John Colter Run Three Forks, MT   Sep 19, 2026

Join the John Colter Run at Missouri Headwaters State Park outside of Three Forks, MT for an awesome trail race re-enacting John Colter’s infamous (naked!) escape from Blackfoot Indians. With a 300 runner cap on participants, don’t miss your chance at partaking in this highly coveted 7.5 mile run! 

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. BNSF will stop ALL trains at the first crossing just after the start where we will have a crossing guard. They only do this for two events in Montana! The second crossing goes UNDER the railroad tracks 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 first railroad crossing is 1.5 miles from the start and the second is about 7 miles into the race. The trail is marked with rock cairns, flags, stakes, skulls, bones, and beer bottles.