The Spencer Glacier Dash starts at 1:15 PM, giving you a midday window to settle in before racing. This 5-mile run takes place in Portage, Alaska, departing from the Portage Train Depot at mile 80.3 of the Seward Highway on June 7, 2026. Entry fees range from free to $127.00 depending on registration options. The afternoon start time means you can plan your travel and pre-race meal accordingly, rather than managing an early morning departure. If you're flying into the region, this timing allows flexibility for flights arriving earlier in the day.
From the Race Organizer
Come celebrate the beauty of the Spencer Glacier Area and the history of the Alaska Railroad History by racing the Spencer Glacier Overlook Trail which retraces the glacier recession over the last 100 years. COST: Early Bird Pricing April 18th-May 2nd: Adult (ages 12+ as defined by the railroad)= $107 ($47 discounted train ticket plus $60 race registration fee) Youth (ages 7-11 as defined by the railroad)= $63.50 ($23.50 discounted train ticket plus $40 race registration fee) No refunds will be given. Pricing May 3rd-May 17th: Adult (ages 12+ as defined by the railroad)= $117 ($47 discounted train ticket plus $70 race registration fee) Youth (ages 7-11 as defined by the railroad)= $73.50 ($23.50 discounted train ticket plus $50 race registration fee) No refunds will be given. Pricing May 18th-May 24th: Adult (ages 12+ as defined by the railroad)= $127 ($47 discounted train ticket plus $80 race registration fee) Youth (ages 7-11 as defined by the railroad)= $83.50 ($23.50 discounted train ticket plus $60 race registration fee) No refunds will be given. Registration closes at midnight on May 24th roughly two weeks prior to race day due to restrictions to ticketing restrictions and when we have to submit a final manifest to the Alaska Railroad. This race is capped at 100 people. Please keep in mind that race registrations are nonrefundable. Many event expenses are incurred well in advance of race day and cannot be recovered once committed. Train tickets are purchased as final-sale fares and also cannot be refunded. FAMILY & FRIENDS: Your family and friends are invited to join you at the race, but they will need to purchase tickets at the regular price, which is $94 for adults (defined as ages 12+ by the railroad), $47 for youth (ages 2-11), $47 for any youth under the age of 2 requiring their own seat, and $0 for infant sitting in a lap. During registration, you can choose a family/friend registration option. KMTA will handle all ticket purchases for racers. You can also purchase your family and friends tickets through us to make the process easier on yourself. Otherwise, you are welcome to direct your family and friends to purchase their own tickets directly through the railroad. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rachel Blakeslee at rachelblakeslee@kmtacorridor.org LOCATION: Take the Alaska Railroad to the starting line of the race! The cost of your ticket is included in your race registration fee. All participants must depart from the Portage Train Depot (Mile 80.3 of the Seward Highway - Look for the small, red-roofed building adjacent to the Seward Highway with a large parking lot; the railroad tracks are visible on the opposite, north side of the parking lot.) DEPARTURE OPTIONS: Option 1 (camp overnight): Leave the day before (June 6th) – Train departs the Portage Railroad Depot at 1:25 PM. Be at the train station at 1:15 PM. Participants that choose to go the day before will receive their tickets at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop the day of the race. These participants will camp at Spencer the night before. Option 2: (come out on race day only): Leave day of the race (June 7th) – Train departs the Portage Railroad Depot at 1:25 PM. Be at the train station by 12:45 PM to check in, receive your ticket and bib from a race greeter. RETURN: Day of Race (June 7th)– Train departs from the Spencer Whistle Stop at 4:45 PM after the race is completed. Be at the train stop by 4:30 PM All gear like jogging strollers, camping gear etc. can be taken to the cargo train. Please follow the signs at the Portage Depot. GEAR/BAG DROP: Gear that you don’t want to carry during the race can be dropped in the Chugach Adventures Van when you first de-board the train prior to starting the race, or you can leave gear at the Whistlestop. You may also leave gear on the train as you will ride the same train back. All gear that you are unable to carry on your person (e.g. jogging stroller) can go on the cargo train car. Please follow the signs which will direct you to the cargo area. WATER/SNACKS: Please bring your own water source and container to minimize waste. You can refill your container using the jug of water we’ll have on site. After the race, snacks will be provided. THE RACE COURSE: The start of the race is only accessible by riding on the Alaska Railroad. The course will begin at the Spencer Whistle Stop of the Alaska Railroad and follow the Spencer Glacier Trail to Spencer Lake. From Spencer Lake participants will run the Spencer Glacier Overlook to the end of the trail and then turnaround and race back to the Chugach Adventures Base Camp located at the boat launch for a total of 5 Miles. To return to the Whistle Spot participants may walk back to the Whistle Stop or wait for a shuttle provided by Chugach Adventures. RACE FORMAT: All Participants will arrive at the Spencer Whistle Stop courtesy of the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train between 1:50 PM to 2 PM. Estimated 2:25 PM - Mass State (One Wave
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for June 7.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Portage, AK.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
Spencer Glacier Dash 2026 — Portage, AK takes place on June 7, 2026. The race is held in Portage, Alaska.
Where is Spencer Glacier Dash 2026 — Portage, AK held?
Spencer Glacier Dash 2026 — Portage, AK is held at Portage Train Depot - Mile 80.3 of the Seward Highway in Portage, Alaska.
Where can I find hotels near Spencer Glacier Dash 2026 — Portage, AK?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Portage. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
