Nestled at the top of the Continental Divide marks the starting line of an annual adventure.
A punishing mixture of loose sand, technical singletrack, and over 16,000 feet of vertical gain awaits those bold enough to embark on it.
One day. Three races. Over 500 competitors.
Every July, mountain bikers craving a challenge bathed in both grit and beauty flock to Butte, Montana for what has been deemed “the most difficult mountain bike race" in the United States. Celebrating 20 years in 2026 the Butte 100 Mountain Bike Race is a true Montana legacy.
“To take your body to a level that most people won’t ever be able to do…to a level it doesn’t want to go is something that’s very addicting,” said Chad Godbout, race participant and owner of event sponsor Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Butte.
Launched in 2007 as a grassroots ride with about 40 local mountain bikers, the Butte 100 began as a rugged day in the saddle for some local riders. Over a few short years, however, word spread about the incredible singletrack trails, the epic views, and the challenging course, and the race evolved into a bucket-list endurance event for riders from around the world.
“We have racers from an average of 22 different states every year and as far away as Canada, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand,” said race owner Stephanie Sorini.
Today, the Butte 100 race weekend consists of three challenging individual races: a 100 mile, 50 mile, and the Sorini 25, taking place atop the Continental Divide.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this July, this year’s Butte 100 event not only continues a beloved Butte tradition, but it honors the memory of one the race’s most passionate supporters – Pete Sorini, late husband of Stephanie Sorini.
A Butte boy born and raised, Pete lived a life dedicated to serving others through both his career as a neurosurgeon, being deployed to serve others in Iraq, Afghanistan, and at the military hospital in Germany and his community.
“Pete loved his community and truly all he wanted to do was take great care of people – whether it was in the operating room, in his office, or the community,” said Stephanie.
A lifelong fan of mountain biking, Pete was only too happy to get involved in the inaugural Butte 100 event.
“It was the challenge and the logistics of mountain biking that most appealed to him,” said Stephanie. “You just don’t get out there and get on a bike. You have to think about how you are going to navigate the course and trails.”
After that first Butte 100, Pete fell in love with the event and became more and more involved with it each year.
“He was always really mentally tough and just had a really good, really big passion for it like me,” said Godbout who met Pete shortly after he first participated in the Butte 50.
Pete’s involvement with the event eventually became a family affair with his wife, Stephanie, and daughters, Giavanna, Marietta, and Bella all showing up on race day not only to cheer him on but also volunteer at the event.
“It was something that was very important to my husband, so therefore it was important to our family,” said Stephanie.
Unfortunately, Pete rode his last Butte 100 in July of 2014 and later lost a courageous and long-fought battle with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor in 2016. The Sorini 25 race was created by former race director Gina Evans, in his honor in 2015.
Following the devastating loss of both a husband and father, Stephanie took her grief and turned it into purpose when she bought the Butte 100 race in 2016. When she heard the previous owner, Bob Waggoner, was thinking of selling to an outside party, she knew she had to intervene.
“I didn’t want something of this value to leave our community,” said Stephanie. “I didn’t want another outside owner coming in and putting something of this magnitude on.”
“I was afraid it would change the culture and dynamics of this beautiful race so that’s why I just literally bought it on the spot and figured we’ll figure it out with the help of many passionate racers and support from the community”
Giavanna, Marietta, and Bella couldn’t have been prouder of their mother’s commitment to the race and of honoring their father’s part in it.
“When my mom told us she was buying the race, it was definitely a mix of shock and total admiration,” said Bella. “It was something my dad looked forward to every year and when he was here, we supported him throughout it and now that he is not here, we are able to keep his memory alive all thanks to my mom.”
“I was so excited and proud of her,” said Giavanna. “I know how much this race meant to my dad, and the fact that she is able to keep his legacy alive in such a meaningful way is so special.”
“My Mom and Dad had always been passionate about the Butte 100 and our community, so it felt like a natural fit for her,” said Marietta.
From navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, battling a nearby wildfire that nearly canceled the event one year, and overseeing upwards of 150 volunteers annually, Stephanie, her daughters, and a supportive village flanking them have indeed “figured it out” and ensured the race Pete loved so much continues.
“We have been very blessed with a community that wants to help and participate. We couldn’t do this race without the support of the volunteers and sponsors.” said Stephanie.
With the 20th Butte 100 event fast approaching, Stephanie and the rest of the event crew is making final preparations to welcome the “hell yeah” attitude of the racers they have come to know and love.
“The best satisfaction I’ve had is seeing how much these racers love the race and our community,” said Stephanie. “They all love Butte, and to be able to share the outdoors in our backyard with them really does make me proud and happy.”
“The Butte 100 changes you a little bit, no matter how you participate,” said Bella. “If you ride, you discover what you are truly made of. If you volunteer or spectate, you get to lift others up and experience the best of the human spirit. I hope people walk away from the weekend feeling inspired by the grit of the riders and the warmth of the community and all the hard work and love my mom has given the race.”
“Between the incredible riders, beautiful trails, volunteers who make it all possible, and everyone who comes out to support the event, it's a weekend that's hard to put into words,” said Marietta. “I hope people leave with great memories, a new appreciation for Butte, and a reason to come back again, whether that's as a rider, volunteer, or spectator.”
The Sorini family continues Pete’s philosophy with “you can always do more” and looks forward to continuing the Butte 100 for many years to come.
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