Race-Tested: Conquering Robie Creek in LINEAR Gear
Location: 43.61505° N, 116.18854° W
Terrain: High Elevation River Valleys and Plains
The Race to Robie Creek
Each year, thousands of runners from around the world descend upon Boise, Idaho, to face one of the most grueling half marathons in the Western United States: The Race to Robie Creek. Known for its steep climbs, unpredictable weather, and rugged trails, this event isn’t just a race — it’s a reckoning.
This year, LINEAR founder Chris Rullie stepped up to the starting line, not just as a runner, but as a designer putting his gear to the ultimate test.
The Challenge
The race begins with energy and anticipation at Fort Boise, where thousands gather for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. After just 3.5 miles of paved road and cheering spectators, the real test begins — a dusty fire road with a foreboding sign that reads:
From there, it’s a brutal ascent — more than 2,100 feet of elevation gain across the next 6.5 miles. Runners become walkers. Some quit. For those who make it to the summit, complimentary fireball shots and cold mountain air await. But the descent? It’s like a shot out of a cannon, hints the fireball shots at the summit. Over 2,000 feet lost in less than two miles, often on icy, snow-laced trail, before one final forested mile to the finish.
"The experience is extremely demanding — and absolutely unforgettable."
Chris Breaks Down His Thoughts On The Gear
Baseline Short 5" — Night Ops
This was the first major competition I’ve put the Baseline Short 5" through since launching LINEAR in April — and this is exactly what I designed them for. With a 5" outer shell, they offer a completely unimpeded stride and full range of motion.
But truly what sets us apart from the pack, is the liner.
For the 5"Short, we developed a 4.5" liner that we dubbed during design, the “Ghost Liner” — slightly shorter than the 6" liner found in our 7" variant — with the goal of creating something so comfortable and secure, it would feel like it wasn’t even there.
And it delivered. I ran the entire race without a single adjustment, tug, or shift. The liner disappeared the moment the race began — a beautiful validation of the vision that went into designing these shorts.
Unreleased Duel Knit Lightweight Tank
For my top layer, I wore an unreleased prototype: the Duel Knit Lightweight Tank, an evolution of our current Baseline Tank.
This version features a dual-layer knit that forms a breathable air channel between fibers, allowing air to freely flow through- keeping you cool and dry. Combined with the advanced drop-neck design for full motion during stride, the tank felt like a cloud draped across my upper body. It was absolutely unreal.
Despite the elevation, heat, and extreme conditions, this tank kept me cool and comfortable the entire race. It was hands down the most comfortable tank I’ve ever run in.
“The fabric development we’ve achieved here can only be described as groundbreaking.”
Why It Matters
This wasn’t just a race to me. It was an honest field test — a brutal, yet beautiful proving ground for our gear.
As a founder, designer, and athlete, this experience affirmed everything I believe about our performance apparel: that great design disappears, letting you focus entirely on the challenge you undertake. No distractions, just pure performance.
And that’s exactly what LINEAR was able to deliver on.
The Duel Knit Tank is coming. Until then, the Baseline 5" Short is race-ready.
