Denali135

Event overview

Denali135 is an endurance point-to-point road race on the Denali Highway in Alaska. The listed main distance is 135 miles, with the course following approximately 131 miles of the historic highway from Paxson to Cantwell. The 2026 edition is limited to 50 runners. Registration opens September 19, 2025 and closes May 1, 2026 or when the field fills. Runners must submit qualifying races and meet qualification criteria: at least three ultra races of 50 miles or more in the previous three years, including at least one 100-mile race or longer; self-run ultra distances may be considered. Individual runners require a mandatory support crew and may use one pacer at a time. The maximum time to complete the course is 48 hours.

Course and logistics

The route is mostly on hard packed chip-seal and gravel road with a total elevation gain of about 8,800 feet. Key points include Tangle Lake Lodge (pre-race brief location, near mile 20), Maclaren Summit Pass at mile 36.8 (4,086 feet), Maclaren River Lodge after mile 42, Alpine Creek Lodge near mile 68, Susitna River Bridge at mile 79.5, and a paved section beginning around mile 131.8 into Cantwell. Crews must provide food, water and vehicle support; detailed crew and pacer rules are provided to accepted runners. Finishers within 48 hours receive a shed Alaskan moose antler Denali135 belt buckle and a finishers shirt. Lodging and vehicle rental options are noted near the start and in Anchorage for vehicles suitable for the gravel highway. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.