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 the Missouri Headwaters State Park, one mile south of Trident and about 6 miles northeast of Three Forks, MT
• Parking: Limited parking available: please carpool

🏞️ The Course

• Distance: Approximately 7 miles long
• Trail Type: First mile and a half on a paved/gravel road, remaining 5.5 miles on rugged trails
• Railroad Crossings: Two crossings: BNSF will stop ALL trains at the first for the race
• Trail Markings: Marked with rock cairns, flags, stakes, skulls, bones, and beer bottles

💧 Water Crossings

• First Crossing: Under the railroad bridge: expect knee-deep mud
• Second Crossing: The Gallatin River: potential waist-deep water
• Safety: A safety rope will be secured across the river
• Attire: Bring an extra change of clothes for the awards ceremony and refreshments

🥇 Awards and Prizes

• John Colter: Chase our own “John Colter”: first 50 to the Beaver Dam (approx. 6.5 miles in) win a "special prize"
• Finish Awards: Overall top male and female, age group winners, youngest and oldest runner, and special recognitions
• Post-Race Event: Join us for a barbeque with beer and live music
• Registration: Limited to 300 participants: opens April 1, 2025

📋 Important Information

• Race Bib: Cannot be transferred to another person
• Entry Fees: No refunds if you cannot run: transaction fees are participant's responsibility
• Shirts: Only awarded to finishers
• Cancellation Policy: 50% refund if cancelled due to extraordinary reasons: donations accepted for costs incurred

🚫 Rules and Restrictions

• Walkers: Not permitted due to time constraints
• Dogs: Not allowed on the race course
• Water Station: One available approximately 4 miles into the run
• Porta Potties: Located at the start area only

🌟 Thank You 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
• Muddy Dog Sports (Timing)

For more details and to register, visit John Colter Run.