Denali135

Denali135

The Denali135 is a point to point endurance race along approximately 131 miles of the 135 mile Denali Highway, running from Paxson, Alaska to Cantwell, Alaska. The course follows hard packed chip sealed and gravel road, with paved sections at the start and for the final two miles into Cantwell. Total elevation gain is about 8,800 feet and the route passes Maclaren Summit Pass (mile 36.8, 4,086 feet) and the Susitna River Bridge (mile 79.5).

The event requires each runner to be accompanied by a support vehicle and crew for food, water and aid. One pacer at a time may accompany a runner and may share crewing duties. The maximum allotted time to complete the course is 48 hours. Field size for 2026 is limited to 50 runners.

Applicants must have completed at least three ultra running races of 50 miles or more in the previous three years, including at least one race of 100 miles or longer; qualifying races must have been completed within that race’s maximum time. Registration opens September 19, 2025 and closes May 1, 2026 or when the field fills. There are no refunds; deferments to the next year may be granted at the race director’s discretion.

Services and lodges on course include Maclaren River Lodge (mile 42) and Alpine Creek Lodge (mile 68). A pre-race briefing is scheduled at Tangle Lake Lodge near the east side of the highway. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.