2025 Prospectors 50k/30k
Aptly named for the rugged men who explored this area starting in the 1860s, where the views are as good as the gold they were looking for. If you can pull your eyes away from the surrounding mountain views, you’ll run by big and small reminders of the mining activity, including homesteads, equipment, and endless spur roads.
The 50k course starts in Silver Gate and finishes in Cooke City, following access roads and trails and gaining approximately 5,500 vertical feet. The 30k course follows the majority of the 50k course. Prospector’s 50k/30k is operated under a Special Use Permit administered by the Gardiner Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest.
This race is not for the faint of heart. It has a 12-hour cutoff time with each aid station having progressive cutoffs. If you make it to an aid station after the cutoff time you cannot continue the race (and no refunds will be issued).
The Prospectors run mission is to support the folks who are there when you need it—which is why they donate to Cooke City Fire/EMS and Cooke City SAR. A portion of the runner fees goes towards these organizations along with additional donations collected at the events. Their goal is to give each organization $800-$1,000 to support the important role they play in the safety of the Cooke City community!
Cost for runners are as follows for 50k/30k: $100/$80 – early-early bird special, $120/$95 – general registration, $135/$115 – late registration. Includes a beer, scenic racer photos, custom race flannel and the race of your lifetime! Limited to 100 racers per event. You can register online through runsignup.com.
On Friday, August 8th at 5:30 pm is early registration at the Cooke City Exxon. General or same-day registration for the 50k is at the City Park in Silver Gate beginning at 6 am on Saturday, August 9th, the 50k race starts at 7 am.
The 30k early registration is at the Cooke City Exxon on Saturday, from 9 - 11 am and 4 - 6 pm. General registration on the morning of the race at the City Park in Silver Gate starting a 7 am. The 30k race starts at 8 am on Sunday, August 10th.
They couldn’t make this race so great without the support of their sponsors. Don’t forget to patronize and thank these wonderful businesses that support the race:
- Cooke City Exxon will be providing UTVs for course support, post race beers and awards!
- Cooke City Sinclair will be hosting the finish line and providing every finisher with Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream!
- Red Lodge Ales will be keeping the post-race beers flowing!
- Cleanwaste Outdoor will be supplying WAG bags for all participants and aid stations!
- Headwaters Studio Screenprinting.
Awards will be hosted after most racers have finished. The categories are: 1st, 2nd, 3rd overall male and female winners for each race. All spectators should stick around after the finish for awards and a cowbell party for the top final finishers!