Other Big Races in Alaska

Fairbanks has incredible skiing and phenomenal races, but a few other races in the state do draw some Fairbanksans (or at least draw our interest). Most are ski marathons that happen in March. Here are the main ones in a north-to-south listing:

Interior Alaska

(Almost all of these are on snowmachine trails.)

White Mountains 100: A 100-mile backcountry race that covers a loop on the White Mountains National Recreation Area trail system. Includes divisions for skiers, cyclists and, runner/hikers.

Chena River to Ridge: A race for skiers, cyclists, and runners held on trails in the Chena River State Recreation Area. Includes two loops with race distances of 25 and 50 miles.

Tanana River Challenge: A race down the Tanana River from Fairbanks, up into the hills, then back to Fairbanks. For skiers, skijorers, runners, and cyclists. Your choice of about 25 or 45 miles.

South of Fairbanks

Oosik Classic in Talkeetna. 50 and 25k routes (approximately). Classic only. Different routes each year. Big party.

Susitna 100 (mile) and Little Su 50k. Both start in Big Lake. Relatively flat. Ski, bike or run on snowmachine trails. Run in February.

Iditasport: Starts in Knik in February. 225-mile and 100k courses. A bit tougher than the Susitna races. Ski, bike or run on snowmachine trails.

Iditarod Trail Invitational: Starts in Knik one week before Iditarod Sled Dog Race. 1,000 and 350-mile routes. Ski, bike or run on snowmachine trails. For crazy people!

Tour of Anchorage. 50, 40, and 25k routes. Classic and skate. Draws lots of people and some big name skiers.

Kachemak Bay Nordic Ski Marathon. Homer. 40 and 25k routes. Generally downhill, but not an easy event. Incredible views of Kachemak Bay.

Homer Epic. 100k. On snowmachine trails in the Caribou Hills above Kachemak Bay. Ski, bike or run.

Buckwheat Ski Classic: Skagway. 5, 10, 25 and 50k distances. Classic only. Cross-country skiing in Southeast Alaska. Costumes encouraged.