Denali135

Event overview

The Denali endurance races are point-to-point ultraruns held along the Denali Highway in Alaska. The 2026 Denali135 takes place on June 21, 2026. The event uses the Denali Highway corridor with the Alaska Range and glaciers as the mountain backdrop. The races offered are:

• 135 miles
• 100K
• 50K

Each race has a maximum runner field cap of 50 entrants. Time limits are set for each distance: 48 hours for the 135, 18 hours for the 100K, and 9 hours for the 50K.

Course, entry and support

The Denali135 course follows the 135 mile Denali Highway from Paxson (east) to Cantwell (west) with an approximate total elevation gain of 8,800 feet. The road is paved for about the first 21 miles, reaches Maclaren Summit at 4,086 feet near mile 36.8, and passes lodges and services at Tangle Lakes Lodge (mile 22), Maclaren River Lodge (mile 42), and Alpine Creek Lodge (mile 68). The Susitna River Bridge is near mile 79.5. There are no services for roughly the final 50 miles before the finish. Average measured running distance is noted as about 131 miles.

Runners must have a mandatory support vehicle and crew. One pacer at a time is allowed; pacers may join at mile 40 or later and may not run more than 60 miles with their runner. Specific mandatory equipment is listed for runners, pacers and crews, and crews are advised to carry provisions and fuel due to limited services on the route. Registration opens Sept. 19, 2025 and closes May 1, 2026 or when fields fill; qualifying race results are required and refunds are not offered. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.