Cirque Series, Alyeska

The 6.1 mile course begins at nearly sea level at the DayLodge area. The course takes runners immediately onto Tanaka Cat Service Road. Once at “TV Corner” runners will continue up through the lower bowl of Alyeska Resort to the Silvertip single track mountain bike trail. Once at the top of Silvertip runners will face a very steep climb up Center Ridge. The steep pitch and exposure will challenge the heartiest of mountain runners as the scramble continues up to Teacup Bowl and across to the Headwall at 3,800 feet. Once at the top, runners will be treated to amazing views of the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm and many hanging glaciers and far off peaks (and will get inspired for ski season in AK.) The Headwall ridge run will feature up and down bursts with a gradual downgrade to 3,300 feet to the MAX’s weather station. Once at the weather station the runners will start the descend through loose rock and mountain heather before they dive into the heavily wooded Max’s Mountain trail. The trail descends through hemlock and spruce trees, iconic Pacific Northwest vibes, with moss covered fallen trees and loamy soil. The Max’s down-climb is very steep and runners will utilize surrounding trees. The mossy trail will exit back at Alyeska’s Tanaka Cat Road & runners will continue the descend back to the Finish line at the DayLodge where you started.