Trail Map

The official trail map is available in two versions:

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 7.6 kilometers to 13.6 kilometers. The marathon, 2-person relay, and 4-person relay races consist of all four legs. The half-marathon consists of legs 1 and 4.

The trail is well-marked with pink flagging tape every 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles). 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 - 7.6 kilometers (4.7 miles)

Starting at Rotary Park, runners cross under the Robert Campbell Bridge, meeting up with the Millenium 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 past the float planes until the Schwatka Lake trail. A water station is located here and Mrs. Grant’s cabin is to your right. The remainder of the leg follows the old dirt road to a goat trail.

EXTREME CAUTION should be used here – the trail is narrow with loose material in a couple of short sections.

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 4-person relay. Half-marathoners turn left here, and follow Leg 4 along the east shore of Schwatka Lake.

Leg 2 - 10.0 kilometers (6.2 miles)

Runners in the Marathon, 2-person relay, and 4-person relay events 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 4-person relay, and the hand off for the 2-person race.

Leg 3 – 10.9 kilometers (6.8 miles)

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 4-person relay. Food and fluids are available here.

Leg 4 - 13.6 kilometers (8.5 miles)

From the Miles Canyon foot bridge, the course turns north and follows the east shore of Schwatza 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. A short trail takes you to Chadburn Lake Road. The trail continues across the road, and loops around Hidden Lakes. From there, the trail climbs the aptly named Heartbreak Hill. At the top of Heartbreak, the trail descends to Chadburn Lake Road where a water station is located. Climb "Pee Wee" hill to a look out point above the Whitehorse Rapids Dam. The trail descends to the river to the Millenium Trail. Cross the Rotary Centennial Bridge, and continue along the paved trail, running under the Robert Campbell Bridge to the finish line in Rotary Park.