7 events in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running, cycling, triathlon, and swimming events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
7 events in Matanuska-Susitna Borough-
Sat, Apr 04, 2026 at 10:00 AM
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Sun, Jun 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM
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Sat, Jun 27, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
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
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Run loop: 2 miles
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Ruck loop: 1 mile
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Loaded Carry loop: 0.5 miles
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Hybrid Athlete: 2 mile run loop + sandbag zone
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):
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Men: 35 lb
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Women: 20 lb
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).
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Sat, Aug 15, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
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 2026:
Registration will open on January 1 at 6am and closes on August 8th at 11:59pm
See pricing by dates at the very bottom of this page
Registrations completed after July 25th are not guaranteed shirt size or shirt.
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!
10% of your registration fee will be going to Alaska Mountain Rescue Group. 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 15th, 2026
Times:
Race Start: 9am
DAY OF Bib Pickup: 7:00-8:30am
Mandatory Race Meeting: 8:40-8:50am
Requirements:
All participants will be required to sign a waiver that they have completed the entire course at least once prior to race day.
If you are not comfortable in the backcountry, with vertical gain, loose footing, and steep ridges this race is not for you.
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. 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, if possible please keep your bib on the front of your shirt or shorts so we can easily see your number for both safety and timing!
Assisting Runners In Need: If you encounter a runner in need of help/distress you must stop, not assisting a runner in need will result in disqualification. Time spent giving assistance to another participant will be taken into account by race organizers to adjust finishing time.
Recommended Gear: We highly recommend carrying the essential gear to maintain a higher capacity for safety in the mountains (see list below).
Staying On Course: The course will be well marked and runners must stay on the route at all times for both safety and competition. Going off trail or cutting switchbacks is not allowed. If you end up off trail, please return to the point of departure and continue on.
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: There will be a cutoff of 2 hours at the top of Government Peak to continue on.
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.
Volunteers: Please thank any volunteer you see during your time at our event. They are simply amazing and make this race possible!
Poles: Poles are acceptable on this race course
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: In case of emergencies, or if you run into someone who needs one.
Whistle: In the event of an emergency, you can bring attention to yourself.
Running Vest AND/OR 16 oz Water Carrying Capacity.
Satellite Communication: inReach, Spot, etc.
Bear Spray: This is backcountry Alaska.
ADDITIONALLY RECOMMENDED:
Food Reserves: To avoid bonking/crashing while climbing and running
Long Sleeve: Additional layer of protection when the temps are low or precipitation is forecasted
Rain/Wind Pants: Being prepared for possible wind and rain is important as either can cause an extreme temperature drop in the mountains
Sunscreen: Keep your exposed skin protected
Phone with Emergency Numbers Added: There will likely be spotty service on the first half of the race and on the ridgeline however, you will be out of service once you drop down to summit lake.
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 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. We are working to provide shuttle access and will update runners via email as race day gets closer.
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
Course:
Check out the course details here!
Ages:
Ages 16+ can register for our race.
*Keep in mind the difficulty level and the technicality of the race course. Please be comfortable with the terrain prior to signing up!
- Pricing:
01/01/26 - 07/05/25 = $85.00
07/04/26 - 08/08/25 = $105.00
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Sat, Sep 12, 2026 at 10:00 AMSee full details
The Talkeetna Trail Race is a 25k & 10K race on Talkeetna's amazing trails and a family friendly 5k. This race benefits the kids of Talkeetna though the healthy lifestyles program run though the Talkeetna Elementary PTA. Supporting sports, healthy foods, art and more. This race was formerly known as the Bun to Bun.
The 25K and 10k courses are often muddy and slick in the fall. Trails vary from single track, hiking, ski and four wheeler trails. The course comes with all the beauty, danger and thrills of the Alaska wilderness. No one under 18 is allowed without an adult running with them. Please be prepared for remote, wild conditions. Bear spray is encouraged. That said the course is well marked, weaves in and out of easy road accessibility and will have multiple aid stations.
We strive to keep the 5k course stroller and kid friendly, kids do need to be with a designated adult at all times.
Please register prior to July 10th to guarantee t-shirt size.
The TTR will end at the Sheldon Community Arts Hanger in downtown Talkeetna. There will be snacks and soups. Racers will receive a kombucha or beer (with valid ID).