Denali135

Event

The Denali135 is an endurance run in Alaska that follows the Denali Highway from Paxson to Cantwell. The event is run as individual entries; each runner must have a mandatory support crew and a support vehicle. One pacer at a time may accompany a runner and may share driving duties. The 2026 edition is limited to 50 runners. Runners who complete the course within 48 hours receive a shed moose antler belt buckle and a finishers shirt; overall men’s and women’s winners receive special awards. There are no refunds; deferments may be granted at the race director's discretion.

• 135 miles point-to-point Paxson to Cantwell
• 100 km Denali100k
• 50 km Denali50k

Course

The race covers approximately 131 miles of the 135-mile Denali Highway with about 8,800 feet of total elevation gain. The course starts on the east side of the highway in Paxson and finishes on the west side in Cantwell. The first 21 miles are paved, then the road is chip-sealed/gravel. The route climbs to Maclaren Summit Pass at mile 36.8 (4,086 feet), descends to Maclaren River Lodge at mile 42, passes Alpine Creek Lodge at mile 68, crosses the Susitna River Bridge at mile 79.5, and returns to pavement at mile 131.8 for the final two miles into Cantwell. A pre-race briefing is held at Tangle Lake Lodge (mile 20).

Registration and qualifying

Registration opens September 19, 2025, and closes May 1, 2026, or when 50 runners have registered. Applicants must have completed at least three ultras of 50 miles or more in the previous three years, including at least one 100-mile event; self-run ultra distances may be considered. Qualifying races must have been completed within that race’s maximum time and should be submitted to the race director by May 1, 2026. Runners will receive a race information package and crew and pacer rules within 30 days of registration acceptance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.