"The Tap 'er Light"
"The Tap 'er Light" is a running race on July 10, 2027 in Butte, MT, with entry fees from $45 to $50.
- Date
- July 10, 2027 (255 days to go)
- Price
- $45–$50
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
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 Butte’s 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
Events
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
80°
Typical Low
45°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Butte Bert Mooney Ap, 5 mi from the venue.
About Butte, MT
Population
34,929
as of 2023
City Elevation
5,772 ft
Nearest Airport
BTM
Bert Mooney Airport · 6 mi
Time Zone
Mountain Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at "The Tap 'er Light", put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
255
Days to train
- Race
- "The Tap 'er Light"
- Date
- July 10, 2027
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About This Sport
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Frequently Asked Questions
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"The Tap 'er Light"
Jul 10, 2027