"The Tap 'er Light"
- Date Sat 10th July 2027
- Time 10:00AM MDT
- Location Butte, Montana
- Price $48.70 - $54.00
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km, 10km
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Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at "The Tap 'er Light" event on Saturday, July 10, 2027, in Butte, Silver Bow, Montana! This exciting community running event celebrates the rich mining heritage of the region while promoting fitness and fun. Participants can choose between a fast-paced 5K Run/Walk or a scenic 10K Run, both of which wind through the historic sites that tell the story of Butte, the "Richest Hill on Earth."
Starting at Leonard Field near Montana Tech, runners will enjoy breathtaking views and pass by significant mining landmarks, making this a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the area's vibrant history. All participants will receive a custom race shirt, bib, lanyard, sticker, and enjoy refreshments at the finish line. Plus, join in the post-race celebration with fellow runners and local treats! Whether you're aiming for a personal record or simply want to explore Butte's fascinating past on foot, "The Tap 'er Light" event invites everyone to lace up, embrace the spirit of the Copper City, and remember to "Tap 'er Light"!
Starting at Leonard Field near Montana Tech, runners will enjoy breathtaking views and pass by significant mining landmarks, making this a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the area's vibrant history. All participants will receive a custom race shirt, bib, lanyard, sticker, and enjoy refreshments at the finish line. Plus, join in the post-race celebration with fellow runners and local treats! Whether you're aiming for a personal record or simply want to explore Butte's fascinating past on foot, "The Tap 'er Light" event invites everyone to lace up, embrace the spirit of the Copper City, and remember to "Tap 'er Light"!
Organiser's Description
STEP BACK IN TIME AND RACE THROUGH THE RICH HISTORY OF THE "RICHEST HILL ON EARTH"!
Join us on July 10 for The Tap er Light, a unique community running event in Butte, Montana, that combines fitness with a celebration of the city's storied mining heritage. Whether you're taking on the fast-paced 5K or testing your endurance on the scenic 10K, you'll trace routes inspired by the legendary days of Montana's copper boom.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: July 10
Location: Butte, Montana-Leonard Field near Montana Tech
Events: 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run
Theme: Historical heritage and mining, in conjunction with the Montana Folk Festival.
WHAT DO I GET?
All participants receive a custom "Tap 'er Light" race shirt, a custom race bib, a custom lanyard, a custom race sticker, marked/time course with posted results, aid station support, and refreshments at the finish.
THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME:
The phrase tap er light is an old mining expression meaning take it easy, be careful, or a friendly way to say goodbye.
ORIGIN:
Mining Roots: The phrase comes from Butte, Montana's copper and hard-rock mines and early 20th-century mining culture.
The Safety Warning: Miners packed explosive charges (like TNT or dynamite) into drilled rock faces by gently tamping them down with a hammer. Striking the charge too hard or hitting a spark against the rock could trigger an accidental detonation or a cave-in, so workers warned each other to tap er light.
Cultural Legacy: Over time, the warning evolved into a local farewell or a reminder to stay safe and not rush. Longtime Montana Senator Mike Mansfield famously used it as a signature sign-off.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Historic Course: Enjoy a route that showcases historic landmarks and sweeping views of Buttes dramatic landscape. Start at historic Montana Tech and run past mining artifacts, including the Original Mine, the Mountain Con, and the Granite Mountain Memorial.
All Paces Welcome: Whether you're a competitive runner chasing a personal record or a walker exploring Butte's history on foot, everyone is welcome.
Post-Race Celebration: Cross the finish line and celebrate with fellow runners, local refreshments, and a commemorative finisher item.
Lace up, embrace the history of the Copper City, and remember to "Tap 'er Light"!
PACKET PICK UP/RACE CHECK-IN
You can pick up your packet at Quarry Brewing on Friday, July 9, from 5- 7 p.m. You can also pick up your packet from 9 to 10 am on race morning at the start/finish area.
Quarry Brewing-124 West Broadway
Start/Finish-Leonard Field, adjacent to the Park Street entrance to Montana Tech
Join us on July 10 for The Tap er Light, a unique community running event in Butte, Montana, that combines fitness with a celebration of the city's storied mining heritage. Whether you're taking on the fast-paced 5K or testing your endurance on the scenic 10K, you'll trace routes inspired by the legendary days of Montana's copper boom.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: July 10
Location: Butte, Montana-Leonard Field near Montana Tech
Events: 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run
Theme: Historical heritage and mining, in conjunction with the Montana Folk Festival.
WHAT DO I GET?
All participants receive a custom "Tap 'er Light" race shirt, a custom race bib, a custom lanyard, a custom race sticker, marked/time course with posted results, aid station support, and refreshments at the finish.
THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME:
The phrase tap er light is an old mining expression meaning take it easy, be careful, or a friendly way to say goodbye.
ORIGIN:
Mining Roots: The phrase comes from Butte, Montana's copper and hard-rock mines and early 20th-century mining culture.
The Safety Warning: Miners packed explosive charges (like TNT or dynamite) into drilled rock faces by gently tamping them down with a hammer. Striking the charge too hard or hitting a spark against the rock could trigger an accidental detonation or a cave-in, so workers warned each other to tap er light.
Cultural Legacy: Over time, the warning evolved into a local farewell or a reminder to stay safe and not rush. Longtime Montana Senator Mike Mansfield famously used it as a signature sign-off.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Historic Course: Enjoy a route that showcases historic landmarks and sweeping views of Buttes dramatic landscape. Start at historic Montana Tech and run past mining artifacts, including the Original Mine, the Mountain Con, and the Granite Mountain Memorial.
All Paces Welcome: Whether you're a competitive runner chasing a personal record or a walker exploring Butte's history on foot, everyone is welcome.
Post-Race Celebration: Cross the finish line and celebrate with fellow runners, local refreshments, and a commemorative finisher item.
Lace up, embrace the history of the Copper City, and remember to "Tap 'er Light"!
PACKET PICK UP/RACE CHECK-IN
You can pick up your packet at Quarry Brewing on Friday, July 9, from 5- 7 p.m. You can also pick up your packet from 9 to 10 am on race morning at the start/finish area.
Quarry Brewing-124 West Broadway
Start/Finish-Leonard Field, adjacent to the Park Street entrance to Montana Tech
Races
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Location
Leonard Field-Montana Tech, Park Street, Butte, 59701, MT, United States
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"The Tap 'er Light"
