John Colter Run

Event overview

The John Colter Run is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Missouri Headwaters State Park in Three Forks, MT (1585 Trident Road). Entry fee for the event is $60. Registration opens April 1, 2026 at 6:00am MDT and the field is limited to 300 participants. Race shirts are awarded only to finishers. Entry fees are nonrefundable; if the race is canceled for an extraordinary reason (for example fire or pandemic) a 50% refund will be offered.

Course, rules and facilities

The course is approximately 7 miles long: the first 1.5 miles are on paved/gravel country road and the remaining 5.5 miles are on mostly rugged trails. The trail includes two railroad crossings (first at 1.5 miles, second near 7 miles), and the final quarter mile includes two water crossings - one under a railroad bridge and the Gallatin River. Water at crossings can reach waist depth; a safety rope will be secured across the river. Trail markings include rock cairns, flags, stakes, and other markers. There will be one water station about 4 miles into the run and porta potties at the start area only. Walkers and dogs are not permitted on the course. A crossing guard will be present at the first railroad crossing. Muddy Dog Sports will provide race timing. Awards include overall, age group, youngest and oldest runner, and special prizes; the first 50 runners who reach the Beaver Dam area (about 6.5 miles) before the event’s John Colter runner receive a special prize. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.