Prepare for the ultimate Alaskan winter endurance challenge at the White Mountains 100, set to unfold on March 22, 2026, near Fairbanks, Alaska. This formidable 100-mile ultra-race draws adventurers to the remote and rugged backcountry of the White Mountains National Recreation Area, where participants can traverse the expansive, challenging loop by foot, ski, or bike. The course boasts over 8,000 feet of elevation gain, guiding racers through diverse terrain including rolling hills, black spruce forests, frozen lowlands, and scenic ridgelines, primarily along partially maintained snowmachine trails. Highlights of the route include a demanding climb above treeline to the Cache Mountain Divide, offering breathtaking vistas of limestone jags, and the infamous "ice lakes"—a mile-long stretch of potentially treacherous frozen overflow. Typical race day conditions in late March present highs around 28°F and lows around 0°F, with a minimal chance of precipitation, ensuring a true test against the Arctic elements.

The White Mountains 100 is renowned for its unique blend of brutal conditions and profound beauty, requiring participants to be experienced and fully self-sufficient in winter backcountry travel. Runners consistently praise the race as an "excellent" and unforgettable experience, despite the challenges posed by potential wind, blowing snow, and wildlife encounters. The start and finish are located at the Wickersham Dome Trailhead, approximately an hour's drive north of Fairbanks. Warm and welcoming aid stations, strategically placed approximately every 20 miles, offer crucial respite and sustenance, including hot food like meatball soup, baked potatoes, homemade bread, and a variety of beverages. These checkpoints, often nestled in cabins, are cherished by racers as "bright oases" in the long, cold journey, providing not just fuel but also limited options for rest and emergency support.

The 40-hour cutoff for this 100-mile endeavor underlines its demanding nature, making it a pivotal event for those seeking to push their limits against Alaska's pristine, yet unforgiving, wilderness. The White Mountains 100 offers an unparalleled opportunity for self-reliance and endurance, promising both immense challenges and equally rewarding experiences under the vast Alaskan sky, sometimes even revealing the stunning aurora borealis.