Tanana River Challenge

COST: 45 Mile: $85, 25 Mile: $65, after March 2nd add $20 for both distances. Online registration closes March 12th. Race day registration is available for an additional $40 and will be cash only.

LOCATION: Start and finish in Fairbanks at the Tanana Wayside boat launch.

TIME: All 45-mile participants begin at 8 am. 25-mile skijorers start at 9 am, and all other 25 mile racers (skiers, cyclists, and runners) begin at 10 am.

All racers MUST check in 45 minutes before their respective race start time.

BIB PICK-UP: Bib pick-up will be at the race start when you sign in. If you have questions we encourage you to shoot us an email early or check out our Facebook group page. Race swag will also be distributed at bib pick-up.

DURATION: All racers must be off the course by 7 pm.

AFTER-RACE PARTY: 7 pm at the Ken Kunkle Community Center (2645 Goldstream Rd.)

MANDATORY PRE-RACE MEETING: The pre-race meeting will be held half an hour before the start of each race.

EVACUATION: Racers that need to be assisted off of the course will be charged a $100.00 fee. Skijorers are responsible for transporting their dogs if they need to leave the course. This race does not allow dogs to be dropped anywhere along the course.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The race is open to 120 participants.  If the race fills up, additional entries will be placed on a wait list in the order they are received. Register early to guarantee a spot in the race.

On race day, racers may ONLY change their division and/or race distance at check-in (no refunds if you switch from the 45-mile to the 25-mile, sorry). If you increase your distance from 25 to 45 miles, you must pay the difference in registration costs.

Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

If a skijorer needs to be assisted off the course, their dogs will be placed in kennels and towed on a snowmachine sled.

See detailed course descriptions and maps for both distances here.

Registration opens on January 1, 2025 at 12am at UltraSignup.

Please be advised:

Any racer who fails to comply with the following rules will be disqualified from the Tanana River Challenge. Absolutely no refunds will be given to a racer who is disqualified.

If you are under 18 you may participate with the Race Directors discretion. Please contact before registering.

Race Day Check-in and Bib Pickup:

All racers must physically sign in at the starting line.

For 45 mile racers this is between 7:15- 7:50 am.

For 25 mile races this is between 9:15 – 9:50 am.

Any racer who fails to sign-in at this time will forfeit their entry.

Any racer who is registered for the 25 mile course can bump up to the 45 mile course at check-in but they will be required to pay the difference for the longer course.

A division (bike, ski, skijorer, run) must be confirmed when each racer signs-in.

We will have a short meeting 1/2 hour before each start for all racers.

Human Inclusive Race:

No motorized equipment may be used to facilitate a racer in any way.

Dogs:

No loose dogs. Skijorers must be in control of their dogs at all times. Please only bring dogs that will be friendly to fellow dogs, skijorers, skiers, bikers and race staff. Any dog that has been flagged at other events for inappropriate behavior is not welcome at this race.

No Outside Help:

Racers must be self sufficient and are only allowed to accept help from another racer or race official.

Racers are not allowed to accept any help from a race official or fellow racer that advances that racer along the course.

Race Gear:

Racers must finish with the same mode of transport equipment that he or she started with.

Racers may not purposely leave any gear, clothing or equipment on the trail or at a checkpoint.

The TRC will not provide dog drop services to skijorers. The skijorer must evacuate themselves and their team if necessary.

Please keep in mind that vehicular access to the Tanana River via the Rosie Creek trail is prohibited as it is a private driveway. **

Stay on the Marked Course:

We mark the course VERY well. There are mileage signs and we let you know when you’re approaching a checkpoint. Any turns have signs and flags. Anyone going off course and not returning to the same place to continue will be disqualified.

Checkpoints:

All racers must physically check-in at all official checkpoints.

Racers must show their race bib to the checkpoint volunteer, who will then sign in that person and record a check-in time.

Any racer who misses or skips an official checkpoint will be disqualified.

Race equipment is absolutely not allowed inside the tents at the checkpoints; this includes bikes, skis, poles, dogs, and sleds.

Cut-Off Times:

The finish line shuts down at 7 PM. This leaves 11 hours for the 45 mile course and 9 hours for the 25 mile course.

All racers must adhere to the cutoff times for departure from each checkpoint.

Any racer that is unable to depart a checkpoint by the cutoff time listed in the table on the Course Maps & Descriptions page will be evacuated off of the course by snowmachine as permitted by race personnel.

A fee of $100 will be charged to the racer in the event of an evacuation.

The skijorer should inform race personnel of any dogs that are exhibiting/can exhibit aggressive behavior and should take steps to minimize those risks to themselves and/or race personnel.

Any racer who is unable to complete the race will be disqualified. If a racer is able and willing to return to the start under their own power, or with the assistance of an external source, they may do so, but all racers MUST inform a race official if they intend to scratch and return to the race start.

ALL racers are ultimately the responsibility of the race staff and MUST be accounted for at all times. In order to accomplish this, a disqualified racer may require an evacuation or snowmachine escort back to the road system.

Litter:

Any racer intentionally depositing litter on the trail will be disqualified.

A Little R-E-S-P-E-C-T:

Be respectful of other racers, race officials, volunteers, and any other trail users along the Tanana River.

Any racer treating others poorly (including dogs), or perceived to be disrespectful will be disqualified.

Do not damage any structures, trail signs, or private property. Treat this area as you would your home.

Please Prepare Yourself Appropriately:

Skier: Skiers can utilize whatever technique they please, but there are no set tracks. The trail typically has a firm snow surface and is wide enough to skate. Skiers’ clothing must provide adequate protection from wind and cold. A small pack with extra food, water, and layers is suggested.

Skijorer: Skijorers can run up to a maximum of 3 dogs this year. Skijorers must be in control of their team at all times.

A pulk is optional for skijorers. Pulks can be used to transport a dog if needed. You may place the pulk in-between you and the dogs OR behind you.

Please bring extra food, water and layers for the skijorer and adequate snacks for the dogs.

Recruiting your own handler is good idea for the start and finish areas.

Bike: Bikers can utilize whatever type of bike they chose. We strongly recommend fat tires due to the potential for long stretches of soft and sugary snow. Clothing must provide adequate protection from wind and cold. A small pack with extra food, water, and layers is suggested.

Run: Runners should be prepared to run. Power hiking hills / short walking breaks is fine but please keep in mind the time cutoffs. The river trail will be very firm while the sections in the wood will likely be softer. A small pack with extra food, water, and layers is suggested.

Parking is available at the start/finish line at the Tanana Wayside boat launch. The TRC will pay for parking for all participants. Passes are available at the sign-in desk or from volunteers assisting with parking.

Q: What is your vision for the TRC?
A: When we first started discussing the TRC, it became apparent that we all wanted to create not just another race, but an event. An event that brings multiple different recreational groups together to engage in friendly competition, enjoy the beautiful interior Alaskan spring weather, and meet new (and old) friends along the course and at the after party. During the first meeting we explored a couple of routes (all of which were awesome), with the same general theme; incorporating the local rivers. What you see today is the latest rendition of what we hope to become a long standing tradition in Interior Alaska.

Q: Why does the race cost that much?
A: Although we have some road access this year, other checkpoints need to be set up using snowmachines. Gas is expensive. Insurance is another huge cost. All of the stuff at the checkpoints adds up pretty quickly too. Printing and advertising isn’t free. Also, the after party plays its part in expenses (but this is totally worth it).

We try to keep costs as low as we can while still providing a safe and enjoyable event. Please note we don’t profit off of this. Everyone volunteers their time and effort. We’ve used some of our extra funds this year to clean up the Rosie Creek trails for both the race and users at large.

Q: Can I participate as a walker/kick-sledder/bikejorer/jet-packer….?
A: Although this is a very reasonable question; for this years race, the answer is no. Not that we don’t recognize these other activities as winter time recreation; we started with what we know. The race committee is made up of skiers, bikers, and skijorers. We added runners in 2015 as our course should lack bottomless sugar snow. Maybe future race committees will have a more diverse representation and can incorporate these sports. Although, my prediction is that jet-packs will take off just like fat-biking did.

Q: What sort of food and drinks will be available at the checkpoints?
A: There will be a small assortment of snacks and drinks available at each checkpoint to replenish race participants. The checkpoint officials will have water, hot water for tea, instant coffee, and hot chocolate available at all times. We’ll also send out a Facebook message the week of the race for any specific requests. Please bring your own snacks for dogs.

Q: Is the Tanana River trail wide enough for skate skiing?
A: Yes… it will be a super highway in the stretch we use this year. By March, the trail varies from very wide to wide. It’s a snowmachine packed route.  The trail is sometimes concave or trough-like, but one can ski “downhill”  for miles by straddling “berms” where available.  There are some of the usual humps and bumps found on many snowmachine trails, but it’s mostly flat.  Bring full sized skate skis, but leave your brand-new or best pair at home.

Q: How about the Rosie Creek trails?
A: Some sections are skate-able on shorter skis, but it also depends on your technique. Many of the trails we are using are old logging roads. We try to groom the trail as wide as possible and spend considerable time on trail clearing and maintenance.

Q: Can I use metal-edge skis?
A: Yes. Unless there is a substantial amount of ice, you should not need them. If you choose to skijor with them, a good idea is to use a pulk in-between yourself and the dogs. Please use care when skiing around dogs.

Q: Can I sleep at the checkpoints?
A: No. The 45-mile race event has a 11-hour time limit and is not intended to be an overnighter. Racers should be physically fit and fast enough to finish the course within the set amount of time.

Q: Will the TRC trail be groomed for the race?
A:  Yes, we will make sure the trail is dragged.  However, there will be no set classic tracks.  The width will likely be variable. And some parts will deteriorate into mush after 50+ people. There may be areas of windslab and sugary snow. Racers should be prepared to race in all conditions.

Q: How many people will be allowed to enter the race?
A:  We have a limit of 120 racers. We strongly recommend early registration so we can better plan for the race.

Q: Do I have to have a  pulk if I am skijoring?
A: No. Skijorers should be self sufficient and have the option of either carrying gear in a pack or bringing a pulk. Like your fellow skiers and bikers, if you or your dogs have a problem you should be prepared with enough gear for everyone to wait for assistance. The pulk does offer some advantages: you can carry a snowhook to tie off your dogs (good idea if you are running 3), you can easily carry the kitchen sink (or a dog) and some dogs actually really like pulks. The TRC does not allow dogs to be dropped anywhere on the course. If your dog can’t finish you leave with them.

Q: What if I only have one dog, can I still skijor?
A: Yes, if you are confident in your dog’s abilities, you can skijor the 25 mile course. The minimum number of dogs you can use for the 45 mile course is 2. You are personally responsible for any dogs that you bring.