John Colter Run

Event details

The John Colter Run takes place on September 20, 2025, at Missouri Headwaters State Park near Three Forks, Montana. The event is organized by the Big Sky Wind Drinkers and is professionally timed by Muddy Dog Sports. Registration is limited to 300 participants, race bibs are issued only to registered entrants, and there is no race day registration. Walkers and dogs are not permitted. Race shirts are awarded only to finishers. If the event is cancelled for extraordinary reasons such as fire or pandemic, a partial refund policy applies.

Awards include finish prizes for overall top male and female, age group winners, youngest and oldest runner, and other special awards. The first 50 runners who beat the event’s “John Colter” to the beaver dam near 6.5 miles receive a special prize. A post-race barbecue with beer and live music follows the finish.

Course and logistics

The course is approximately 7 miles long. The initial 1.5 miles are on paved or gravel road; the remaining roughly 5.5 miles are on mostly rugged, cross-country trails. There are two railroad crossings - the first at about 1.5 miles where rail traffic is held for runner passage, and a second that passes under the tracks. The last quarter-mile includes two water crossings - one under the railroad bridge and the Gallatin River - with mud that can reach knee depth and water up to waist deep; a safety rope will be secured across the river. The trail is marked with rock cairns, flags, stakes, tipis, skulls, bones, beer bottles, and small green cones. Parking is limited; take Exit 278 off I-90 to reach the park. One water station is located at about 4 miles; porta-potties are at the start area only. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.