Based on data from station USW00024135 (4 mi away)
Embark on an epic journey through Montana's rugged mining history and breathtaking landscapes at the Copper Kings 100, a challenging 100-mile ultramarathon held in Butte, Montana, on June 26, 2026. This single-loop course, starting and finishing at the historic Belmont Mine, promises an unforgettable experience for seasoned ultrarunners. With approximately 63 miles traversing the stunning Continental Divide Trail, runners will confront significant elevation changes, climbing from a starting altitude of 5,650 feet to a high point of 8,400 feet, accumulating a total of 13,960 to 14,400 feet of vertical gain and loss. Much of the demanding route unfolds above 6,500 feet, ensuring a high-altitude test of endurance.
Dubbed "deceptively difficult" by past participants, the Copper Kings 100 lives up to its reputation with climbs that are longer than they appear and persistent rocky terrain. Despite its toughness, runners consistently praise the incredible course, beautiful scenery, and top-notch community atmosphere, supported by well-stocked aid stations along the way. Aid station intervals can stretch over 17 miles, requiring careful planning and self-sufficiency. Typical race day conditions in late June offer highs around 76°F and lows around 43°F, with a minimal 7% chance of precipitation, providing a generally favorable, albeit variable, mountain running climate.
More than just a race, the Copper Kings 100 celebrates Butte's rich past, named after the influential industrialists of the late 1800s. Finishers earn a unique handcrafted copper belt buckle, a nod to the area's deep mining heritage. The event, which evolved from successful "fat ass" runs in 2023 and 2024 to become an officially permitted race in 2025, is dedicated to inclusivity with a nonbinary division and contributes proceeds to vital local organizations like Our Lady of the Rockies and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. With a generous 40-hour cutoff, the Copper Kings 100 offers a challenging yet achievable goal for those ready to tackle a true Montana mountain ultra.