Summary

One of the most challenging races to date packing almost 4000' of elevation gain & loss into 6.1 short (long) miles thru snow, mud, rock climbs, tree obstacles, falling rocks, rope climbs, boulder mines, & the most spectacular views!
Posted Jul 27, 2026
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Pros
  • Easy directions
  • Ample, free parking near the start / finish
  • Organized packet pick up near the start finish
  • Packet pick up night before or day of
  • Good communication
  • Indoor restrooms
  • Vendor village / expo with sales and giveaways
  • Chip timing
  • Well marked challenging course
  • Ample volunteers/ rescue on course for safety
  • SCENIC VIEWS
  • Overall / AG awards
Cons
  • Swag includes nice hat but nothing with the name of the race
  • Tight cut off with little room to pass on single track
  • Only one water station toward the start line
  • No post race food

Cirque Series, Alyeska

Good communication, easy directions, and ample free parking near the start / finish. Organized and easy packet pick up included a swag bag with sponsor give aways and your choice of hat. The hats were very nice but I traveled from Ohio to Alaska for this race and would have loved a shirt or hat with the race name on it and not just the brand name of the hat. Fun, party atmosphere with MC and music and a nice expo with sales and giveaways. Chip timing on a well marked course gives you 50 minutes to climb 2.2 miles and 2200’ of elevation gain for a strict cut off! This can require some pushing as it can be difficult to pass on the single track trails. Once you make the cut off the trail becomes significantly more challenging with steeper elevation, rock climbs, loose rocks / shale, and snow. Once you hit the peak elevation almost 4000’, it’s time to start the sharp descent with rock repelling , mud, tree obstacles, boulder mines, and roots! This is the most technical and beautiful course I have ever done! The course was a little scary at times and the views were absolutely breathtaking! Tons of volunteers and rescue on course to keep everyone safe. Only one water station towards the beginning of the race and no post race food however you were given a $15 food voucher for a local restaurant. Nice OA / AG awards 3 deep were cash and gear! 

This is an incentivized review

Team ER

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1.2k
Lisa Keane
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Running is my happy place! Trails > Road but always looking for new adventures. Tons of 5Ks, 10ks and half’s - a handful of 5...

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