Veins of Gold 2024

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N Mountain Trails Dr, Palmer AK

Saturday, August 16th, 2025

🏃‍♂️ 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 2024

Opens: November 4th, 2024 at 8am
Closes: August 3rd at 11:59pm
Pricing: See pricing by dates at the very bottom of this page

🚑 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!

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: Learn more about AMRG.
Donate: DONATE TO AMRG HERE

📅 Race Date

Saturday, August 16th, 2025

⏰ Times

Race Start: 9am
Day of Bib Pickup: 7:00-8:30am
Mandatory Race Meeting: 8:40-8:50am
Early Bib Pickup: Thursday, August 15th 5:00pm-7:00pm at WASILLA AKtive Soles, 984 N. Meridian Pl, Suite D, Wasilla, AK 99654

🏞️ 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.
Comfort Level: If you are not comfortable in the backcountry, with vertical gain and loose footing this race is not for you.
Safety Gear: Due to safety for all runners we require you to carry at least 500 calories, 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

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, please keep your bib on the front of your shirt or shorts for safety and timing.
Assisting Runners: If you encounter a runner in need of help/distress you must stop: not assisting will result in disqualification.
Recommended Gear: We highly recommend carrying essential gear for higher 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. Please do not fully rely on them for nutrition/water.

Aid Station #1: Halfway up Gov Peak (once you're above tree line) gummy bears
Aid Station #2: Gov. Peak - gummy bears, water & skratch lab gummies
Aid Station #3: Hatch Peak - gummy bears, water & skratch lab gummies

The course will be marked with wooden orange stakes and orange ground stake flags and occasional large stakes with signs.

🎒 Required & Recommended Gear

Required: Minimum 500 calories, Light Jacket, Hat and gloves
Highly Recommended: Space Blanket, Whistle, Running Vest AND/OR 16 oz Water Carrying Capacity, Satellite Communication
Additionally Recommended: Food Reserves, Long Sleeve, Rain/Wind Pants, Sunscreen, Phone with Emergency Numbers Added

📦 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

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

🅿️ Parking & Location

Parking Locations: Government Peak Recreation Area or Independence Mine
Note: This is a point-to-point race with no race day shuttle, so plan accordingly.
Parking passes: NOT included in race fee: day pass or annual pass must be purchased.

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 Details

Check out the course details here!

👥 Ages

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