2026 Spitfire Ultra Trail Challenge
The 2026 Spitfire Ultra Trail Challenge will take place on April 18, 2026, in Menan, United States, atop the rugged volcanic terrain of North Menan Butte. Participants will experience a unique blend of challenging trails, stunning views of the Tetons and Snake River, and a variety of race options suited to different skill levels. The event is expected to have partly cloudy skies with daytime temperatures ranging from 45°F to 55°F, and light winds. Runners, hikers, and trail enthusiasts can look forward to navigating volcanic lava formations, sand/dirt roads, and gravel service roads across multiple course distances.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Bad-Ash 5K Trail
- →12K Trail
- →Epic 30K Challenge
- →The FAT 55K Ultra
What are the course details for the Bad-Ash 5K Trail?
The Bad-Ash 5K Trail is a short out-and-back course that begins at basecamp and ascends the face of the butte to the rim (Celebration Station). Runners will then traverse the caldera, navigate lava rock formations, and descend back to the finish. The course includes pink survey tape on metal washers in rocky areas, pink flagging on dirt, and red arrows at sharp turns.
What are the course details for the 12K Trail?
The 12K Trail adds the east side of the butte to the course, with a turnaround at "The Privates" fence. It includes a half-mile out-and-back from basecamp, a climb to the rim, a traverse through the caldera, and a descent along the east-side gravel service road. The course markers include pink survey tape, pink/blue flagging, and red arrows at sharp turns.
What are the course details for the Epic 30K Challenge?
The Epic 30K Challenge takes runners across both volcanoes, covering volcanic lava, gravel service roads, and river bottoms trail. The course includes a climb to the rim, a traverse through the caldera, and a descent back to basecamp. The course markers include pink survey tape in trees, pink/blue flagging, and red arrows at sharp turns.
What are the course details for The FAT 55K Ultra?
The FAT 55K Ultra is a 2-loop course that covers both volcanoes twice. The course includes volcanic lava, gravel service roads, river bottoms, and private land. The course markers include pink survey tape (metal washers on rocks, flagging in ground/trees), wooden stakes on the south butte, and red arrows at sharp turns. Participants must adhere to strict cut-off times, including a finish by 11:00 AM after the first loop, 1:00 PM at the Furthest Point Aid Station, and 2:00 PM at the Middle Aid Station.
What is the Idaho Trail & Ultra Series (ITUS)?
The Spitfire Ultra Trail Challenge is part of the Idaho Trail & Ultra Series (ITUS), which consists of 11 races across Idaho. Participants who complete 4 of the 11 races in any ultra distance (31 miles or more) will earn a logo'd ITUS jacket at the end of the year.
What is included in the registration?
Registration includes access to the event course, aid stations, and support along the trail. The specific inclusions may vary by race distance and are detailed on the event registration page.
What are the cut-off times for The FAT 55K Ultra?
The FAT 55K Ultra has strict cut-off times: participants must be out of Base Camp after Loop 1 by 11:00 AM, out of the Furthest Point Aid Station after Loop 2 by 1:00 PM, and out of the Middle Aid Station after Loop 2 by 2:00 PM. The total time limit is 9 hours.
Where can I find course maps for each race?
Course maps for each race are available via the following links:
- →Bad-Ash 5K Trail: Visit Website ↗
- →12K Trail: Visit Website ↗
- →Epic 30K Challenge: Visit Website ↗
- →The FAT 55K Ultra: Visit Website ↗