Copper Kings 100 2026

The second running of the Copper Kings 100 is in the books, and the results tell the story of a race that has quickly earned its reputation: a demanding, beautiful, and remarkably well-run 100-mile loop around Butte, Montana.

On June 26–27, 144 runners set out from the start line to circumnavigate the Mining City on foot, tackling a course that follows 63 miles of the Continental Divide Trail. Forty hours later, 116 of them had crossed the finish line — an 81% completion rate that stands out in a sport where finishing a mountain hundred-miler is never a given. The women's field led the way with a 90% finish rate.

Bozeman's Adam Behrendt took the overall win in 17:49:01, but one of the day's best stories belonged to Butte's own Zachary Sharon, who ran to a second-place finish on his hometown trails. Kallie Smith was the first woman across the line and sixth overall in 21:39:11. Behind the leaders, runners kept coming through the second day and into the evening — the courage at the back of the pack is every bit as much the heart of this race as the speed at the front.

The field reflected just how far word of Copper Kings has traveled in only two years. Runners came from 27 states and Canadian provinces, ranged in age from 19 to 65, and 54 finishers called Montana home.

What has stayed with us most, though, is what runners have shared since crossing the line. In the days after the race, finishers wrote to describe a course that was raw, serene, and punishing in the best way — and, again and again, to thank the volunteers, medics, and aid station crews whose work made it possible. More than one described the weekend not as a race but as a family, and several first-time hundred-mile finishers spoke of a confidence and perspective they'll carry well beyond Butte.

To every runner, volunteer, medic, sponsor, and neighbor who made the 2026 Copper Kings 100 possible: thank you. We'll see you on the trails.

Clearing trail in Butte

While preparing for the 2026 Copper Kings 100, we were busy working on Continental Divide Trail and trails in and around the Moulton cross country ski area.

We worked with the USFS and other groups at the annual Pete Sorini Day trail work day, plus we worked solo as well as with a group of sawyers to open trails in and around the Moulton ski area.

We didn’t take many photos, a teachable moment that we’ll learn from for next year, but here are a few from the June 6 2026 Pete Sorini Day trail party.

MTETF Hats

Five-panel MTETF hats are now available!

Wear-proud your support for the Montana Endurance Trail Foundation with a green five-panel camping cap featuring the MTETF logo.

Click here to purchase your cap through Zeffy, a free payment platform for non-profits.

Stickers!

Introducing the new Montana Endurance Trial Foundation logo, on a sticker!

We now have two 2.5” x 4” stickers and one 9”x3.2"5” bumper sticker. They have a matte finish, and look and feel terrific!

In March and April, $50 donations will be sent one of the small portrait orientation stickers, while donations of $100 or more will receive a set of all three stickers as a gift with their thank you note.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-our-trails

Corporate Matching Gifts

Does your employer offer matching gifts through Benevity?

The Montana Endurance Trail Foundation, a new 501(c)(3) charity founded to promote ultra running, trail stewardship, and local economic development in Montana, is now registered with Benevity, so you can give through your company's portal and have your gift matched!

Search Benevity for our Benevity ID 840-394225437 or by our name Montana Endurance Trail Foundation.

Please visit the MTETF web page at https://mtetf.org

Photo by Scott Rokis https://instagram.com/scottrokisphoto/

Mile 32 of the Copper Kings 100 in Butte Montana

New for Montana

photo credit Scott Rokis

Endurance running is about more than personal achievement. It's about bringing people together around something simple and profound: putting one foot in front of the other for a really long time. And when you do that in Montana's mountains, something remarkable happens—communities strengthen, trails get protected, and the people who built this place get honored.

That's why we created the Montana Endurance Trail Foundation. Our inaugural Copper Kings 100 in June 2025 brought 105 runners from across the country to Butte, filling hotels, supporting local restaurants, and showcasing what makes this place special. But we wanted to do more than host an event. We wanted to give back to the trails we use by partnering with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, support Butte landmarks like Our Lady of the Rockies, and help organizations like the Mile High Nordic Ski Education Foundation expand access to the outdoors.

For me, this is deeply personal. Both my parents were born and raised in Butte. My dad’s dad worked in the mines, and my mom’s dad served as county commissioner, working tirelessly to improve and beautify this community. The Copper Kings 100 began as a route I designed to honor that connection—a way to run through my family's history. It evolved into something bigger: a permitted race that now draws hundreds of visitors to Butte each year, supporting the community my family helped build.

Support our Mission

Montana Endurance Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization (EIN: 39-4225437). All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Whether you're a runner who's found meaning in endurance sports, a Butte local who wants to support your community, or a business looking to invest in Montana's outdoor recreation economy, your contribution helps us build something that lasts. Visit our donation page or email hello@mtetf.org to learn more about supporting our work.

-Wes Plate
Founder and Executive Director