The Lakes TrailFest

The Lakes TrailFest

Date: September 26, 2026
Location: 4376 S Glenn Highway, Palmer, AK

Register Here

Event Overview

• Location: Matanuska Lakes State Rec Area
• Audience: Suitable for all ages and abilities
• Challenge: An opportunity to push your limits and discover your inner strength
• Encouragement: Bring family, friends, and colleagues to join the festivities

Registration Dates for 2026

• Early Bird Registration: Opens on Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 at 6:00am
• Price Increase: May 1, 2026
• Registration Closes: September 19, 2026 at 11:59pm
• Shirt Guarantee: Register by September 5, 2026

Race Date

• Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
• Change: Moved to Saturday instead of the usual Sunday

Race Start Times

• 50K: 8:00AM
• 25K: 8:30AM
• 10K: 9:00AM
• 5K: 9:30AM
• KIDS 1.5 Mile: 10:00AM

Bib Pick Up

• 50K: 7:00-7:30AM
• 25K: 7:30-8:00AM
• 10K: 8:00-8:30AM
• 5K: 8:30-9:00AM
• KIDS: 9:00-9:30AM

All races will start and finish at the campground area of Mat Lakes Rec Area and will start every 30 minutes, beginning with the 50K at 8:00AM.

Courses

• Course Markings: Marked with directional signs and colored trail flags
• Trail Conditions: Often wet/slick single track and grass trails with obstacles
• Maps: Course maps can be found in the course details tab
• Strava Link: 25K/50K course map available here

Aid Stations

• Locations: Two main aid stations for 25K and 50K
• 50K: Aid at the start line for the second loop
• 10K: One aid station on course
• 5K & Kids Run: No aid stations provided, runners must carry water

Parking

• Permit Required: Alaska State Parking permit for all vehicles at the race
• Purchase Options: Annual passes online or daily passes on-site

Rules

• Bibs: Must be visible on front of body at all times
• Headphones: Highly recommended NOT to wear for safety
• Dropping Out: Only at aid station checkpoints
• No Littering: Trash receptacles available at all aid stations

Additional rules and policies can be found on the Black Wolf Endurance website.

Finisher Awards

• Finisher's Mug: Given to each participant of the 5K, 10K, 25K, and 50K
• Top Finishers: Top three Men's/Women's finishers from each race
• Additional Award: 50K runners receive an extra finisher's award
• Kids Run: Finishers receive a fun run medal

Registration & Refunds Policy

Due to the cost and effort of putting on these races, there will be no refunds, deferrals, bib exchanges, or race transfers. Consider purchasing race insurance through RunSignUp if this is a concern.

Communication

Please ensure your email settings allow communication from both RunSignUp and [email protected] for important race information and updates. Follow us on social media for more updates:

• Instagram: @blackwolfendurance
• Facebook: Black Wolf Endurance

Pricing

• Kids 1 mile: $20.00
• 5K: $40.00 until August 15th, $50.00 August 16th - September 19th
• 10K: $50.00 until August 15th, $60.00 August 16th - September 19th
• 25K: $75.00 until August 15th, $85.00 August 16th - September 19th
• 50K: $100.00 until August 15th, $110.00 August 16th - September 19th