The 2026 Tanana River Challenge will take place on March 14, 2026, in Fairbanks, Alaska, at the Tanana Wayside boat launch (Chena Landing) off Chena Pump Road. The event is expected to face cold temperatures with a high of around -10°F and a low of -20°F, with clear skies and minimal wind. Participants can expect a challenging mixed-terrain route that includes snowmachine paths, frozen river surfaces, and forest trails. This event is a reincarnation of the Equinox Ultra-Ski 100k Challenge and is open to runners, skiers, cyclists, and skijorers. The course features a lollipop route with approximately 2,000 feet of total elevation change and includes four official checkpoints with snacks and hot/cold liquids. The race has a 11-hour time limit, and all racers must be off the course by 7:00 PM.
What distances are available for this event?
→25 Miles
→45 Miles
What unique divisions are available for this event?
→Skijor division available (requires a minimum of two dogs for the long course)
What is the course style and terrain like?
→The course follows a lollipop route, starting on a flat snowmachine route along the Tanana River, turning uphill through the Rosie Creek forest, and returning down to the river to finish.
→The frozen Tanana River trail will be very firm, while sections in the woods (Rosie Creek) will likely be softer.
→Trails are groomed before the race.
What is the race schedule?
→8:00 AM: All 45-mile participants
→9:00 AM: 25-mile Skijorers
→10:00 AM: 25-mile Skiers, Cyclists, and Runners
What are the pre-race requirements?
→Check-in must be completed 45 minutes before the specific start time.
→A mandatory pre-race meeting is held 30 minutes before each start.
→Bib pick-up occurs at the race start table during sign-in (includes race swag).
What is the cut-off time for the event?
→All racers must be off the course by 7:00 PM (11-hour time limit).
What is the capacity of the event?
→The event is limited to 120 participants. Race day openings are first-come, first-served.
How much does registration cost?
→Standard Registration (Until March 1st):
• 45-mile: $85
• 25-mile: $65
→Late Registration (March 2nd – March 11th):
• 45-mile: $105
• 25-mile: $85
→Race Day Registration (March 14th):
• 45-mile: $125
• 25-mile: $105
What are the registration policies?
→Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
→Distance/Division changes are allowed at check-in (upgrades require paying the difference; downgrades receive no refund).
→Racers requiring assisted evacuation from the course are charged $100.00.
→Skijorers are responsible for transporting their own dogs if they leave the course; dogs cannot be dropped along the course.
What is included in the registration?
→Race swag is included with bib pick-up at the race start table during sign-in.
Where is the post-race party held?
→The after-race party is held at the Ken Kunkel Community Center, 2645 Goldstream Road, Fairbanks.
What is the course map and GPX file?
→The course map and GPX file can be found at Visit Website ↗.
