Black Wolf Backyard Ultra

BLACK WOLF ENDURANCE EVENT Skeetawk Scramble Weekend UPDATE 07/18/26:Due to low registration numbers, we have cancelled the VK, 12K, & Youth Uphill for this year. The 37K Skeetawk Skyline Scramble Skyrunning Race will still occur as planned on Sunday, August 30th. Although these shorter events won't happen this year, we're not giving up on them. We believe in this full race series and its potential to be a premier Alaska mountain running weekend. We're already looking at ways to bring it back stronger in 2027! All runners have been contacted but if there are any questions please contact our RD at: [email protected] Skeetawk Scramble is a three day mountain running event with all races starting and finishing at Skeetawk Ski Area in the stunning Hatcher Pass Recreation Area. Runners will experience all that the southwest Talkeetnas have to offer; incredible views, steep climbs, and impressive ridges. The 2026 race weekend will take place August 28-30 with events including a

youth uphill, a VK, a 12K mountain loop, and a 37K "Skeetawk Skyline Scramble" which is one of four official US Skyrunning races. Runners can choose to run one, two, or all three events over the weekend. Skeetawk Skyline Scramble Sunday, 8/30Start Time: 8amSkyrunnning is back in the USA and the SSS is one of the most technical certified courses in the lineup boasting 37K (~23 miles) and a whopping 3500km (11,500ft) of vert. This challenging route will start at the beautiful Skeetawk Ski Area and begins up the cat tracks and slopes before heading out the back door on newly developed hiking trails up Frostbite Ridge. From there, the grade don't quit as runners continue their ascent to the summit of Government Peak. After cresting the peak, they'll be plunged into a mix of chunky rock, large slabs, and slick, silt packed, mud single track as they traverse the ridge over to Hatcher Pass. At Hatch Peak the legs get to rest while runners blast down the shale loaded April Bowl trail and continue

down Summit Lake road before transitioning to asphalt for one final downhill stretch to the Fishhook/Marmot parking lot.Don't be bashful as another lung busting climb up packed dirt slopes to Marmot awaits. Once at the peak, real focus is needed to traverse the rocky, black moss covered ridge line between Marmot and the descent at Gold Cord Lake. Time to take in the views cruising down Gold Cord Trail (watch out for tourists and day hikers) and back down to the parking lot at Hatcher Pass Lodge.Now you can breathe, it's all familiar territory! Just one more quad burning climb back up to Summit Lake and a crawl to Hatch Peak before a little scenic delirious backtrack along the ridge you left many hours before to Halibut Tail Point. Finish line awaits with a final frenzied descent back down to Skeetawk. Ages 17+NOTE: This course is HIGHLY technical and appropriate only for runners who are very comfortable and experienced in traversing steep mountain terrain. This should NOT be your first

mountain race. Please check out our 12K route if you are just earning your mountain legs.CUTOFFS:10:45AM - Summit Lake12:15PM - Top of Marmot2:30PM - Hatcher Pass Lodge5:30PM - Finish (9.5-10hrs) (Cutoffs may be modified after test runs in early summer.) Skeetawk Skyline Scramble Map Gaia Map Here Skeetawk VK - CANCELLED Friday, 8/28Start Time: 4pmKicking off this epic weekend of sweat and adventure is the vertical kilometer. Starting at Skeetawk, runners will climb straight up the new, unrelenting trail that follows Frostbite Ridge to their finish line which will greet them at the intersection of the Blueberry Knoll-to-Government Peak trail after clocking 3 miles and 3000+ft of gain. Our brave Trifecta runners will become intimately familiar with this course as both the 12K and 37K will start them out on the same route. But fear not, as these views will only leave you wanting more. Ages 15+ Skeetawk 12K - CANCELLED Saturday, 8/29Start Time: 9amFirst up on day two of SS is a 12K, 3600'

elevation gain and loss looped course. Once again, blasting off from Skeetawk, runners head up Frostbite Ridge to Government Peak, navigate up and down the stunning ridge lines before hooking a right a Halibut Tail for a fast and furious descent back down to Skeetawk. Pro tip, if you need a little pick-me-up on the downhill: keep your eyes peeled for those precious fall time gifts from the mountain gods (aka wild blueberries). Ages 15+ Skeetawk 12K Map Gaia Map Here Youth Scramble - CANCELLED Saturday, 8/29Start Time: 2pmOne of the most beautiful parts of this sport is watching youth fall in love with the mountains in a supportive, safe atmosphere. Ages 14 and under are welcome to join us in the second event of day two, the Youth Scramble. Starting at Skeetawk, these superstars will take off on a 1 kilometer sprint up the beginning of Frostbite, conquering approximately 1,000' ft of elevation gain before crossing the finish line. This is a point-to-point, uphill only course only.*Parents

are welcome to run with their children aged 8 and under. If your child is not comfortable going back down alone, please plan to be at the top (finish line) to help them back down. Event's current local time: 12:20 AM AK

Don't be scared, it's only a mile (ish).

Join us for the third year of this challenging Black Wolf Endurance race and our 2026 season finale at Skeetawk Ski Area where the only goal is to run as many one mile hill loops as you can in a given amount of time. Choose from 12, 8, 6, or 4 hours of racing the beautiful new Meadow Loop trail atop Skeetawk in Hatcher Pass.

WHERE:

13500 N. Skeetawk Circle

Mile 10.6 Palmer-Fishhook Rd.

Palmer, AK 99645

WHEN:

Saturday, October 11, 2025

TIMES:

• 12 Hour - 8:00AM

• 8 Hour (NEW) - 12:00PM

• 6 Hour - 8:00AM

• 4 Hour - 8:00AM OR 12:00PM

COURSE:

Runners will begin at the start tent in the Skeetawk parking lot and make their way up the Altitude gravel path (.39 miles) before veering left to the entrance of the Meadow Loop trail (.54 miles). Here runners may choose to run the Meadow Loop in the direction of their choice, clockwise or counter clockwise. After completing one full loop, runners will head back down Altitude and check in at the start tent before heading back up on their next loop.

AID:

Bring whatever food/nutrition you think you might need for the duration of the race along with anything else that comes to mind... (chairs, coolers, towels, blankets, etc.)

We'll provide Water and Electrolytes and a variety of aid station snacks. The Skeetawk Yurt will be open for warmth and coffee for purchase (and maybe even a mid race beer.)

RACE DAY:

• All runners who are starting at 8am will check in and pick up bibs from 7-7:30am at the Yurt. A brief pre race meeting will begin at 7:45am at the Stage.

• All runners who are starting after 8am will check in at the Black Wolf Endurance start tent 30 minutes prior to their race start.

RULES:

• Be honest. You must complete a full loop before coming back to the start tent to get your bib punched.

• Be respectful. Skeetawk has worked hard to create these trails and we hope to continue this race in the future.

• Keep it simple. Show up. Get your bib. Start on time. Run loops. Stop when the time is up.

• Have fun. This race format allows for some great social running and opportunities to make new running friends!

ANSWERS:

Because I know you have questions...

• There is no time limit on individual loops. Run as fast or as slow as you want.

• Loops will not be timed period. We only care how many you do.

• Winner will be the first person to complete the most amount of loops in their time division.

• Yes, you can take a break in between loops. Just know someone else is probably not taking a break.

• No, you cannot go home and come back. You must be on site for the duration of your race time.

• The weather will probably be weather. Plan for everything.

• Yes, it may get dark(ish). Bring a headlamp for early/late running hours.

• If you read the words "death" "ski area" and "altitude" and still think this course is flat, please take a moment to pause on registering for any more races until your head clears. The Kool-Aid shouldn't be that strong.

• Minors are welcome from the ages of 12-17 for any session of time. Parent/guardian must be on site for the duration of the run.

• Children under the age of 12 may sign up for the Kid Loop to run any amount or duration of loops with a parent/guardian who is registered. Must be running with a parent at all times. They do NOT have to run the entire duration of time the parent is registered for.

• Runners may use the Skeetawk Yurt, their vehicle, or a personal canopy to set up to crew themselves for the duration of the race.

• The Yurt will be open and selling coffee and drinks (beer, etc) for participants and spectators.

• A few other details are in the works. Check your email at least once before the race for updates/pre race info.

AWARDS:

An award will be given to each individual who is the first to complete the most amount of laps per time period. (1-12hr, 1-8hr, 1-6hr, 2-4hr)

Everyone else will be given Strava kudos and an invitation to come back next year and try harder. (Who are we kidding, we'll have finisher awards.)

MAP:

You won't need it but just in case...

Strava-Death By a Mile

https://skeetawk.com/summer-trails

Thank you to Skeetawk!

A portion of your race registration, as well as any donations made through RunSignUp, will be donated to Skeetawk for the continued growth of their ski and recreational area. Additional donations can be made here: https://skeetawk.com/donate

Join us at Matanuska Lakes State Rec Area for an exciting day of trail running!

Whether you are a seasoned trail runner or a beginner taking your first steps into the world of trail running, this event is designed to embrace all ages and abilities, with varying distances to suit your preference. This is an opportunity to challenge yourself, push your limits, and discover the power within you. We encourage you to bring your family, friends, and colleagues to join in the fun!

Registration Dates for 2026:

Early Bird Registration opens on Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 at 6:00am

Price increase on May 1, 2026

Registration closes on Sunday, September 19, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Register by Saturday, September 5 to be guaranteed shirt and size!

Race Date:

Saturday, September 26th, 2026 (NOTE: We've moved the race to a Saturday instead of the usual Sunday date.)

Race Start Times:

50K: 8:00AM

25K: 8:30AM

10K: 9:00AM

5K: 9:30AM

1.5 Mile: 10:00AM

Bib Pick Up:

All bibs will be picked up race day at the start tent at the following times:

50K: 7-7:30AM

25K: 7:30-8AM

10K: 8-8:30AM

5K: 8:30-9AM

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:

Race courses will be marked with directional signs and colored trail flags. Each race distance will follow their own color of flagging. Runners should be prepared for often wet/slick single track and grass trails with roots, leaves, and the occasional fallen tree obstacle. Course maps can be found in the course details tab at the top of this page.

Strava link for the 25K/50K course can be found here: 25K/50K MAP

Aid Stations:

There are two main aid stations for the 25K and 50K distances. The 50K will also have aid at the start line when they return to start their second loop. There will be one aid station on the 10K course and no aid on the 5K or Kids Run. Runners for all races will be expected to carry their own water bottles for refilling.

Parking:

An Alaska State Parking permit is required for all vehicles parking at the race. Annual passes can be purchased online through Alaska State Parks or daily passes can be purchased on-site at the card kiosk.

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.

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: 50K course is 2 loops of 25K. 50K cutoff time of 4 hours to the halfway mark which will be back at the start. Total 50K cutoff time of 8.5 hours (4:30PM). 25K total cutoff time of 5 hours (1:30PM).

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.

Minors: Children under the age of 18 should be accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of their time at the race.

Volunteers: Please thank any volunteer you see during your time at our event. They are simply amazing and make this race possible!

Finisher Awards:

• Finisher's Mug (Given to each participant after completing their race on Sept. 26, 2026. There is no virtual option.)

• Top Three Men's/Women's Finishers from each race.

• All 50K Runners will receive an additional finisher's award.

Registration & Refunds Policy:

Due to the cost and effort of putting on these races we will not be offering refunds, deferrals, bib exchanges or race transfers. If this is a concern to you, please consider purchasing race insurance through RunSignUp.

Communication:

Please be sure your email is set to receive mail from both RunSignUp and [email protected] as we will be communicating often through email with important race information and updates. We also utilize social media for event updates - Instagram: @blackwolfendurance or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackwolfendurance/

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