The course rises steeply out of Skagway, Alaska to reach the summit of the historic White Pass. After passing across the Canadian border the course continues through British Columbia and into the Yukon following the footsteps of the Klondike gold rush. Walkers and youth runners join the race in the picturesque village of Carcross before completing the last legs towards the finish line in downtown Whitehorse.
ROUTE MAP
LEG DESCRIPTIONS
LEG 1
From the start, runners proceed north through town on Broadway Street, turning left on 7th Avenue, right on State Street, and across the Skagway River Bridge. At 4.1km, the road begins to climb up into the White Pass, past both old and new U.S. Customs Stations to Checkpoint 2 at the White Pass Viewpoint.
Total: 14.1km.
LEG 2
This is the steepest leg of the race, as well as the shortest. The road climbs sharply out of Checkpoint 2, crosses the Moore Creek suspension bridge, proceeds up to the White Pass Summit at an elevation of 1004 metres, and then it is just a short 1.2 km gradual downhill to Checkpoint 3. Visibility and weather can be tricky in the pass so please be careful. LEG 2 is an additional 1.2 km from what it says on the map.
Total: 10.2 km
LEG 3
When leaving Checkpoint 3 at Outhouse Hill pullout. The road drops down from the summit to a relatively flat, winding section with some hills. When approaching the Canada Customs station at Fraser, BC, runners stay to the right of the vehicle lanes. All vehicles must proceed through Canada Customs for normal clearing procedures. LEG 3 is 1.2 km less than shown on the map.
Total: 11.2 km
LEG 4
Leaving Checkpoint 4, the road winds through rolling terrain with steep mountains on the left and a series of small lakes on the right. The road crosses the White Pass tracks (WATCH YOUR STEP!) and winds gently down to Tutshi Lake and Checkpoint 5.
Total: 21 km
LEG 5
After leaving Checkpoint 5, runners will follow the shoreline of Tutshi Lake. The lake is to the right with steep mountains very close to the road on the left. This leg of the race consists of mostly rolling hills with lots of curves. At about KM 14.5 there is a fairly challenging 2 KM uphill stretch, followed by a 3 KM downhill.
Total: 22.2 km
LEG 6
There is an immediate climb as you leave Checkpoint 6 followed by a gentle rolling highway and a gradual uphill grade for 19 KM. This is followed by a gentle ascent to the Bove Island Viewpoint and then down into Checkpoint 7 at Carcross. Runners must cross the road to reach the checkpoint. Watch for pylons and directions from station personnel.
Total: 25.3km
LEG 7
Leaving Checkpoint 7, runners are once again required to cross the road unless it is already daylight. Follow instructions from station personnel and watch for the pylons. A number of curves in the road and gentle rolling hills lead you past the Carcross Desert on the right, Spirit Lake on the right, up a fairly steep hill past the Emerald Lake Viewpoint on the left and into Checkpoint 8.
Total: 14km
LEG 8
The road from Checkpoint 8 features gentle, rolling hills mixed with flat straight sections. Coming into Checkpoint 9, you will be required to cross the road if you are not already on the left-hand side. Follow the pylons and directions from station personnel.
Total: 19.8 km
LEG 9
Runners leaving Checkpoint 9 stay on the left side of the road and proceed toward the Carcross Corner over gentle rolling hills and curves. Kookatsoon Lake will be on the right side of the road at approx. KM 13, where a gentle climb is encountered before a gradual descent into
Checkpoint 10.
Total: 17.8 km
LEG 10
In this leg runners enter the Alaska Highway and will experience increased traffic. At Km 11.5 runners will cross the highway obeying traffic control persons and enter the Miles Canyon Section. Run facing traffic. At the South Access to Whitehorse, stay on the right until you reach the path along the river which wil take you past the boat, under the bridge to the finish line.
Total: 19.3 km
HALF-LEGS
Leg 7A
Carcross
7.0km
Leg 8A
Emerald Lake
9.3km
Leg 9A
Annie Lake Road 8.5km
Leg 10A
Carcross Corner
11.7km
Leg 7B
Spirit Lake Sign 7.0km
Leg 8B
White Sign 'Attn Hunters'
10.5km
Leg 9B
Truck Pull Out on Right
9.3km
Leg 10B
Alaska Hwy
Miles Canyon
7.6km