Race InformationDate and Time
The run takes place on Saturday, September 15, 2007, starting promptly at 7:00am.
A mandatory runners’ check-in will occur at the Swan Lake Community Center (SLCC) on Friday, September 14th anytime between the hours of 5:30pm and 7:00pm. Runners can pick up their race packet during that time, preview maps of the course and ask any questions they may have. Then, at 7:00pm there will be a short mandatory runners’ meeting. During the hours of the runners’ check-in, an optional $10 dinner will be served at the SLCC, including pasta, mixed green salad and whole wheat/grain bread. Proceeds from the dinner will go toward capital improvements of the Swan Lake Community Center. Dinner and meeting festivities should be wrapped up by 7:30pm. The Swan Crest 57k benefits the Glacier Junior Nordic Team.
Driving Directions
The town of Swan Lake is located at the head of Swan Lake on Hwy 83, 1 hour south of Kalispell. The pre-race meeting and pasta dinner will be held here at the Swan Lake Community Center. The run will start at the southern trailhead for the Alpine Trail Number 7 at Napa Point. Getting there requires approximately a 1+ hour drive: 13 miles heading south on Hwy 83 from the town of Swan Lake, and then left (East) and 12 miles up on FS dirt roads up to Napa Point, which is on the crest of the Swan Range. Download/View [ Driving Directions Map ]. We will offer a shuttle that will leave the SLCC Saturday morning at 5am for a $5.00 fee. Space is limited and will be reserved for people as they sign up for it. The run will end at the SLCC, so you can leave post-race personal belongings there.
Course Description
This run is self-supported and unmarked! There are NO AID STATIONS and NO COURSE MARKINGS! The run starts at Napa Point (elev. 6500ft) on the crest of the Swan Mountain Range at the southern end of the Alpine Trail #7. The course covers 51k of the southern half of the Alpine Trail with an ascent of Six Mile Mountain before you descend to the town of Swan Lake. The run consists of 51k of single track, 5k of FS dirt road and 1k of pavement into town, finishing at the SLCC. You’ll climb 8000’ and descend 11,000’ during your run. There are numerous water sources along the course, no farther than 10 miles apart. As you are running north you will be treated with views of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness to the East, and the Mission Mountains and Flathead Lake to the West.
Course Map and Elevation Profile
Download/view the [coarse map 1], [coarse map 2], [course profile], or [detailed course description] here.
Special Notes to Runners
Again, this course is unsupported and unmarked. You need to be familiar with backcountry travel. The Alpine Trail Number 7 is used on a regular basis and is signed at major trail junctions, but signs can disappear, trees can fall over, etc... so you need to carry and be able to read a topographic map and follow directions. The Swan Range is also home to a healthy population of grizzly bears. It is highly recommended that you carry a can of bear spray deterrent.
Time Cut-Off
Because there are no aid stations, there is no way to have a time cut-off. Please, however, give some consideration as to whether you are capable of finishing this course in 11 hours. Last year, a couple of people power-hiked the entire course in 11.5 hours, and even stopped for a swim along the way in one of the many lakes. At least you know the last 12k will be downhill. There are several places to bail and head west down to the highway, but still you are looking at 7 miles of trail and a few miles of logging roads to reach Hwy 83. Qualified and capable runners only please!