John Colter Run

🏃‍♂️ Race Day Details

• Date: September 20, 2025
• Time: Starts at 9:00 am sharp when the ole 50 caliber Hawkins black powder rifle goes off.
• Location: Begins and ends at Missouri Headwaters State Park – one mile south of Trident and about 6 miles northeast of Three Forks, MT.
• Directions: Take Exit 278 off I-90. Follow signs to Headwaters State Park and Trident. Parking is limited, so please carpool.

🏞️ The Course

• Length: Approximately 7 miles long.
• Terrain: First mile and a half on paved/gravel country road: remaining 5.5 miles on rugged trails.
• Railroad Crossings: Two crossings, with BNSF stopping all trains at the first crossing.
• Trail Markers: Marked with rock cairns, flags, stakes, skulls, bones, and beer bottles.

💧 Water Crossings

• Distance: Last ¼ mile encompasses two water crossings.
• First Crossing: Under the railroad bridge: mud may be knee deep.
• Second Crossing: Gallatin River with water up to waist deep.
• Safety Measures: A safety rope will be secured across the river. Bring an extra change of clothes for the awards ceremony and refreshments.

🏆 Awards and Prizes

• Chase John Colter: First 50 runners beating John to the "Beaver Dam" win a special prize.
• Finish Awards: For overall top male and female, age group winners, youngest and oldest runner, and special recognitions.
• Post-Race Party: Join us for a barbeque with beer and live music!
• Extras: Some great prizes will be available this year!

⚠️ Important Info

• Race Bib: Not allowed to give or sell your bib: bibs only given to registered participants.
• Participant Limit: Limited to 300 participants – registration opens on April 1, 2025. Reserve your spot early!
• No Refunds: Entry fees are non-refundable if you cannot run. Transaction fees will be paid by participants.
• Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellation due to extraordinary reasons, we refund 50% of the entry fee.

💡 Race Guidelines

• Walkers: Not permitted due to time constraints.
• Dogs: No dogs allowed on the race course.
• Facilities: One water station approximately 4 miles into the run. Porta Potties at the start area only.
• Weather: Race will not be cancelled unless a catastrophic event occurs: rain and snow do not count.

🤝 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).

For more information, visit the race page: John Colter Run.