Veins of Gold 2026 2026 — Palmer, AK

Starting at Government Peak Recreation Area parking lot runners will make their way up Government Peak via the race trail. Once to the top of Government Peak participants will continue to follow the ridge line over to April Bowl and down to the Summit Lake Parking lot. Once at the parking lot runners will continue down the road to Independence Mine! The race itself is about 8 miles with around 5,000ft vertical gain. This race is challenging and covers a variety of terrain including steep uphill trail, loose rock, shale, tundra, dirt road and a tiny portion of paved road at the very end. Weather and conditions can change the terrain very quickly making it more difficult/dangerous. It is ultimately the responsibility of the participant to be aware of their surroundings. Registration Dates for 2026: Registration will open on January 1 at 6am and closes on August 8th at 11:59pm *See pricing by dates at the very bottom of this page* Registrations completed after July 25th are not guaranteed shirt size or shirt. Alaska Mountain Rescue Group is a nonprofit volunteer search and rescue organization that will be out on the course during our race. They are a huge asset to our community and we hope you help us support them! 10% of your registration fee will be going to Alaska Mountain Rescue Group. When you see them out on the course be sure to thank them for their time & support. Learn more about AMRG. DONATE TO AMRG HERE Race Date: Saturday, August 15th, 2026 Times: Race Start: 9am DAY OF Bib Pickup: 7:00-8:30am Mandatory Race Meeting: 8:40-8:50am Requirements: All participants will be required to sign a waiver that they have completed the entire course at least once prior to race day. If you are not comfortable in the backcountry, with vertical gain, loose footing, and steep ridges this race is not for you. Due to safety for all runners we require you to carry at least 500 calories, 500ml water, a light jacket, and hat/gloves. Weather Considerations/Terrain: Due to unpredictable mountain weather we reserve the right to cancel the race at any point due to weather/safety concerns. Rules: Not adhering to the below rules may result in time penalty or disqualification, it will be left up to the race organizers discretion. Bibs: Bibs MUST be visible on the front of the body at all times. If wearing layers be prepared to adjust your bib as needed. Timing Chips : Your timing chip will be attached to the back of your bib, if possible please keep your bib on the front of your shirt or shorts so we can easily see your number for both safety and timing! Assisting Runners In Need: If you encounter a runner in need of help/distress you must stop, not assisting a runner in need will result in disqualification. Time spent giving assistance to another participant will be taken into account by race organizers to adjust finishing time. Recommended Gear: We highly recommend carrying the essential gear to maintain a higher capacity for safety in the mountains (see list below). Staying On Course: The course will be well marked and runners must stay on the route at all times for both safety and competition. Going off trail or cutting switchbacks is not allowed. If you end up off trail, please return to the point of departure and continue on. Headphones: We highly recommend NOT wearing headphone for the safety of you and other racers. Dropping Out: Runners may only drop at an aid station checkpoint. In order to drop out find an aid station volunteer to record your drop. This will help us avoid unnecessary search efforts. No Littering: Trash receptacles will be available at all aid stations. Please do not dispose of trash outside of the aid stations. Sportsmanship: Poor Sportsmanship will not be tolerated toward any participant, volunteer or worker this can result in immediate disqualification. Cutoff Times: There will be a cutoff of 2 hours at the top of Government Peak to continue on. No Dogs: Although we would love to see everyone's dog they are not allowed on the course due to safety for other participants, you and your dog. Volunteers: Please thank any volunteer you see during your time at our event. They are simply amazing and make this race possible! Poles: Poles are acceptable on this race course Cut Off Time: There will be a cutoff of 2 hours at the top of Government Peak to continue on. If you are past the 2 hour cutoff, you must comply with all instructions from the course volunteers and sweeps. If you decide to turn back at ANY point you MUST do so at an aid station! Aid Stations & Course Markings We plan to have at least 3 aid stations throughout the course. Although we will have aid stations with water and fuel, please do not fully rely on them for all your race needs. Come prepared with what your individual needs are. Aid Station #1. Halfway up Gov Peak (once you're above tree line) Aid Station #2. Gov. Peak - water & Skratch lab gummies Aid Station #3. Hatch Peak - water & Skratch lab gummies The course will be marked with w