Trail Map

Important Route Change for 2010

The start andfinish locations for 2010 will be in Shipyards Park (note change from 2009 and earlier races). As a result leg 1 will be approximately 1.6km longer and leg 4 will be reduced in length. The maps below is now updated for 2010. Note this map does not show start/finish area - 1km north on the river trail.

Course Overview

The race begins and ends in Rotary Park. For much of the course, you will be running along side of (or above) the Yukon River or one of a few small pothole lakes. The trail, though well used, is worn so watch out for tree roots in many spots. There is significant elevation gain and loss all along the trail (see map).

The course is divided into four legs, ranging in length from 9.6 to 11.7. The marathon and relay runner's route consist of all four legs. The half-marathon consists of legs 1 and 4.

The trail is well-marked with permanent trail markers (with Yukon River Trail Marathon logo), orange pin markers and spray paint.

Volunteers are posted at key points to ensure runners remain on course.

Fluids are available at kilometers 5.1, 7.6, 13.1, 17.6, 22.2, 28.5 and the finish line. Food is available at Checkpoints 2 (17.6 km) and 3 (28.5 km) - there are no gels on the course.

Leg 1 - 9.6 kilometers

Starting at Shipyards Park run 1.6km south along the river trail, passing Rotary Park, runners cross under the Robert Campbell Bridge, meeting up with the Millennium Trail to the Rotary Centennial Bridge. Cross the Bridge and follow the trail through the Robert Service Campground, crossing the parking lot to the South Access. Turn left at South Access, passing Yukon Energy Corporation's Whitehorse Rapids Plant. Turn left on Schwatka Lake Road and continue to the float plane dock, where a sharp right turn is made up the embankement and the railway tracks are crossed. Following the trail approx. 1.6km to emerge alongside the road, following the road to the top of the hill and crossing to take a trail which shortly reaches the escarpment.

Continue on the trail to Miles Canyon Road, down a short, steep trail, and across Miles Canyon Suspension Bridge. Fluids are available here and this is the first exchange point for the relay. Half-marathoners turn left here, and follow Leg 4 along the east shore of Schwatka Lake.

Leg 2 - 10.0 kilometers

Runners in the marathon, relay event turn right at the bridge, and follow the Yukon River trail through Canyon City.

EXTREME CAUTION should be used as there are some steep drop offs to the river. Keep your eyes on the terrain, not the scenery.

Continue along the river trail for a few kilometers, then make a sharp left turn in the direction of Chadburn Lake. Follow a log-strewn trail with a long, steep hill to Chadburn Lake picnic shelter. Food, drinks, and toilets are available here; this is Checkpoint #2 - the second exchange point for the relay.

Leg 3 - 10.9 kilometers

Continue along Chadburn Lake and over to Chadden Lake. Follow the low-lying trail along Chadden Lake until directed up a hill. Continue along rolling hills to the end of the lake where there is a BIG hill leading to a lookout above the lake (water is available here). Follow the undulating trail for a couple of kilometers before making a sharp left turn up a steep trail to the Chadburn Lake Blue ski trail. Follow the Blue ski trail, cross Chadburn Lake Road. Run through the ski trail parking lot and back to the Miles Canyon Suspension Bridge. This is the Checkpoint #3 and the third exchange point for the relay. Food and fluids are available here.

Leg 4 - 11.7 kilometers

From the Miles Canyon foot bridge, the course turns north and follows the east shore of Schwatka Lake past the boat launch and up a short path to the right. The trail continues above the lake, and returns to lake level after a few kilometers. Continue through the picnic area where water is available. The trail heads into the woods along Schwatka Lake turning to the left. The trail ascends via a countoured trail, and joins a minor road leading to the Chadburn Lake Road. Stay on the left and turn sharply left to ascend "Pee Wee" hill. Climb "Pee Wee" hill to a look out point above the Whitehorse Rapids Dam. The trail descends to the river to a water stop and the Millennium Trail. Cross the Rotary Centennial Bridge, and continue along the paved trail, running under the Robert Campbell Bridge, past Rotary Park and returning along the waterfront trail to Shipyards Park.