Short Summary

Ultra runner Wes Plate is creating a 100 mile endurance run around the historic mining town of Butte, Montana. Join us as a "Prospector" as we start this new event!

Wes created the original Copper Kings 100 route in 2022 as a way to more-deeply connect to his long family history in the area. In June 2023, Wes ran the route with five friends and it was so successful it was decided to work towards making it a real event. In June 2024 ten runners from around the US tested an improved version of the course, with Wes acting as the Race Director.

The dream of this becoming a real race is now happening, with permits secured for up to 100 runners to run the inaugural Copper Kings 100 in June 2025.

What We Need & What You Get

Registration for the 2025 Copper Kings 100 opened in December and as of February 15 there were 85 registered runners. A lot of people are really excited about this new endurance run!

The challenge is in paying for all the tents, tables, water containers, communications equipment, coolers, course marking supplies, and on and on for stuff like that. To get set up for the initial year will cost far more than registrations will bring in.

• Our budget predicts it will cost between $45,000 and $50,000 to purchase and rent to create this event, but even if we sell out registrations will only bring in $34,500. Creator Wes Plate personally spent his savings to put on the 2023 and 2024 fat ass runs that proved the concept.
• The Prospector campaign is to raise funds to close the gap between our registration revenue and the costs to create this event.
• We are offering exclusive perks to thank you for your investment in the Prospector campaign
  • Copper Kings 100 Prospector Sticker
  • Copper Kings 100 Prospector Cap
  • Copper Kings 100 Prospector T-Shirt, available in Men's and Women's styles.
  • Copper Kings 100 Prospector Hoodie
  • Copper Kings 100 2025 Copper and Steel wall art created by the same artist making the race's copper belt buckle finisher awards
  • IndieGogo Perks will ship when the campaign has finished. 

The Impact

• Ultramarathons change the lives of the participants, as they spend months training and preparing for the grueling physical and mental challenge of running 100 miles in less than 40 hours.
• These events help the hosting community by generating a lot of economic activity as most runners travel from other states and bring their families to cheer them on. 
• Our conversations with ultra runners over the last few years have showed us there is a market for more ultra running in Montana. Before the Copper Kings 100 there was only one 100 miler in Montana. This campaign will set us up to host this as an annual event.

Risks & Challenges

It costs a lot to start a big event like this, so we're looking to our friends, family, and other interested enthusiasts to raise these startup funds. This investment will mean future editions of this event can be paid for with registrations and sponsorships.

Because of our two year effort of test-running the course and building word-of-mouth buzz, we are excited about the number of runners that have signed up for the inaugural run in 2025. The success of the 2025 registration suggests future years will sell out more-quickly, and over time we can add more distances to increase registration revenue.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you aren't able to help this campaign, please share with a friend who might be interested.

• Please share this campaign with your ultra running and or outdoor-loving friends
• If you live near Butte, Montana, you could join us at the race as a volunteer!