Veins of Gold 2026

Starting at Government Peak Recreation Area parking lot runners will make their way up Government Peak via the race trail. Once to the top of Government Peak participants will continue to follow the ridge line over to April Bowl and down to the Summit Lake Parking lot. Once at the parking lot runners will continue down the road to Independence Mine! The race itself is about 8 miles with around 5,000ft vertical gain. This race is challenging and covers a variety of terrain including steep uphill trail, loose rock, shale, tundra, dirt road and a tiny portion of paved road at the very end.  Weather and conditions can change the terrain very quickly making it more difficult/dangerous. It is ultimately the responsibility of the participant to be aware of their surroundings.

Registration Dates for 2026:

Registration will open on January 1 at 6am and closes on August 8th at 11:59pm *See pricing by dates at the very bottom of this page*

Registrations completed after July 25th are not guaranteed shirt size or shirt.

Alaska Mountain Rescue Group

is a nonprofit volunteer search and rescue organization that will be out on the course during our race. They are a huge asset to our community and we hope you help us support them!

10% of your registration fee will be going to Alaska Mountain Rescue Group. When you see them out on the course be sure to thank them for their time & support.

Learn more about AMRG.

DONATE TO AMRG HERE

Race Date:

Saturday, August 15th, 2026

Times:

Race Start: 9am DAY OF Bib Pickup: 7:00-8:30am Mandatory Race Meeting: 8:40-8:50am

Requirements:

All participants will be required to sign a waiver that they have completed the entire course at least once prior to race day.

If you are not comfortable in the backcountry, with vertical gain, loose footing, and steep ridges this race is not for you.

Due to safety for all runners we require you to carry at least 500 calories, 500ml water, a light jacket, and hat/gloves.

Weather Considerations/Terrain:

Due to unpredictable mountain weather we reserve the right to cancel the race at any point due to weather/safety concerns.

Rules:

Not adhering to the below rules may result in time penalty or disqualification, it will be left up to the race organizers discretion. Bibs: Bibs MUST be visible on the front of the body at all times.  If wearing layers be prepared to adjust your bib as needed. Timing Chips : Your timing chip will be attached to the back of your bib, if possible please keep your bib on the front of your shirt or shorts so we can easily see your number for both safety and timing! Assisting Runners In Need:  If you encounter a runner in need of help/distress you must stop, not assisting a runner in need will result in disqualification. Time spent giving assistance to another participant will be taken into account by race organizers to adjust finishing time. Recommended Gear: We highly recommend carrying the essential gear to maintain a higher capacity for safety in the mountains (see list below). Staying On Course:  The course will be well marked and runners must stay on the route at all times for both safety and competition. Going off trail or cutting switchbacks is not allowed. If you end up off trail, please return to the point of departure and continue on. Headphones: We highly recommend NOT wearing headphone for the safety of you and other racers. Dropping Out: Runners may only drop at an aid station checkpoint.  In order to drop out find an aid station volunteer to record your drop.  This will help us avoid unnecessary search efforts. No Littering: Trash receptacles will be available at all aid stations. Please do not dispose of trash outside of the aid stations. Sportsmanship: Poor Sportsmanship will not be tolerated toward any participant, volunteer or worker this can result in immediate disqualification. Cutoff Times: There will be a cutoff of 2 hours at the top of Government Peak to continue on. No Dogs: Although we would love to see everyone's dog they are not allowed on the course due to safety for other participants, you and your dog. Volunteers: Please thank any volunteer you see during your time at our event. They are simply amazing and make this race possible! Poles: Poles are acceptable on this race course

Cut Off Time:

There will be a cutoff of 2 hours at the top of Government Peak to continue on. If you are past the 2 hour cutoff, you must comply with all instructions from the course volunteers and sweeps. If you decide to turn back at ANY point you MUST do so at an aid station!

Aid Stations & Course Markings

We plan to have at least 3 aid stations throughout the course. Although we will have aid stations with water and fuel, please do not fully rely on them for all your race needs. Come prepared with what your individual needs are. Aid Station #1.  Halfway up Gov Peak (once you're above tree line) Aid Station #2. Gov. Peak - water & Skratch lab gummies Aid Station #3. Hatch Peak - water & Skratch lab gummies

The course will be marked with wooden orange/blue stakes and reflective arrow signs where needed.

Required & Recommended Gear:

REQUIRED: Minimum 500 calories

500ml water Light Jacket Hat and gloves

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Space Blanket: In case of emergencies, or if you run into someone who needs one.

Whistle: In the event of an emergency, you can bring attention to yourself. Running Vest AND/OR 16 oz Water Carrying Capacity. Satellite Communication: inReach, Spot, etc.

Bear Spray: This is backcountry Alaska.

ADDITIONALLY RECOMMENDED : Food Reserves: To avoid bonking/crashing while climbing and running Long Sleeve: Additional layer of protection when the temps are low or precipitation is forecasted Rain/Wind Pants:  Being prepared for possible wind and rain is important as either can cause an extreme temperature drop in the mountains Sunscreen: Keep your exposed skin protected Phone with Emergency Numbers Added: There will likely be spotty service on the first half of the race and on the ridgeline however, you will be out of service once you drop down to summit lake.

Drop Bags:

We will be taking any drop bags for participants at the start and transport them to the finish line. Bags MUST be marked with your name. We are not responsible for any lost items.

Refunds:

Due to the cost and effort of putting on these races we will not be offering refunds, deferrals, bib exchanges or race transfers.

Race Medals/Awards:

Race medals are for participant finishers, you will receive your race medal after completing the full marked course on August 16th, 2025.

Podium awards will be given the top 3 male/female winners.

Parking & Location :

You can park at either Government Peak Recreation Area (Borough Pass) or Independence Mine (State Park Pass) . Please note that this is a point to point race. We are working to provide shuttle access and will update runners via email as race day gets closer. Parking passes are NOT included in the race fee, you can purchase a day pass or an annual pass.

Starting Location: Government Peak Recreation Area N Mountain Trails Dr, Palmer, AK 99645

Ending Location: Hatcher Pass Lodge 21623 Gold Cord Rd, Palmer, AK 99645

Course:

Check out the course details here!

Ages:

Ages 16+ can register for our race. *Keep in mind the difficulty level and the technicality of the race course. Please be comfortable with the terrain prior to signing up!

* Pricing:

01/01/26 - 07/05/25  = $85.00

07/04/26 - 08/08/25 = $105.00