HARDROCK QUALIFIER!
IMTUF has been a Hardrock Qualifier since 2012. For 2025, a finish of the IMTUF100 will qualify you to enter the Hardrock 100 Lottery for 2026 and 2027. This is a testament to the difficulty and quality of our race. Hardrock is widely known as one of the most challenging human endeavors in existence. We are honored by this recognition and will continue to strive to make Hardrock's very short list of qualifiers.
Western States? YES!
For 2025, an IMTUF finish will qualify you to enter the 2026 WS100 lottery.
"I'm gonna go do this IMTUF race so I can do Western States." Not smart at all. That is like doing your doctoral dissertation in quantum physics then signing up for basic algebra. Qualifier hunters get the serious smackdown by IMTUF. Come to Idaho for IMTUF, ready for the race of your life. You may never give more of yourself and suffer more than on IMTUF raceday. The first two finishers in 2023 indepedently told me as they crossed the finish line..."harder than Hardrock...and the most technical 100 in the United States."
QUALIFICATIONS FOR AN IMTUF 100 RUNNER
IMTUF does not have a set criteria for entry into the race. You "should" have extensive backcountry experience and be well versed in hiking and rough trail running. Chances are, if you are looking into IMTUF, then you have spent your time in the mountains. Who am I to deter someone from running just because they haven't run this race or that race? My first race of any length since 7th grade track was Leadville 100. I finished. Barely, but I finished. I wasn't even a runner. I just went for it and I will never forget it. I don't want to cheat others out of that kind of adventure. Like any Race Director, it is typical to stand at the Pre-Race Briefing and have concern for some of the racers they see in the group. Some with deer in the headlights looks and some obviously less fit than others. I have learned my lesson not to write anyone off, because time after time these underdogs gut it out and finish. They didn't have the resume but they packed their TUF and made it back to the finish. If you want an adventure in Idaho...come on up, but know that you are responsible for the very real consequences of biting off more than you can chew. Our mountains are real and will have no mercy on the unprepared. Serious injury and death are certainly possible, yet preventable if the runner who pays their dues first before toeing IMTUF's start line. Consider your future carefully.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR AN IMTUF 100 RUNNER
IMTUF does not have a set criteria for entry into the race. You "should" have extensive backcountry experience and be well versed in hiking and rough trail running. Chances are, if you are looking into IMTUF, then you have spent your time in the mountains. Who am I to deter someone from running just because they haven't run this race or that race? My first race of any length since 7th grade track was Leadville 100. I finished. Barely, but I finished. I wasn't even a runner. I just went for it and I will never forget it. I don't want to cheat others out of that kind of adventure. Like any Race Director, it is typical to stand at the Pre-Race Briefing and have concern for some of the racers they see in the group. Some with deer in the headlights looks and some obviously less fit than others. I have learned my lesson not to write anyone off, because time after time these underdogs gut it out and finish. They didn't have the resume but they packed their TUF and made it back to the finish. If you want an adventure in Idaho...come on up, but know that you are responsible for the very real consequences of biting off more than you can chew. Our mountains are real and will have no mercy on the unprepared. Serious injury and death are certainly possible, yet preventable if the runner who pays their dues first before toeing IMTUF's start line. Consider your future carefully.
