John Colter Run

Race day is September 19, 2026 , and 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. Take Exit 278 off I-90. Follow signs to Headwaters State Park and Trident. Parking is limited. Please carpool. The Course: 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. Water Crossings: The last ¼ 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 50 runners that beat John to the “Beaver Dam” approximately 6.5 miles in) will win a "special prize" for their extraordinary effort! Finish awards will b