Headwaters Relay 2026

Race Overview

The Headwaters Relay is a 3 day, team run, team-supported, adventure race that goes through the backcountry of Montana. There are no aid stations. The exchange points are not marked and are found by following written leg descriptions. Legs vary in difficulty and terrain, and range from 1 to 6 miles. Each day has a definitive start and end point, and overall team time is a compilation of cumulative time from all legs. Runners do not run through the night. Every team runner must run a minimum of one leg per day.

Location & Date

Date: July 31, 2026

Location: 132 East Main Street, Bozeman, MT

More Info: Headwaters Relay Official Site

Team Details

• Team Limit: Due to Forest Service permits, we are limited to a field of 26 teams, with preference given to teams that ran the previous year.
• Team Size: Ranges from 4 to 10 runners.
• Team Name: Teams choose their own name.
• Team Captain: Teams must have one designated team captain.

Support & Responsibilities

• Self-Support: Teams are responsible for their own support and aid along the way, including liquids, food, navigation, and anything else to keep their runners going.
• Support Vehicles: A maximum of 2 support vehicles per team allowed on the route: one must be high clearance.
• Leg Completion: Each runner is required to run a minimum of one leg each day of the Relay.
• Leg Assignment: Teams determine who runs which leg. Each team must complete all the designated legs.

Race Rules

• Leg Completion: Once a runner begins a leg, he/she should complete it. If a runner cannot complete a leg for whatever legitimate reason (e.g., medical condition), then another runner from the team must complete their leg.
• Sequential Running: Teams must run the legs in succession (i.e., one at a time), not two or more at a time (concomitantly).
• Leg Distance: Legs vary in difficulty and terrain, and range from 1 to 6 miles.
• Time Compilation: Overall team time is a compilation of cumulative time from all legs.