Spitfire Ultra Trail Challenge at Menan Butte

About the Event

The Spitfire Ultra Trail Challenge, formerly known as the Menan Butte Trail Challenge, is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Menan, Idaho. This event offers a rare geological racing experience centered on the North Menan Butte, an extinct volcano formed by massive eruptions approximately 10,000 years ago. Participants navigate a demanding landscape featuring volcanic rock, sand, slick rock, and sagebrush as they traverse the rim and the interior crater of the butte. The race provides a variety of distances, including a 55K ultra, 30K, 12K, and 5K, all starting at different intervals throughout the morning.

Race Distance	Start Time	Terrain Features
55K	6:00 AM	Full volcano traverse and rim loops
30K	8:00 AM	Volcanic rock and slick rock sections
12K	9:00 AM	Mixed surfaces and crater views
5K	10:00 AM	Introductory trail and sagebrush paths

Menan is a small city located in Jefferson County, Idaho, with a population of approximately 750 residents. The demographic profile of Jefferson County is approximately 84.7% White, 11.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Asian, 0.6% American Indian, and 0.4% Black or African American. The median annual household income for the county is roughly $72,500. Geographically, the Menan Buttes are unique "tuff cones," among the largest of their kind in the world, rising about 800 feet above the Snake River Plain. The climate in mid-April typically involves average lows of -1°C (30°F) and highs of 14°C (58°F). The exposed nature of the volcanic terrain means runners should be prepared for sudden wind and variable spring conditions common to the high desert.

Registration for the Spitfire Ultra Trail Challenge remains open until the Wednesday prior to race day. The event has a rich history with results dating back to 2015, attracting a dedicated community of trail runners to eastern Idaho. Top historical performances for the 55K distance include a course record of 5:13:42 set in 2022. Due to the abrasive nature of volcanic rock and the presence of deep sand, gaiters and shoes with durable outsoles are highly recommended for all distances. The race start and finish are located at 1098 N 3600 E, providing direct access to the trail network of the North Menan Butte.

Races Offered

55K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 55K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

06:00

sell

$145.00

30K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 30K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

sell

$100.00

12K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 12K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

sell

$65.00

5K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

10:00

sell

$55.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Menan.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat -0.3° / 14.2°

wb_sunny -4.8° / 8.9°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 11.6 /

water_drop 51.4%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat -0.3° / 14.2°

wb_sunny -4.8° / 8.9°

air 11.6 km/h

water_drop 51.4%

About Menan

Learn more about the host city, Menan.

Menan is a city in Jefferson County, Idaho, United States. It is part of the Idaho Falls, Idaho Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, Menan had a population of 715.