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Here’s what that means for you!
At Run Wild Missoula, we care deeply about the places we run. From the river trails to the winding singletrack in the mountains around town, our miles take us through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Montana—and we want to do our part to keep them that way. That’s why, beginning in 2026, all Run Wild Missoula club races (not including the Missoula Marathon Weekend of Events) will officially transition to cupless aid stations and start/finish lines.
This is a big and exciting step for our club and our efforts to enhance our sustainability initiatives. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s changing, why we’re doing it, and how to prepare for your next RWM race.
Why We’re Going Cupless
Every club race—even the small ones—produces a surprising amount of waste. A single aid station at some of our larger races can go through hundreds of disposable cups in a matter of minutes. Multiply that by several aid stations and hundreds of runners, and well…that’s a lot of paper and plastic.
By eliminating single-use cups at our aid stations, we’re aiming to:
- Reduce waste in a big way
Collectively, RWM races will prevent thousands of cups from entering Missoula’s waste stream each year. That means cleaner trails, less litter (despite our best efforts to always pick up all discarded cups), and fewer items headed for the landfill.
- Promote sustainable recreation
Trail runners have long embraced a pack-in/pack-out mindset. Expanding that ethic to road races and club events reinforces our commitment to the environment and our responsibility to care for the places we love.
- Model Good Stewardship for the Missoula Community
We know runners notice how races are run—and so do spectators, volunteers, and land managers. This shift is an opportunity to lead by example in Missoula’s outdoor recreation community.
What Runners Can Expect on Race Day
Switching to a cupless system is actually simpler than it sounds. All aid stations will, for the most part, still offer water and an electrolyte drink, and amazing volunteers will still be there to help—just without handing out disposable cups.
Here’s how it will work:
Bring Your Own Drinking Vessel
Runners must carry their own hydration option during a race. Any reusable system works, such as:
- A collapsible race cup (we will have some available for sale at each race).
- A handheld bottle.
- A soft flask.
We recommend testing your hydration system on a few training runs so it feels comfortable and familiar when race day arrives.
Local retailers like Runner’s Edge, TrailHead, REI, and other outdoor stores often carry lightweight, collapsible cups and hydration gear!
How Refills Will Work
At each aid station:
- Volunteers will pour water or electrolyte drink directly into your bottle or cup
- Volunteers won’t handle your personal items—you’ll open and hold your flask or cup yourself.
- Having your bottle or cup ready as you approach will keep lines moving smoothly.
A Note About Safety
We will keep a small reserve of disposable cups on hand for medical or emergency situations only. These will not be available for general use.
Tips for Preparing for a Cupless Race
If you’re new to running cupless, here are a few helpful tips:
- Practice makes perfect: Use your chosen bottle or cup on training runs to get used to carrying it.
- Keep it accessible: Choose a system you can easily reach while running.
- Stay patient at aid stations: Volunteers will be working hard to keep things moving quickly and safely.
- Know your hydration needs: Plan ahead based on the weather, distance, and your personal hydration habits.
A Small Change With a Big Impact
Going cupless is a meaningful, long-term investment in the sustainability of our events and the health of our shared outdoor spaces. Whether you’re new to Run Wild Missoula or have been racing with us for years, we’re incredibly grateful for your support in helping us reduce waste and protect the places where we run, race, explore, and play.
If you have questions about the cupless policy or what to expect at your next event, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to see you at the start line (with reusable cups and bottles in hand)!