“… just wanted to take a quick minute to say thanks for such a great event and congrats on such a successful one. Even though I ran like a dog, this was about as much fun as I have had at a race in a long time.  You really set the bar high for future Cups.” -- Tony Banovich, Billings

“Thank you so much for the incredible experience of the 2006 Montana Cup -- you guys went way beyond what has ever been done before, and the event came off flawlessly! ... What a beautiful day, beautiful course, beautiful area, and with so many fun details ... I was also impressed by the terrific coverage in the Montana Standard ... Everyone had a great time -- you guys really outdid yourselves this year! …[Helena’s] highlights included the return of the women's master's cup, and a second place finish for the women's open team!  The men's teams returned with less hardware, but lots of door prizes! In summary, the conditions were ideal ... and the camaraderie was unparalleled.”  -- rick Judge, Helena

“…thank you for putting on such a well orchestrated race, on an amazingly painful, but absolutely fun and beautiful course (I personally had zero qualms with a course that represented more mountain running than xc running).  That was really one of the best races, and hope that all Montana Cup organizers put the level of effort into creating a competitive, fun and community-oriented race like that.  You've set the bar high, so thank you!”  -- Dewey Peacock, Bozeman

"...you and all your volunteers put on an excellent race on Saturday! It was well organized, eventful (with Big Foot and all) and challenging as hell! ... Great cookie. I xeroxed my [fortune] message because I wanted to keep the original. I'm so curious about [the mail-in prize drawing] ... If you tell me what the prize is I'll tell you what fun things they did to Diamond Jim at the Halloween Party. Deal or No Deal?" -- Demaris Taylor, Helena

“Today was the best day of my life” said 10 year old Kaleb Bausch who filled the role of “Littlefoot” in the far wooded portion of the course. Kaleb’s Father Mark, who played Bigfoot, explained that Kaleb was excited about riding out there as a passenger on a motorbike and about getting to jump out of hiding to scare people all afternoon. What could be more fun for a young boy?

“...all I can say is WOW!  It was a great experience for me...  My definition of training on hills has been redefined.  :)  … I can't wait until next year's MT Cup! That race was a humbling experience that I will never forget.  I can see why there is so much hype about the MT Cup ... it really is special.  It makes me love being a Montanan more than I already do.” -- Amber Osterman, Helena

"You guys crack me up... Great job on the race this year! ... Thanks for having the EMT on sight. I sprained my ankle, and he really helped me out." -- Kelly Fulton, Billings

[It is worth noting that Kelly entered the mail-in drawing by sending in his Montana Cup fortune cookie message, and his message read: "Pay attention to where you put your feet."]

“Thank you very much for putting on what was clearly the best race in Montana.  I personally felt the organization, timing, course, competition, refreshments, etc. were flawless.  That course was indeed very challenging, but quite fun. It's obvious how much effort you guys put in, and it was a complete success. … I'd come to that venue every year to run a fun-run or casual race, and I've heard many others say the same.” -- John Zombro, Bozeman

“Thanks for a great course, great food, great weather, great humor & camaraderie, & just a wonderful day! It was a tough act to follow!” -- Robert Rasmussen, Helena

“The Montana Cup was great. It was hard but FUN! Good Job.” -- Jim Ryan, Butte

“…you all went to a lot of work for the race. It was reflective in all phases. …I wish I would have been healthy but.... I'm trying to be smarter when I have an injury. …What a beautiful day it was too. …Thanks for the nice shirt, food, friendship, and a great race. Tradition lives on!” -- Kent Hoffmeyer, Kalispell

"Thank you for a great race ~ that was a killer course! We had a great time ... Great cookies! -- Aimee & Tory Kendrick, Missoula

"Many thanks for all your effort with the Montana Cup 2006 edition; good fun, good course, superbly organized." -- Chas Day, Bozeman
 

"Your race was the most entertaining local trail race I've ever attended. Thank you x100." -- Michele Bazzanella, Helena

"Thanks for the great day in the sun. Good race, fun." -- Sheila Franey, Butte

"Tasty fortune cookie. That event will be nearly impossible to top!! Your team did a great job. I loved the hunter, the fairy, the angel, the sasquatch and numerous other "things" and people on the course. What a beautiful day in beautiful surroundings." -- Mark Burke, Missoula

"I loved the course, and I wish the Cup was there again next year. And I've heard several others say the same. Missoula has their work cut out for them next year, trying to match that." -- Mark Slater, Bozeman

"…the MT Cup was nothing short of fabulous.  Participating and helping with the event was a major highlight of my running career.  I heard nothing but positive comments from everyone, and it sounds like the course was a hit." -- John Babcock, Butte

"For me, the most memorable part of the day was watching the other runners before, during and after the races enjoying themselves in the moment, in those glorious surroundings and in that wonderful weather.  What a special company of runners we have in Montana: encouraging each other, like the two women from Helena— who hardly know me—calling my name to hearten me at the top of Angel’s Landing.  Pipestone rocks (and rolls)." -- Marvin Speece, Butte 

[Ed: Only moments before Marvin summitted Angel's Landing, one of the same Helena women greeted the race director there slightly less graciously, saying "I hope you're suffering."]

"Good job on the race. Every one I talked to enjoyed it. I wish I could have run that one." -- Bob Boland, Great Falls

"[The meet] was awesome and everyone loved it. Well organized, well marked and what great little touches were added to the course. The fairy, the flute, Big & Littlefoot. I can't begin to tell you how much fun I had, it would take pages, but thanks for making it come together soo nice. Great time was had by all." -- Eddi "Birthday Girl" Walker, Butte

"Thanks for running a good, fun race. I especially liked the costumes with the named sections of the course. See you next year." -- Dave Chandler,  Great Falls

"That was the most fun I have ever had at a race. Having the runners’ names on their numbers was a shear stroke of ‘rayhuntism.’ Everybody knew everybody.  The only thing I would have added to the course would have been to loop back somehow, before finishing, and to go up Angel's Landing again. [Ed. only Jeff Thomas would wish for such a thing.] My only disappointment was that I did not see Bigfoot and Littlefoot. I saw everything else on the course, except them. I wish I would have seen them." -- Jeff Thomas, Helena

[One last note about Littlefoot. He and Bigfoot wore their costumes again while trick-or-treating on Halloween, and by the end of their outing, Littlefoot had stopped using the common "trick-or-treat" greeting. In stead, he had begun saying "I'm NOT an ape!"]

Thank you for organizing this great event.  Pipestone is a BEAUTIFUL place for a race.  Riding up the gravel road on the bus, I think I heard more than one "Oh sh--!  -- Steve Rumley, Helena