5 Alaska Wilderness Races to Test Your Limits

This photo is used under a Creative Commons license by The Yukon Quest

Frank Sinatra once crooned “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.” He was referring to New York City, but we think those lines are well suited for the great state of Alaska. Alaska’s rugged landscape is an ideal setting for those who love a challenge. Even the competitions here have an unusual amount of adventure. These five outdoor adventure races will push you to your limit and make you come back for more.

Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic

The Classic employs a fiendishly simple concept – walking. However, this isn’t some casual stroll on a well-manicured trail. The Classic is a 150 mile jaunt through unforgiving terrain. The course changes every three years. In 2013, the race wound through chest high brush, across rivers, and up steep hillsides. Only five of the 13 entrants finished. Interested? Just know you’ll have to be your own support system. Each participant is expected to make arrangements beforehand, should you need rescuing.

Matanuska Peak Challenge

You’ll get a great view as you’re huffing and puffing through this race. The Challenge is a 14-mile run up and down two mountains. You’ll start by ascending (cruelly-named) Lazy Peak, then descend and do the whole thing over again on Matanuska. The ground is uneven and unforgiving, as is the 9,000-foot elevation gain. There are no aid stations. Make sure to bring a windbreaker, long underwear, hat, gloves and water bottle. A good pair of shoes wouldn’t hurt either.

Iditarod Trail Invitational

Leave your pups at home, because this isn’t the famous Iditarod sled-dog race. The Invitational follows the famed route, but instead of sledding, these competitors walk, ski, or even cycle across 1,000 miles.

The Invitational is held in the dead of winter, which means lots of ice, snow and sub-freezing temperatures. You’ll camp in the cold and you might even get lost. This event is so hardcore that supplies have to be air dropped because the there’s simply no other way. If you’re thinking about signing up, you’ll first have to prove your mettle by completing the 350-mile trek from Knik to McGrath.

Susitna 100

This is a much smaller version of the Invitational, but shorter doesn’t necessarily mean easier. The Susitna 100 starts and ends in Big Lake, which is southwest of Wasilla. Between start and finish are places like the “Wall of Death” and the “Dismal Swamp.” The latter is a desolate three-mile stretch of frozen lake where the wind howls and there’s nothing to stop it – except you. Like many of the other races, the Susitna is not for the faint of heart. All support teams and potential rescues have to be set up by the competitors themselves.

Yukon River Quest

Not every race is on land. At 444 miles, the Quest is the longest non-stop canoe/kayak race in the world. Participants can go solo or with a team. Either way, expect tons of sunshine, as the Quest is held in late June when the sun rarely sets. There are only two mandatory stops, but plenty of rapids and debris to dodge. By the end you’ll be water logged, exhausted and ready to revel in your accomplishment till next year.

There are many more races to make your friends and family question your sanity. The five listed here are a good sampling of what to expect. Good luck and be safe!