John Colter Run
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About the race
The John Colter Run is a trail race held at Missouri Headwaters State Park outside Three Forks, Montana. The event date is September 19, 2026. The field is capped at 300 runners and there is no race day registration; bibs are picked up at the park on Saturday morning. The course is advertised as 7.5 rugged miles and measures approximately 7 miles, with the first 1.5 miles on a paved or gravel country road and the remaining roughly 5.5 miles on mostly rugged, cross-country style trails.
The final quarter mile includes two water crossings: one under a railroad bridge with potentially knee-deep mud and one across the Gallatin River with water up to waist deep. A safety rope will be secured across the river. Runners must go under the railroad bridge and through the water and mud or face disqualification.
The trail is marked with rock cairns, flags, stakes, tipis, skulls, bones, beer bottles, and small green cones. There are two railroad crossings; Montana Rail Link stops trains briefly at the first crossing about 1.5 miles from the start. Parking at the park is limited; additional parking areas are served by a sprinter shuttle and central park spots are reserved for emergency and event vehicles. Finish awards include overall male and female, age groups, youngest and oldest runner, and other special recognitions.
A post-race barbecue with beer, live music, raffle prizes, and commemorative items is held after the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
