Organizers of the Butte 100 Mountain Bike Race have the best kind of dilemma on their hands: how to make a great event even better.
Based on the growing demand of the 50- and 100-mile races in past years, the organizers have decided to make some changes, making this year’s ninth annual race a benchmark according to a press release sent Tuesday afternoon.
“We’re making two significant changes that, we believe, will really set the race up for future growth and success,” said Jon Wick, the race’s Communication Director. “First, we’re changing to a lottery format for registration. Second, we’re offering an additional 25-mile race for the first time ever. We’re really excited about these.”
The last few years, the 250 racer capacity was reached within minutes of opening registration, making it one of the most sought after endurance race registrations in the country. Though this kind of demand may sound like good news, though it came with several down-sides.
“Besides submitting incorrect information from the rush of registration, we were starting to hear that registration basically came down to whoever had the fastest internet connection. We didn’t think that was right,” said Gina Evans, Race Director. “We’ve been looking at different options for a couple years now and decided it was finally time to change.”
Now open through February 28, racers can submit their names into the pool of applicants hoping to be selected for a place at the starting line for $5. Lottery selection will take place the first week of March when racers will be notified.
The 25-mile race is still pending permit, but organizers are planning to have an open registration in March, after the lottery selection. The course will start at the race’s start/finish area at Homestake Pass and take place entirely north of Interstate 90.