MT Cup Trivia
• Meet was founded by Ray Hunt in 1992, and has been run continuously thereafter except Covid year (2020) and Snowmageddon year (2023)
– first four races were in Missoula (1992-1995)
– next four races were in Butte (1996-1999)
– next two races were in Helena (2000-2001)
– current rotation schedule implemented in 2001
• Race was not called the Montana Cup until its 5th year of existence
– “Montana Open Cross-Country Race” (1992-1995)
– original entry fee was $1, which was used to purchase the two Cups
– first year scored 3, but changed to 5 thereafter
– first year recognized men’s and women’s complete teams from Dillon!
(current regions were finalized sometime thereafter)
• Cities that are split between regions:
– Boulder (Butte & Helena)
– Harlowton (Bozeman & Billings)
– Harrison (Butte & Bozeman)
– Ronan (Kalispell & Missoula)
• Junior division runners who have won the overall race:
– Rowdy Sargeson (18) – Team Helena (Butte, 1999)
– Makena Morley (16) – Team Kalispell (Deer Lodge, 2013)
– Bryn Morley (14) – Team Kalispell (Missoula, 2014)
• Master division runners that have won the overall race:
– Scott Creel (40) – Team Bozeman (Bozeman, 2002)
Other Trivia / MT Cup Firsts
• 1996 (BTM) – point-to-point downhill course
• 2000 (HLN) – team jerseys!
• 2004 (GTF) – team bus!
• 2005 (KAL) – Masters Cup!
• 2008 (HLN) – 7 complete teams! (men’s race), Cyppee Cup! Zombro Cup! hottest MT Cup (75F)
• 2009 (BOZ) – women’s field surpasses men’s field (123 – 116)
• 2010 (BIL) – lead horse!
• 2011 (GTF) – 7 complete teams in BOTH races!
• 2013 (BTM) – Deer Lodge race started with a bull whip!
• 2016 (BOZ) – all time record field (299 finishers)