Veins of Gold 2026

Race Overview

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

• Opening Date: Registration will open on January 1 at 6am.
• Closing Date: Closes on August 8th at 11:59pm.
• Shirt Size: Registrations completed after July 25th are not guaranteed shirt size or shirt.

Alaska Mountain Rescue Group

• Nonprofit Organization: Alaska Mountain Rescue Group is a nonprofit volunteer search and rescue organization that will be out on the course during our race.
• Support: They are a huge asset to our community and we hope you help us support them!
• Registration Fee Contribution: 10% of your registration fee will be going to Alaska Mountain Rescue Group.
• Gratitude: 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

• Waiver: All participants will be required to sign a waiver that they have completed the entire course at least once prior to race day.
• Backcountry Comfort: If you are not comfortable in the backcountry, with vertical gain, loose footing, and steep ridges this race is not for you.
• Safety Items: 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

• Weather Viability: Due to unpredictable mountain weather, we reserve the right to cancel the race at any point due to weather/safety concerns.

Rules

• Bibs: Bibs MUST be visible on the front of the body at all times.
• Timing Chips: Your timing chip will be attached to the back of your bib, please keep your bib on the front of your shirt or shorts.
• Assisting Runners: If you encounter a runner in need of help/distress you must stop.
• Recommended Gear: We highly recommend carrying essential gear to maintain safety in the mountains.

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. 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, whistle, running vest or 16 oz water carrying capacity, satellite communication, bear spray.
• Additionally Recommended: Food reserves, long sleeve shirt, rain/wind pants, sunscreen, phone with emergency numbers.

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 to the top 3 male/female winners.

Parking & Location

• 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.
• Parking Information: You can park at Government Peak Recreation Area or Independence Mine.
• Shuttle Access: We are working to provide shuttle access and will update runners via email as race day gets closer.

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