Presented by The Rut Mountain Runs and The North Face
Now in its 14th year, The Rut Mountain Runs has evolved from a single alpine race into a three-day festival built around trail running, storytelling, and stewardship – all set against the landscape of Big Sky, Montana. Joined by The North Face, The Rut Mountain Runs team will unpack how a community-first approach helped grow the event, deepen participant loyalty, and create new opportunities for brands and partners.
This session offers a grounded look at how community can become a powerful business strategy – from stewardship projects and storytelling nights that build connection well before race day, to partnerships that expand access for underrepresented runners and reach new customer segments. Attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at how authentic brand collaboration and creative community engagement can build credibility and drive real growth. Whether you’re a run specialty retailer, building a brand, or producing an event, you’ll leave with a blueprint for turning community into lasting loyalty.
