Prepare for an unparalleled Alaskan adventure with the Denali100K, a captivating ultrarunning experience scheduled for June 21, 2026. This challenging 100K race takes place on the historic Denali Highway, a remote and breathtaking gravel road stretching from Paxson to Cantwell, Alaska, adjacent to Denali National Park. What truly sets this event apart is its timing on the Summer Solstice, immersing runners in nearly 20 hours of arctic daylight amidst "Big, Wild & Wide Open Places." Organized by Spirit Trips, the Denali100K is designed for the intrepid ultrarunner, combining stunning scenic beauty with formidable technical difficulty, making it a truly rewarding challenge. Limited to just 50 runners, it promises an intimate and unforgettable journey into the heart of the Alaskan wilderness.

The Denali100K course is a point-to-point journey along the Denali Highway, starting at the Alpine Creek Lodge (mile 68 of the highway) and heading west to a finish line near Cantwell. Runners will navigate a predominantly unpaved, crushed gravel terrain, which, while not considered "hilly" by trail running standards, offers a consistently rolling profile with a net downhill. National Geographic has aptly named the Denali Highway one of the top ten most scenic roads in North America, and participants will be treated to superlative panoramic vistas of the Alaska Range Mountains and glaciers, with the majestic 20,310-foot Denali often serving as a dramatic backdrop. Race day conditions typically see highs around 47F and lows of 36F, with only a 2% chance of precipitation, providing cool and invigorating running weather. This is a self-supported, "Bring Your Own Crew" event; there are no official aid stations, underscoring the remote and wild nature of the course. Crews are essential for providing all necessary food and water, with limited provisions available at a few lodges along the broader highway.

The Denali100K is more than just a race; it's a soul-cleansing, bucket-list adventure that demands both physical prowess and mental fortitude. Entrants must demonstrate ultrarunning experience, having completed at least one 50K and two marathons in the past two to three years. Those who conquer the 100K course within 18 hours will earn a unique, handmade Alaskan Moose antler belt buckle, a testament to their incredible accomplishment in one of North America's most spectacular settings.