THE HOURGLASS: VALLEY
Big mountains. Shrinking clock. — June 27, 2026 (Palmer/Mat-su)
The Hourglass blends fun, challenge, and community in a way most races don’t. You’ll laugh, you’ll struggle, you’ll meet new friends — and you’ll quickly understand why this event represents the heart of Toughest Alive: stay in the fight. It’s a simple you vs. you format that creates big moments and even bigger memories. It is a last-person-standing style run/ruck/hybrid/carry event that will leave you inspired.
The Summer Edition Hourglass is at the Crevasse–Moraine Trailhead in Palmer, AK. Start with a 30:00 round, complete your loop and restart the next with 1:00 minute less every reset — keep beating the clock to earn your next start. Choose your category, bring your grit, and come suffer (and smile) with the community.
DATE / TIME / LOCATION
Date: June 27, 2026
Location: Crevasse–Moraine Trailhead, Palmer, AK
Schedule
Check-in: 9:15 AM
Race brief: 9:45 AM
Start time: 10:00 AM
THE HOURGLASS FORMAT
You’ll repeat your category's loop as long as you can finish within the time period.
Round 1 time period: 30:00; Each round after: the time period decreases by 1:00:
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Round 1 time period: 30:00
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Round 2 time period: 29:00.
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Round 3 time period: 28:00.
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Round 4 time period: 27:00, etc.
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Until the last person standing (in each respective category)
How it works:
Start when the round begins.
Finish your required work before the time cap expires.
Make the cutoff = you earn your next start at the reset.
Miss the cutoff = your event is complete (stay and cheer others on!).
COURSE LOOPS
EVENT CATEGORIES
RUN (2-mile loop)
Complete the 2-mile loop each round and return before the shrinking time cap.
RUCK (1-mile loop)
Complete the 1-mile loop each round with a weighted pack and return before the time cap.
Ruck weight standard (bring your own pack/weights):
HYBRID ATHLETE
A mix of running + strength each round:
Each participant will complete the 2-mile loop + 10 burpees before the round is considered completed.
Standard: Chest & Thighs touch the ground at the bottom; elbows get above the ears at the top.
LOADED CARRY
A pure grit test — and yes, it follows the same Hourglass timing.
Each round complete: 800m sandbag carry
Men: 60 lb
Women: 45 lb
Carry options: bearhug, shoulder, or suitcase-style. You may set the bag down as needed, but you must finish within the time cap to earn the next round.
YOUTH DIVISION (Ages 8–11)
The Youth Division follows the exact Hourglass format with scaled distances and loads. It’s designed to develop grit, smart pacing, and confidence under pressure — in a safe, supportive environment. This is not a side race or a participation jog. It’s a real competition built for young athletes who want to test themselves and grow.
At a previous Hourglass event, a young athlete won the adult rucking division — finishing ahead of more than 20 military competitors. It wasn’t about ego. It was about pacing, resilience, and belief. That moment reminded us what’s possible when young athletes are given the opportunity to rise. We invite kids everywhere to show up, discover their potential, and surprise themselves.
Youth Standards
All youth participants follow the same shrinking 30:00 → 29:00 → 28:00 format as the adults.
Run:
1 mile per round
Ruck:
0.5 mile per round
• Recommended weight: 10–15 lb
• Maximum load: not more than 20% of the child’s bodyweight
Hybrid:
1 mile + 5 burpees
• Standard: chest & thighs touch ground; full extension at the top
Loaded Carry:
400m sandbag carry (sandbags provided)
• Recommended weight range: 20–30 lb depending on age/size
• Maximum load: not more than 35% of the child’s bodyweight
Early rounds are manageable. The challenge increases gradually as the clock tightens — teaching pacing, discipline, and resilience in real time.
AWARDS
Awards will go to the top finisher in each category (Run, Ruck, Hybrid Athlete, Loaded Carry).
As with every Hourglass Race, the top 5 participants in each category receive an invitation to the "Ultimate Hourglass" in Anchorage, AK in September to compete against other top finishers for a cash prize and big bragging rights (per category).
WHAT TO BRING
Trail shoes recommended
Water/electrolytes
Bug spray / sun protection
Weather-appropriate layers (Alaska summers are highly varied)
Gloves optional (sandbag events)
Ruckers: bring your own pack + weights to meet the standard
FAQ
What is the Hourglass format?
It’s last-person-standing style. Complete your loop/work before the time cap. The cap starts at 30:00 and drops by 1:00 every round. Miss the cutoff and your event is complete.
Can I rest between rounds?
Yes. Absolutely! Any time left after you finish is your rest time until the next round starts.
Can I switch categories mid-event?
No. Please choose your category during registration. If you need to switch at any time before the event, contact us and we’ll help if possible.
How is it scored?
Your result is based on how many rounds you successfully complete before missing a time cap.
Is this beginner-friendly?
Yes. Early rounds are manageable and the time cap tightens gradually. Choose the category that fits your current fitness level.
What if the weather is bad?
This is an Alaska event — we plan to operate in typical conditions. If conditions become unsafe, we’ll modify the format or course and notify participants.
Refunds / transfers?
All registrations are final. If you can’t attend, you may transfer your entry to another participant prior to the event (details provided in the pre-event email).