers will tackle the highlight of the route early in the race: Two Top is in the first 30 miles, so you can catch the climb in daylight, in good conditions, when you're fresh.
This event was created to help people gain experience and learn about backcountry winter travel. We feel everyone needs that chance and we do not require a resume of races to do the 60k or 200k distance, although past winter travel experience is strongly recommended.
Please understand that temperatures of 20 below are not uncommon. The snowfall average at 6300′, your low point, is over 200″ and over 300″ at your high point of 8300′. Snow is guaranteed!
DO NOT TAKE THE 60K DISTANCE LIGHTLY!
You are being exposed to the same things the 200k participants are being faced with.
Pricing and Refund Policy
Registration
200K
$300 early bird (on or before November 29, 2024)
$350 regular (after November 29, 2024)
No day-of registration
What you get: A great event! A race sweatshirt and other swag, number plate and timing, three well-stocked aid stations, snow, a crew of volunteers and course marshals to keep you stoked and safe, a guaranteed winning raffle ticket, and community shenanigans at the start/finish for three days!
60K
$100 early bird (on or before November 29, 2024)
$120 regular (after November 29, 2024)
No day-of registration
What you get: A memorable pursuit! A beanie, two well-stocked aid stations, number plate and timing, a marked course, snow, a crew of volunteers and course marshals to keep you stoked and safe, a guaranteed winning raffle ticket, and community shenanigans at the start/finish for three days!
Fat Pursuit Workshop
$850 (More information here)
Workshop/Event Combo
$1,050 ($100 discount off the 200K price!)
Refund and Transfer Policy
Refunds are allowed until a month before the event, December 12, 2024. After that, no refunds allowed. If you do need to cancel closer to the event, you may defer your entry to 2026. If you decide you want to defer you must contact JayP at jaypetervary@gmail.com to confirm your deferment up until a week before the event. If you bail within a week of the event, no deferments, no transfers, no nothing. If there are special circumstances please reach out - we understand that life happens but that doesn't mean you get a refund if the forecast looks bad!
We will accept registration transfers with a $10 processing fee. You need to find the person that is going to take the entry and you will need to email us with the registrant's information, then we will take care of the transfer.
Montanta State Trail Pass
200K Fat Bikers Only!
IMPORTANT UPDATE for 2025:
It is MANDATORY for all BIKE ONLY 200K participants to have a Montana State Trail Pass. It's the law!
The Fat Pursuit 200K course travels on a Montana trail for approximately five miles in the Two Top area. Thanks to a 2019 state law, all trail users (not just motorized) must have a trail pass in order to use Montana snowmobile trails.
The cost is $35 for non-residents and $20 for Montana residents. It is good for the 24/25 season. Please register for a snowmobile trail pass - Montana residents here, nonresidents here. Bikers, you will be required to show your pass at racer check-in.
Passes can be purchased online, https://ols.fwp.mt.gov/
Or in person at Sam Patch Co. grocery store across the street from Sawtelle Resort.
Schedule
January 9-12, 2025
200K Schedule
Thursday, January 9
4-6 pm: Sign-in and gear check at Sawtelle Mountain Resort
6:30 pm: 200K racer meeting
Check-in resumes after meeting until 9 pm
Friday, January 10
6:45 am: Last minute info at start line
7 am: START
Sunday, January 12
Noon: Celebration Toast!
60K Schedule
Friday, January 10
4-6 pm: Sign-in at Sawtelle Moutain Resort
7:30 pm: 60K racer meeting
Check-in resumes after meeting until 9 pm
Saturday, January 11
6:30-7:30 am: Check-in
7:45 am: Last minute info at start line
8 am: START
Sunday, January 12
Noon: Celebration Toast!
*Sign-in and gear check will be INSIDE the resort, not outside. Go in the main entrance, look right, and head down the stairs.* More information about the gear check below.*
Meetings
The racer meetings will be held outside at the Sawtelle Mountain Resort for all 200K/60K racers that will address trail conditions, rules, safety, etc and last-minute info (and surprises) that I need to pass along.
200K
Thursday, Jan 9, 6:30 pm – Racer meeting* for all disciplines at Sawtelle.
Friday, Jan 10, 6:45 am – Short meeting. Meant for prepared veterans that cannot make the meeting the evening before due to travel logistics. This will be very brief. I will only be passing along information that is not found here on the website and any last-minute changes. I will also answer any questions you may have.
*I highly encourage and recommend to you to be at the event site on Thursday. Thursday’s meeting will be more informative.
*Friday’s meeting will be very brief.
*We have included the last minute Friday morning race day, gear check and meeting with respect to people's time away from home, travel, and veterans of the event. If you fall into this category don’t come unprepared, be late, or cause stress to yourself or the event management. We will not cut you slack if you come up short on a piece of equipment, are late, or do not make the meeting. We will not let you start and you will not get a refund.
60K
Friday, Jan 10, 7:30 pm – Brief racer meeting* for all disciplines at Sawtelle Mountain Resort .
Saturday, Jan 11, 7:45 am - Brief racer meeting for all disciplines at the start line at Sawtelle. Sign-in closes at 7:30 am!
*The racer meeting is not mandatory but is very helpful for participants. If you do not come to the meeting PLEASE read through the entire website and pre-race information email before the start.
Sunday Celebration
At noon on Sunday, January 12 we will have a toast at the START/FINISH banner. This is an effort to celebrate all the riders, present or not, and a THANK YOU for being part of this event. Everybody is welcome, it is a celebration. I understand some might be on course and some may go home but I hope it encourages more to stick around and no matter where you are at – raise your water bottle or your glass and give a healthy shout out to the Fat Pursuit!
Rules
Ethics, Respect, and Safety
If you think of the words “ethics, respect and safety” in regards to your fellow competitor, other trail users, the land you are on, the event management and other establishments you come across we don’t feel we need many rules but here are a bunch anyway.
Any racer who fails to not meet any requirements and/or fails to comply with the following rules will be disqualified from the event. There will be no refund and you will not be accepted to come back.
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It is mandatory for all participants to be registered, signed off on the gear check, sign the waivers and attend the pre-race meeting before their chosen start to participate in this event.
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Support – No outside support is allowed. A racer may take help from another racer and race officials only while on the trail. A racer may use commercial services they come across only, as well as the Checkpoints. A racer may not take help from another snowmobile rider or trail user. This event takes on the self-supported style of racing.
*Note – If this gets spoiled it will be removed from the future. Family members and/or friends that traveled with a participant may visit the checkpoints. This is to give the companion an opportunity to see the area, something to do, and add a little spectating. Do not give the associated participant anything and do not clog the Checkpoints. Maybe ask management if there is room first and DO NOT visit them on the trail. Thank you for respecting this opportunity to see a person you are rooting for.
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Bivying / Sleeping – If you choose to bivy while in between checkpoints it is mandatory to remove yourself off the trail and set up. You must also face your safety light towards the trail to let others know you are out there and safe. Bivying is not allowed in Harriman State Park.
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Call of nature – When going to the bathroom please use etiquette. Go off the trail and keep it clean. Enough said.
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Evacuation – If we need to haul you off course for one reason or another it will cost you. It will cost you $250! Yep, come prepared! Hey 60km folks don’t take this “short” distance lightly and please come prepared – this applies to you too!
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What you start with is what you finish with. You can not leave gear at Checkpoints along the way.
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Do not litter, don’t you dare.
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Don’t be a ….!
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Do not interfere with any other trail users.
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Do not ask or get a ride from a snowmobile and leave your bike in the woods unless it is a complete emergency that has you at risk. This will be hard to justify considering you have emergency equipment and camping supplies. Exhaustion or being tired of pushing your bike does not count as an emergency.
Mandatory Gear
(And the 200K Water Boil Test)
Download the gear checklist, read it multiple times, and make sure you have what you need!
200km - Sign-In AND Gear Check must be done on Thursday at race headquarters (Sawtelle Mountain Resort) Sign-in and gear check will be INSIDE the resort, not outside. Go in the main entrance, look right, and head down the stairs. DO NOT bring your bike or sled inside. You will need to unpack your bags in order for us to make sure you have the required gear.
(Contact us for special arrangements if an early Friday morning needs to be accommodated)
Don’t make it difficult and arrive last minute thinking you are the only one. Make sure you show up prepared with all your gear! Don’t expect to be able to get last-minute gear in Island Park. Food, yes. Gear, not really. Please be somewhat organized for the gear check. Thank you
60km - Sign-In is 4-9 pm Friday and 6:30-7:30 am Saturday at race headquarters (Sawtelle Mountain Resort). Sign-in will be INSIDE the resort, not outside. Go in the main entrance, look right, and head down the stairs. There is not an official gear check for the 60K but you still must carry the required gear.
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WATER BOIL SKILL TEST
The 200km participants must stop and bring 8 ounces of water to a rolling boil at a undisclosed location before continuing on.
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You are only allowed to use the equipment and supplies you are carrying.
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You can use snow.
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If at a Checkpoint you can not use the Checkpoint supplies.
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You can receive aid from the Checkpoint before and after your water boil.
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The water boil area will be monitored and flagged.
SNOWSHOES
Snowshoes are mandatory for 200K runners and must be worn in Harriman State Park. Snowshoes are recommended but not required for 60K runners.
EVACUATION FEE
We weren't kidding about the $250 for 200K racers. We encourage everyone to keep going. If for whatever reason you can't keep going, self-extraction, i.e. getting yourself back to headquarters, is also what we encourage/recommend. If you need to be evacuated by one of our trail crew/marshals, which expends resources that would otherwise be used to improve the experience and safety of every participant on course, you will hand them the 250 CASH.
Checkpoints
Checkpoints are also aid stations. There will be hot/cold water, sweet and salty snacks and GU products at each aid station. Additionally at each aid station there will be a highlight food of sorts ie grilled PB&J, potatoes, soup, pancakes...who knows but it will be hot and filling!
Drop bags are allowed for both distances. Details below.
200k Race
Start / Finish – Sawtelle Mountain Resort
Start - 7 am Friday, January 10
Aid Stations:
Aid 1 @ mile 28 - "Lunch Stop"
Aid 2 @ mile 76 - "Breakfast Stop"
Aid 3 @ mile 113 - "Self-Serve Snack Stop"
60k Race
Start / Finish – Sawtelle Mountain Resort
Start - 8 am Saturday, January 11
Aid Stations:
Aid 1 @ mile 12 - "Lunch Stop"
Aid 2 @ miles 25 - "Snack Stop"
60k Details
CHECKPOINT 1, the "Lunch Stop" - Approx 12 miles in, at a trail junction.
You will be able to get cold/hot water, grilled peanut butter and jelly, cup of soup, salty and sweet snacks and some GU energy products.
CHECKPOINT 2, the "Snack Stop" - Approx 25 miles in, in a parking lot.
There will be just enough here to kick you in the butt to the finish! So, for sure cokes and cookies and other mouth watering items. Along with cold/hot water and some GU energy products.
Both CPs are outside camps set up with tents and heaters. Mind you there is enough space inside the heated tents to dry some things and warm up but there is not a lot of space so be mindful and respectful of your fellow participants. First in, first out is the policy.
200k Details
CHECKPOINT 1, the "Lunch Stop" - 28 miles in at trail junction #40 on the snowmobile map. It is a 3.5 mile out and back off the main route to get to this CP.
You will be able to get cold/hot water, grilled peanut butter and jelly, cup of soup, salty and sweet snacks, coke, and some GU energy products.
CHECKPOINT 2, the "Breakfast Stop" - 76 miles in at Harriman State Park.
You could potentially visit CP 2 twice but you will need to veer off the route at the end of the 12 mile loop you are routed to do in Harriman State Park. You go directly by it at the start of the loop.
At the CP there will be cold/hot water, bacon, Kodiak Cakes flapjacks w/ toppings, salty and sweet snacks, coke, and some GU energy products.
CHECKPOINT 3, the "Self-Serve Snack Stop" - 113 miles in at a parking lot as you cross a road.
Depending on when you arrive to CP 3 there may or may not be volunteers there. If not, you may walk inside and help yourself.
There will be just enough here to kick you in the butt to the finish! So, for sure cokes and cookies and other mouth watering items. Along with cold/hot water and some GU energy products.
All CPs are outside camps set up with tents and heaters. Mind you there is enough space inside the heated tents to dry some things and warm up but there is not a lot of space so be mindful and respectful of your fellow participants. First in first out is the policy.
REMEMBER: Checkpoints are meant to be exactly that and act as an aid station/resupply. Race management did not organize these for you to sleep in but certainly rest if you need to.
First come, first serve with the available space. The same goes for the first one in is the first one out when it gets too crowded. You are carrying sleeping gear and can sleep outside, of course OFF trail. With that being said there is room to take time to dry.
Drop Bags
Both the 200k and the 60k will allow drop bags. They will be brought to CP 1 and CP 2 for both distances.
Drop bags should include food only. No additional gear such as batteries, hand warmers, and clothing are permitted in the drop bag. You must start with all the equipment you need as well as finish with the equipment you start with. No dropping of equipment. Drop bags should be packed in a garbage bag with your name and number clearly written on them. When the checkpoint volunteers close the checkpoint and return to the Headquarters they will bring back whatever drop bags were remaining.
Tracking
200K Only
(This does NOT apply to the 60K distance event.)
-Tracking is mandatory in the 200K. We work with Trackleaders.com for this service.
-The cost of this is on top of the registration cost and you need to register separately using the form below.
-The cost is $20 if you use your own tracking device (SPOT or InReach) and $55 for a rented device.
-Reserved SPOT devices will be available for pick-up at racer registration - they will not be mailed to racers.
-If you have your own device, you still need to register using the form below. Trackleaders will be asking participants for your ESN number and shared page link.
-The devices for rent are SPOT ‘Trace’ units (smaller and lighter). Lithium AAA batteries are included with your rental device but backup batteries are a great idea!
Cut-Offs
60k
No cut-off times. That said no bivying or long stops allowed, this is not the multi-day event. If you show me continual and constant movement I will let you keep on keepin' on! Sound good!?
200k
CP 1 - Friday, 7 pm (12 hours)
CP 2 - Saturday, 7 pm (36 hours)
CP 3 - No cut off time but no bivying or sleeping when you leave this CP. You made it this far, now finish it up!
**With respect to all the participants who are taking this Pursuit on and knowing the preparation that goes into it there might be flexibility with this. We want everyone to succeed but we also need everyone to be safe, including our volunteers.
Also, understand the Race Director has the right to pull you if you are showing signs of being unsafe or are not prepared/equipped for the weather.
Trail Guarantee
(Almost)
Let's start by saying the routes of the event are part of a 500+mile trail system that gets groomed by the state. It's a multi million dollar program and there are big PistenBully groomers that go out each evening to groom trail. There is no set schedule as it depends on snow fall and trail usage on where they might go. Some trails get more regular trail grooming over others. The "trails" are the same as the Forest Service "roads" and the grooming is as wide as the road.
I've spent years building relationships and donate money (Thanks to Fat Pursuit!) to the Fremont County Parks and Rec that heads this program up. I put in my trail grooming requests for event weekend and have a finger on the pulse of mostly what is, has been, and will be groomed prior to the Fat Pursuit.
This area gets a lot of snow and wind that can literally shut the trail down to a snail's pace within a handful of hours. Ask veterans, they know. As an event organization we do everything we can to keep the trail "open" and keep people moving. We have learned a lot over the years and have tried all sorts of techniques to deal with unrideable trails. Some were better than others. And then we found a tool that literally saved the event one year. This implement can blow a foot+ of snow off trail and get down to the existing firm service allowing a biker to start pedaling again.
After that year so many people were thankful for that implement, gave it a name, and said WOW that thing is amazing. So, we crowd funded and bought our own.
Hence, I now give the "Trail Almost Guarantee," meaning "We will do everything we can within our power with our equipment and our incredible volunteers and their equipment to give everyone the best surface of trail possible."
Current Trail Grooming
Fremont County Trails Information
Snowfall Information
Safety Protocol
This message is for the folks watching the Trackleaders dots from home as well as for racers.
The Fat Pursuit is not to be taken lightly. We have a mandatory gear list, tracking devices for the 200K, and a pre-event workshop for a reason. This is a winter expedition event and participants are required to prepare for whatever conditions they may face, whether it's sub-zero temperatures or heavy snow. We've seen it all in the past twelve years.
Because we've seen it all, we have robust safety systems in place. With experienced folks manning each checkpoint and an active trail crew constantly sweeping the course and checking on conditions and participants, we have a good on-the-ground understanding of people's abilities and status.
Trackers can be glitchy. It is imperative that racers know how to use their devices: the antenna must be facing up, and the tracker can't be shoved deep into a pocket. Bring back-up batteries. Only use the SOS button in a true emergency. Discomfort is not an emergency. Exhaustion or being tired of pushing your bike is not an emergency.
If a participant's dot has stopped moving for several hours, that is not cause for panic. It could mean a racer has stopped to bivy, or their tracker has temporarily stopped transmitting. The race crew is watching everyone's dots and checking with them in person to make sure everyone is safe.
Spectators: DO NOT CALL THE RACE DIRECTOR OR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE during the race because you're worried it's too cold or your racer hasn't moved in an hour. This is taking limited resources away from essential first responders if there is a real emergency.
Racers: If you need to communicate with Jay during the race call or text him at 307-413-2248. Put this number in your phone right now.
We reserve the right to pull a racer if they seem unprepared or unsafe, but generally we encourage everyone to keep going. If for whatever reason you can't keep going, self-extraction, i.e. getting yourself back to headquarters, is what we encourage/recommend. If you need to be evacuated by one of our trail crew/marshals, which expends resources that would otherwise be used to improve the experience and safety of every participant on course, you will pay $250. Do not call 911 or Search & Rescue for extraction.
Prizes
(And Raffle)
60k Overall
1st, 2nd and 3rd will receive an award along with sponsor prizes.
200k Overall
1st – will receive an award along with sponsor prizes and an open spot to register for the 2025 ITI*
2nd & 3rd will receive an award along with sponsor prizes.
Men and women awarded separately in all distances.
Our sponsors give us lots of great stuff and it goes directly to you. Some of it will get given away to the overall winners and the rest will be raffled.
RAFFLE
I have always said we don’t clap for raffles and I would hate to put you through an hour of calling names. So, we do a silent raffle while you are out on the trail. When you get back to the lodge check the table to see if your name is on any of the prizes. Everyone gets one raffle ticket and you can buy additional tickets.
Please visit our Sponsors page to see who is supporting this event and making it possible. These are brands and business we believe in so please consider supporting them.
*The person who wins the opportunity to register for the Iditarod Trail Invitational will have to be approved by me, JayP. I will be responsible for giving the Iditarod Trail Invitational organizers the OK on your ability and that you are capable of competing on that trail. As I have a full understanding and great respect of what the Iditarod Trail Invitational has to offer I will only give my honest opinion to both you and the organizers. In short, just don’t do anything that will put you or anybody else at risk. Thanks for understanding.
The Fat Pursuit 200k is a qualifier for the Iditarod Trail Invitational.
Lodging
Island Park, Idaho
The route takes place in and around the area – the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. You will be riding just outside Yellowstone National Park.
Sawtelle Mountain Resort is the Event Headquarters. (4133 Quakie Lane, Island Park, Idaho)
Racers receive a 25% discount on lodging at Sawtelle. Just use the coupon code Fat2025 for online booking or call the front desk and mention the Fat Pursuit to get your room discount.
Registration, gear check, and the racer meetings will all take place at the resort. It is also the START/FINISH of both the 60k and 200k races. How convenient!
Other lodging options:
More about Island Park: