Veins of Gold

Event

Veins of Gold 2026 is a point-to-point mountain race held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Palmer, Alaska. The course starts at Government Peak Recreation Area (N Mountain Trails Dr) and finishes near Hatcher Pass Lodge (21623 Gold Cord Rd). Registration opens January 1 and closes August 8; registrations completed after July 25 are not guaranteed a shirt size. Entry is open to participants aged 16 and older. Ten percent of registration fees will go to the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group, which will be present on the course.

Course and logistics

The route is about 8 miles with roughly 5,000 ft of vertical gain. Runners follow the race trail up Government Peak, along the ridgeline to April Bowl, down to Summit Lake parking, and on to Independence Mine/Hatcher Pass. Terrain includes steep uphill trail, loose rock, shale, tundra, dirt road and a short paved section. The course is point-to-point; parking is available at Government Peak Recreation Area or Independence Mine, and parking passes are not included. Drop bags taken at the start will be transported to the finish and must be marked.

Rules, aid and gear

There will be at least three aid stations: halfway up Government Peak, at the top of Government Peak, and at Hatch Peak (water and fuel items noted). A 2-hour cutoff applies at the top of Government Peak to continue on. Participants must sign a waiver confirming they have completed the full course at least once before race day. Required items include at least 500 calories, 500 ml water, a light jacket, and hat and gloves. The race reserves the right to cancel for weather or safety reasons. Refunds, deferrals, bib exchanges and transfers are not offered. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.