Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic

The race start of the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic in Chicken in 2006.

The Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic (sometimes called the Alaska Wilderness Classic) is an adventure race that espouses purity of style. Started in 1982 as a 150-mile (240 km) wilderness footrace, the Classic has crossed various mountain ranges throughout Alaska with some routes covering nearly 250 miles (400 km). Traditionally, the same route has been used for three years in a row.

The rules are simple: start to finish with no outside support, requiring that racers carry all food and equipment; human-powered; leave no trace; and rescue is up to the individual to resolve. The most common form of transportation is by foot and packraft, although bicycles, skis, and paragliders have been used by intrepid racers. Beginning in 2004, racers have been required to carry satellite phones to facilitate emergency rescues.

The organization of the race is grass-roots, having no affiliation to any organization or group, while generally fewer than 50 people enter in any one year. Its influence on American adventure racing, backcountry use of the packraft, and ultralight hiking is significant. In addition to the summer race, there is an even more low-key winter event, the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Race, which has taken place evey year since 1987 with races through the Chugach Mountains, Alaska Range, Brooks Range, and Wrangell-St. Elias.

Routes and winners

1982–1984

Hope to Homer (Kenai Peninsula), 150 miles (240 km)

1985–1987

Mentasta to Denali National Park (Alaska Range), 235 miles (378 km)

1988–1990

Nabesna to McCarthy (Wrangell – Saint Elias Wilderness), 150 miles (240 km)

1991–1993

Gates of the Arctic Wilderness (Brooks Range), 130 miles (210 km)

1994–1996

Donnelly to McKinley Village (Alaska Range), 140 miles (230 km)

1997–1999

Hope to Homer (Kenai Peninsula), 150 miles (240 km)

2000–2002

Nabesna to McCarthy (Wrangell – Saint Elias Wilderness), 150 miles (240 km)

2003–2005

Eureka to Talkeetna (Talkeetna Mountains), 160 miles (260 km)

2006–2008

Chicken to Central (Tanana-Yukon Uplands), 180 miles (290 km)

2009–2011

Gerstle River/Donnelly to McKinley Village (Alaska Range), 180 miles (290 km)

2012–2014

Thompson Pass to Lakina River Bridge (Chugach Mountains, Wrangell – Saint Elias Wilderness), 120 miles (190 km) - 180 miles (290 km)

Records

References