Thunderbolt Creek 12k & 30k

Saturday, July 13, 2024 ~ 8:00 a.m.

Thunderbolt Creek Trailhead

Register at UltraSignup


Awaiting the start of the 2022 race on a perfect day!

What to Expect

These beautiful and moderately challenging 12k & 30K races take place on the Thunderbolt Creek trail and parts of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) west of Basin, Montana. The 30k course has approximately 3,200 feet of elevation gain, while the 12k has about 1000 feet of climb. Seasoned runners may have PR opportunities here, but first-time 12k & 30k runners will enjoy the courses just as much. This is a one-of-a-kind experience!

Runners in both the 12k and 30k will run a short section on dirt road to start, which helps to stretch out the pack before hitting singletrack on the Thunderbolt Creek Trail. You’ll cross the shallow creek twice on the way out and back. See “Aid Station and Race-Day Notes” below for more details.

Register at UltraSignup and get early-bird pricing through April 30, 2024!

— 30k: $70 (price increases to $85 on May 1)
— 12k: $50 (price increases to $65 on May 1)
Sorry, no refunds.

Races are limited to 100 runners total. Check this page closer to race day for race-day registration options!

Shirts: Those who register by JUNE 15 and who make it to the race are guaranteed an awesome race shirt! Unclaimed and leftover shirts will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Packet Pick-up takes place at the starting line on the morning of the race. Please arrive no later than 7:30 to check in.

Note: There is NO cell service at the venue and RD Brian will be on site at least 48 hours before race time, so if you have any last-minute questions, please message our Facebook page prior to race day and someone will get back to you. (On race day, all helpers will be at the race, unavailable for questions.)


Aid Station and Race-Day Notes

After a short section on dirt road to start, all 12k and 30k runners will run singletrack trail for approximately 3.6 miles (mostly gentle uphill) to the main aid station at Cottonwood Lake. 12k runners will turn around at the aid station and return to the start/finish line. 30k runners will continue up the trail another 2 miles or so to the turnaround point (a volunteer will direct them).

30k runners who make it back to the Cottonwood Lake aid station by 11:00 am will be sent up a side trail for a 3.3-mile segment to the top of Thunderbolt Mountain with over 1,000 feet of climb. (Note: A volunteer will be stationed partway up the climb and will have some water, but we recommend filling a bottle at the main aid station before starting this segment.)

When 30k runners reach the peak they will see remnants of an old lookout. They’ll tear a page out of the comic book to prove they made it, and should enjoy the 360-degree view for a moment before heading back down. They’ll hit the Cottonwood Lake aid station a third time — but be warned, volunteers will pack it up at 1:00 pm. The final 3.6 miles of the race are all downhill back to the start/finish line!

Aid station locations are approximate

yellow triangular sign depicting trail etiquette: Hikers yield to horses, and bikes yield to everyone

If you encounter horses (or mules), step off the trail to the downhill side. ALL trail users must yield to horses!


Post-Race Food and Awards:  Relax afterward in this beautiful location and join us for brats and beer from Helena microbreweries. You can take a dip in the creek to cool off, and chips, soda and water will be plentiful. Overall and age-group winners will receive a unique, handmade awards by local craftspeople.


Directions to Trailhead and Camping Options

Allow 1 hour travel time from Helena and 45 minutes from Butte.

Driving south from Helena or north from Butte on I-15, take Exit 151 (Bernice) and head west toward Boulder River Rd #82. At the fork in the road, turn right (watch for signs) and continue about 6 miles on well-maintained gravel road toward White House Campground. Just across from the entrance to the campground and picnic area, you’ll turn RIGHT onto a narrow Forest Service road and proceed approx. 1.6 miles to the Thunderbolt Creek trailhead. (This segment of road is rough in spots, but regular passenger cars should be able to navigate the bumps.)

*** DO NOT PARK IN THE TURN-AROUND at the trailhead. Horse trailers need room to pull all the way through.  You will be directed to pull off the road onto the grassy area, parking side-by-side as tightly as possible. Invite your friends and carpool if possible! Thanks for your cooperation. ***

Camping: Some runners choose to pitch a tent or car-camp near the start/finish. Be prepared for chilly overnight temps in these mountains!


Scenes from the 2021 event
RD Brian Wieck
Race director Brian at the 2018 event

Results

2023202220212020201920182017
201620152014201320122011

To keep prices as low as possible we do not hire a race photographer. In some years, volunteers take snapshots, and when we’re very lucky, Michael Chapman is on hand with his digital SLR camera! Use the links below to view or download photos from the years listed below.

2022 – Aid station and misc. snapshots
2021 – Aid station and misc. snapshots
2020 – Finish line snapshots
2017 – Michael Chapman’s photo album
2014 – Michael Chapman’s photo album
2013 – Michael Chapman’s photo album
2011 – Michael Chapman’s photo album


We thank all of our sponsors for financial or in-kind support for the Thunderbolt Creek 30k!

Race shirts by Bart Coulter of Bart Wear