What 'Mature' Runners (?) Said To Be Able To Run The Ridge Run

Here are several of the more memorable essays written by those wanting to run the Ridge Run. I’ve tried to get a sampling of all types – from serious, to humorous, to slightly weird. Here we go!

Why should you let me in? You shouldn't! I told my wife the whole entry process is fixed and bet her I would never get in. If I lose I may have to complete the race in a thong. You don't want that. Neither do I. Don't let me in!

July 29: I cannot walk. Two weeks later: I run. On the ridge, there is only the present moment. But that moment takes years, or lifetimes to understand. Past and future fall away like East and West. So point your toes South and hang on. In the span of twelve months I traded the mountains of Bozeman for the “mountains” of NYC. I was 19 and with that trade I lost part of myself. Now 34, I’m trying to find me again.

The BRR is a milestone in the path back to my roots. This most spirit-lifting of events is an annual contest to see if I can get it together one more time – “Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will – To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” (Tennyson’s Ulysses) Oh yes!

I'm 65 w/recent aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis; not looking for pity but BRR's on bucket list. Old but strong, slow but steady. Love goat trails. Pics of BRR turn me on. Career in trail maint and constr, Glacier NP, Bitterroots, N. Idaho.

I would like to prove to all those sniveling men out there that didn't get into last year's race or won't get into this year's race that I, as a woman, will be treated with favortism.

I had to pull out last year due to a synovial cyst which pinched off 75% of my spinal canal. The only thing that gets me through my daily physical therapy and rehab is the thought of again being able to participate in the Ridge Run.

Running my a** off in the mountains is my therapeutic remedy for maintaining sanity in a world of solo parenting, a challenging career and shifting sands. If you’re looking for folks who appreciate the gift that comes with this challenge, choose me.

Native Bozemanite-a farm girl. Will represent! Mother lost leg impacting ability to engage in our love of the Bridgers. Lost a cousin and his passion was the Bridgers. Bridgers are my home and I love hiking, playing, viewing and caring for them!!

I run all my races for my brother and running buddy who spends most of his time in Afghanistan. He lives vicariously through my running life. It's the least I can do for him, knowing all that he does for us. It’s as simple as that!

PICK ME! Last year I watched my sister in law complete the run. It changed her life and motivated me to change mine. My brother and I are trying to run together this year...great time for us to reconnect. I love mountains! PLEASE PICK ME!

As a kid I was forbidden to play sports due to the competitive nature fostered by such activities. Having overcome the spiritual destruction of such a religion, running has given me access to peace, gratefulness, and resilience of mind.

My daughter was born with a serious heart condition that resulted in me developing postpartum depression. Running is the one thing that has helped me overcome this. The RidgeRun is my greatest running goal.

My favorite quote, "All anyone really needs is twenty seconds of bravery and something great will happen". I know twenty miles of the Bridger Ridge Run will accomplish something great!

My Therapy, My Brother Mowbray was killed by a Drunk Driver 3 years ago, this turned my life upside down, sense Mowbs passing the only thing that keeps me sane is running, I run for my brother when I am in my Pain Cave I feel the closest to Mowbs.

Sacagawea - Then along the rocky spine - To the 'M'-- Sublime! (A Haiku)  My in-laws are visiting that week from out of state. They won't be impressed by my poetry skills, so I actually have to run the ridge. Please help!

I wanted to run last year but felt intimidated. Now I have spent three months hiking in Nepal and a month at EVerest base camp. I am ready to run in the footsteps of my father Alex, my stepfather Conrad, my mom, Jennifer and my brother Sam.

We only have one life to live; may as well fill it with adventure and success. Since having 3 small children, I struggle to make time for myself. The run will allow time to focus & be part of an elite athletes and community members.

 "Pain's a fire which incinerates Karma and fuels evolutionary change"-L.Jarret

8 BRR's, smitten! Romantic training runs with my girlfriend. Electric atmoshpere at Fairy Lake. Connection with other runners. Doing what others won't. Max is running because it's better than therapy. ("Take that, ex-wife, I got in to the Bridger Ridge Run! All you got was the house. Loser.").

I am a cop in Jackson, WY and just finished 5 days of anti-abortion protests with vivid pix, vile blather, ignorant counter protesters and getting yelled at by both sides. I need to clear my head.

Help.... I'm a police officer's wife, and I need to clear my head, too. (Maybe you heard from him, already!) Please pick us. We haven't even been on a date for over a year. Thanks. P.S. His name is Frederic O'Connor. Thanks.

My wife says we can't have our second baby until we both do the ridge run. She calls it "Ridge Run Family Planning." Please help us out and be a part of our family history! Train. Run. Make baby.

Please let me run for Caden Shrauger, age 3 battling Neuroblastoma Cancer. Bozeman Fire Chief's son, my daughter's best friend and the boy I helped raise since he was 3 months, Caden is fighting for his life. This race is for you Caden!

Ridge Runner Donald Tucker and I became close friends and in 1997 he was killed in a car accident. Stashed away in my treasures I have a hand written note from him asking me to join him in this "epic adventure". In memory of Donald Tucker.

Transitioning from life in Special Forces is more challenging than my husband thought. But its easier when your wife will sort out shit on a run with you. We want to tackle this beast as individuals, but really we want to tackle it together.

In honor of MY Special Olympian, told he’d never walk, BRR is the ultimate in proving doubters wrong, especially ourselves. NEVER an athlete, down 70 lbs & at the proverbial hill of 40, BRR is my final proof, mind over matter wins. I’m an athlete!

I am not dying, blind, one-legged, or running the ridge barefoot. I am a mom and a physician who wants to lead by example...I preach health and wellness AND loving the place we love.

I ran the BRR in 2005 (maiden name is Swogger) and finished in 3rd. My husband claims when I finished I said "don't let me do that again". I don't remember saying this and I'd like to show him he’s wrong!

My name is Cooper. I am Niki's dog. I am entering her in this race. It would mean many trail runs for training and we always get icecream for recovery. Please consider the dog, don't make me beg...or stare at you for a long time.

Coast to prairies to mountains to fireflies in night, Beckoning to rise from sea to summit, Light falls,Breath rises,Life at your feet,Gather the senses and melt the lies beneath seasons,Run with me...........

-David Summerfield