John Colter Run

Race Details

• Date: September 19, 2026
• Start Time: 9:00 am sharp
• Location: Missouri Headwaters State Park – one mile south of Trident and about 6 miles northeast of Three Forks, MT
• Parking: Limited: please carpool

The Course

• Length: Approximately 7 miles
• Surface: First 1.5 miles on paved/gravel country road, remaining 5.5 miles on rugged trails
• Crossings: Two railroad crossings: BNSF will stop trains at the first crossing where a guard will be present
• Trail Marking: Marked with rock cairns, flags, stakes, skulls, bones, and beer bottles

Water Crossings

• Crossing Locations: Last ¼ mile includes two water crossings
• First Crossing: Goes under the railroad bridge with mud that can be knee deep
• Second Crossing: The Gallatin River, expect water up to waist deep
• Safety: A safety rope will be secured across the river: bring an extra change of clothes for post-race

Awards and Prizes

• Special Prize: First 50 runners beating "John Colter" to the Beaver Dam (approximately 6.5 miles in)
• Finish Awards: Overall top male and female, age group winners, youngest and oldest runner
• Recognition: Special awards for deserving participants
• Post-Race Party: Barbeque with beer and live music for all participants

Important Information

• Registration: We are limited to 300 participants: registration opens on April 1, 2026
• Refund Policy: Entry fees are non-refundable if unable to run the race
• No Bib Transfer: Race bibs cannot be transferred to others
• Shirts: Race shirts are only awarded to finishers

Cancellation Policy

• Conditions: Refunds and swag provided only if race canceled due to excessive smoke, fire, or pandemic
• Race Continuation: We will do everything possible to not cancel the race
• Participant Considerations: Enjoy being outdoors and embrace fresh air
• Walkers & Dogs: Walkers are not permitted: no dogs allowed on the race course

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors: Headwaters State Park, BNSF, GCC, Main Street Over Easy, Bozeman Speedy Lube, Bozeman Running Co. Bobcat ROTC, Gallatin County Search and Rescue, Lerhkinds, Yellowstone Bank, Dark Horse Construction, and Muddy Dog Sports (Timing)

Learn More

For more information, visit our race page.