John Colter Run

John Colter Run : Three Forks, MT

The John Colter Run takes place on Saturday September 19, 2026, and begins and ends at Missouri Headwaters State Park, located about one mile south of Trident and roughly six miles northeast of Three Forks, MT. Take Exit 278 off I-90. Parking is limited; carpooling is recommended.

The course is approximately 7 miles long. The first one and a half miles run on a paved or gravel country road. The remaining 5.5 miles follow mostly rugged trails with rough, cross country terrain. The trail is marked with rock cairns, flags, stakes, skulls, bones, and beer bottles.

There are two railroad crossings. At the first crossing, about 1.5 miles from the start, BNSF will stop all trains and a crossing guard will be present. The second crossing requires runners to go under the railroad bridge and through water and mud; failure to do so will result in disqualification. The final quarter mile includes two water crossings. The first goes under the bridge and can have knee deep mud; the second crosses the Gallatin River and can reach waist depth. A safety rope will be secured across the river. An extra change of clothes is recommended for the awards and refreshments.

Event details include a limit of 300 participants, one water station at approximately four miles, and porta potties at the start area only. Walkers and dogs are not permitted on the race course. The event features finish awards, special prizes for the first 50 runners who beat the designated John Colter to the Beaver Dam near 6.5 miles, and a post race barbecue with beer and live music. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.