Arrowhead 135

Event overview

The Arrowhead 135 is a human-powered ultra marathon held in winter in International Falls, Minnesota. The course covers 135 miles along the Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail from International Falls to Tower, MN (Fortune Bay Casino). Competitors may choose bicycle, ski, or foot as their mode of travel. The event is organized by volunteers and aims to promote winter-biking, skiing, and trail running in the Arrowhead region.

The race is conducted in very cold winter conditions. Average finish rates are close to 50 percent, with a lower finish rate for new racers and a recorded 2019 finish rate of 35 percent. Organizers note historically extreme temperatures, with conditions that have reached about -30 to -40 C/F and occasional snowstorms.

Registration, entry and policies

Registration for the event closes on December 1. Roster size is limited to control trail solitude and checkpoint crowding; preference is given to race veterans and past volunteers. Applications are reviewed and confirmation of acceptance is sent through the event registration system; applicants are not billed until acceptance is confirmed.

The entry fee is described as modest. Remaining funds after race expenses are donated to charities, including a scholarship charity for military families, a local food shelf, and donations of bikes to local children. Entry fees are normally nonrefundable; if the race is canceled, organizers will refund about $150 of a racer’s fee and use the remainder for fixed costs and charitable donations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.