Denali 135 - Great Alaska Endurance Race: VIDEOS

The Denali135 is a point to point ultrarunning race along the length of the 135 mile Denali Highway with an approx. total elevation gain of 8800’. The race starts in Paxson Alaska on the East side of the Denali Highway and finishes in Cantwell at the West side of the Denali Highway. Learn more at http://spirit-trips.com/denali-135/ Registration is open at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=69854 After checking in at the Historic Gakona Lodge (approx. 3.5hrs drive from Anchorage), Runners and crews will begin the Denali135 at Paxson Alaska…The crossroads of the Richardson and Denali Highways. For 21 miles the Highway is paved as it slowly rises up from the Gulkana River watershed to the Tangle Lakes area. A chain of Lakes listed on the National Historic Register for its important archeological value. A small roadhouse and lodge (Tangle River Inn) at mile 20 offers lodging, a small basic restaurant, gas and limited supplies. There the road becomes gravel and gently rises and falls before climbing to 4,086’ Maclaren Summit Pass at mile 36.8. Down from the summit to the Maclaren River Lodge after the bridge over the Maclaren River at mile 42. This lodge offers lodging, a small restaurant, gas and limited supplies. The amazing subalpine scenery continues on and racers and crew will come to Alpine Creek Lodge at mile 68 (Slightly more than halfway!) The lodge offers rooms and cabins, restaurant and light supplies. Racers, pacers and their crews press on until they reach the Susitna River Bridge at mile 79.5. A few miles further at mile 82.2 is Clearwater Mountain Lodge. Bed& Breakfast, Food, Gas and Tire repair. Leaving the Susitna River Valley, the road continues on now with no services or lodging until the end. Runners, pacers and crew need to plan this section well because other than the road and occasional passing motorist, they will be alone on the Denali Highway for the next 50 miles until they reach the finish at Cantwell. Mount Deborah and Hess keep participants company until weather permitting, 20,320’ Denali makes it’s appearance to the west and rewards the persistent with jaw dropping views of North America’s tallest peak. At mile 131.8 the road turns into pavement for the last 2 miles to the finish line outside the village of Cantwell.