Denali135

Denali135

The Denali135 is an ultramarathon held along the Denali Highway in Alaska. The event follows approximately 131 miles of the historic 135 mile Denali Highway from Paxson to Cantwell with an approximate total elevation gain of 8,800 feet. The Alaska Range and glaciers form the backdrop of the route, and during the race period racers experience nearly 20 hours of daylight each day.

The course is primarily hard packed chip sealed and gravel road. Key points described on course include a paved section for the first 21 miles, Maclaren Summit Pass at 4,086 feet (mile 36.8), Maclaren River Lodge after the Maclaren River bridge (mile 42), Alpine Creek Lodge (mile 68), the Susitna River Bridge (mile 79.5) and a return to pavement for the last two miles into Cantwell (mile 131.8). A pre-race briefing is held at Tangle Lake Lodge (mile 20), about a 3.5 to 4 hour drive from Anchorage.

Format and logistics include individual runners accompanied by a mandatory support crew with a support vehicle, and one pacer at a time may accompany a runner. The maximum allowed time to complete the course is 48 hours. Runners accepted will receive a runner information package and crew and pacer rules within 30 days of acceptance.

Entry is limited to 50 runners. Registration opens September 19, 2025 and closes May 1, 2026 or when the field fills. Qualifying races must be submitted by May 1, 2026. Applicants must have completed at least three ultrarunning events of 50 miles or more in the previous three years, including at least one event of 100 miles or longer; documented self-run ultra distances may be considered. The race policy states there are no refunds; deferments to the following year may be granted at the race director's discretion.

Finishers who complete the course within 48 hours receive an Alaskan moose antler Denali135 belt buckle and an official finishers shirt; overall male and female winners receive special awards. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.