Veins of Gold 2025

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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 2025

Opening Date: Registration will open on November 4th, 2024 at 8am.
Closing Date: Closes on August 3rd at 11:59pm.

*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.
Appreciation: 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 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, loose footing, and steep ridges this race is not for you.
Essentials: 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.
Timing Chips: Your timing chip will be attached to the back of your bib.
Assisting Runners In Need: If you encounter a runner in need of help/distress you must stop.
No Littering: Trash receptacles will be available at all aid stations.

⏳ 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, Whistle, Running Vest/Water Carrying Capacity, Satellite Communication, Bear Spray.

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/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

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 and there will NOT be a race day shuttle so plan accordingly. 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