John Colter Run

The John Colter Run will start at 9:00 am sharp when the ole 50 caliber Hawkins black powder rifle goes off. The race begins and ends at the Missouri Headwaters State Park – one mile south of Trident and about 6 miles northeast of Three Forks, MT. The event is limited to 300 participants. Parking is limited, so please carpool.

The course is approximately 7 miles long, with the first mile and a half on a paved/gravel country road, and the remaining 5.5 miles on mostly rugged trails, just like it was when Lewis and Clark came through here. The trail portion is relatively rough but suited for cross-country running. There are two railroad crossings. Montana Rail Link will stop ALL trains on the track just after the start. They only do this for two events in Montana! The first railroad crossing is 1.5 miles from the start and the second is about 7 miles into the race. The first crossing has a certified flagger posted there. The second crossing goes UNDER the railroad and by the time you get there the trains will be running again. You MUST go under the railroad bridge and through the water and mud or you will be disqualified. The trail is marked with rock cairns, flags, stakes, skulls, bones, and beer bottles.

The last mile of the course encompasses two water crossings. The first water crossing goes under the railroad bridge (as stated above). Tie your shoes tight because the mud can be knee deep! The second water crossing is the Gallatin River. Be prepared for water up to waist deep at each crossing. A safety rope will be secured across the river. Bring an extra change of clothes for the awards ceremony and refreshments.

To sweeten the deal, we have some great prizes this year! We’ll have our own “John Colter” and you will be chasing him down. The first male and first female to catch John will win a free lunch every week for a year from Clark’s Fork restaurant in Bozeman! Any runner who beats John to the “Beaver Dam” (approximately 6.5 miles in) will win a commemorative John Colter water bottle from Nathan Sports with a coupon inside for a free meal from Clark’s Fork. Finish awards will be presented to overall top male and female; age group winners; youngest and oldest runner; and special awards to those we think need to be recognized! Raffle prizes awarded at the finish. Afterward, all are welcome to join us for a post-race party barbeque with beer and music!

IMPORTANT: Due to time constraints and the nature of the race, walkers are not permitted. No dogs are allowed on the race course. There will be one water station along the course at about mile 4. Porta Potties are at the start area only AND unless there is some catastrophic event beyond our control, the race will not be cancelled. Rain and Snow do not constitute such an event.

Please note, race shirts are only awarded to finishers.