Veins of Gold 2025

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N Mountain Trails Dr, Palmer AK

Saturday, August 16th, 2025

🏔️ Race Overview

Starting at Government Peak Recreation Area parking lot runners will make their way up Government Peak via the race trail. Once to the top of Government Peak participants will continue to follow the ridge line over to April Bowl and down to the Summit Lake Parking lot. Once at the parking lot runners will continue down the road to Independence Mine! The race itself is about 8 miles with around 5,000ft vertical gain. This race is challenging and covers a variety of terrain including steep uphill trail, loose rock, shale, tundra, dirt road and a tiny portion of paved road at the very end. Weather and conditions can change the terrain very quickly making it more difficult/dangerous. It is ultimately the responsibility of the participant to be aware of their surroundings.

🗓️ Registration Dates for 2025

Opening Date: Registration will open on November 4th, 2024 at 8am.
Closing Date: Closes on August 10th at 11:59pm.
Shirt Size: Registrations completed after July 30 are not guaranteed shirt size or shirt.
Pricing: See pricing by dates at the very bottom of this page.

🚑 Alaska Mountain Rescue Group

Support: Nonprofit volunteer search and rescue organization on course during our race.
Community Asset: They are a huge asset to our community and we hope you help us support them!
Donation: 10% of your registration fee will go to Alaska Mountain Rescue Group.
Learn More: Learn more about AMRG.
Donate: DONATE TO AMRG HERE

📅 Race Date

Saturday, August 16th, 2025

⏰ Times

Race Start: 9am
DAY OF Bib Pickup: 7:00-8:30am
Mandatory Race Meeting: 8:40-8:50am
Early Bib Pickup: Thursday, August 15th 5:00pm-7:00pm at WASILLA AKtive Soles

❗ Requirements

Waiver: All participants will be required to sign a waiver that they have completed the entire course at least once prior to race day.
Comfort Level: If you are not comfortable in the backcountry, with vertical gain, loose footing, and steep ridges this race is not for you.
Essentials: We require you to carry at least 500 calories, 500ml water, a light jacket, and hat/gloves.

🌦️ Weather Considerations/Terrain

Due to unpredictable mountain weather we reserve the right to cancel the race at any point due to weather/safety concerns.

📋 Rules

Bibs: Bibs MUST be visible on the front of the body at all times.
Timing Chips: Your timing chip will be attached to the back of your bib.
Assistance: Not assisting a runner in need will result in disqualification.
Course: The course will be well marked and runners must stay on the route at all times.

⏱️ Cut Off Time

There will be a cutoff of 2 hours at the top of Government Peak to continue on. If you are past the 2 hour cutoff, you must comply with all instructions from the course volunteers and sweeps.

🧢 Aid Stations & Course Markings

Aid Stations: We plan to have at least 3 aid stations throughout the course.
Station 1: Halfway up Gov Peak.
Station 2: Gov. Peak - water & Skratch lab gummies.
Station 3: Hatch Peak - water & Skratch lab gummies.

🎒 Required & Recommended Gear

REQUIRED:
Minimum 500 calories, 500ml water, Light Jacket, Hat and gloves.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

Space Blanket
Whistle
Running Vest AND/OR 16 oz Water Carrying Capacity
Bear Spray

📦 Drop Bags

We will be taking any drop bags for participants at the start and transport them to the finish line. Bags MUST be marked with your name. We are not responsible for any lost items.

💸 Refunds

Due to the cost and effort of putting on these races we will not be offering refunds, deferrals, bib exchanges or race transfers.

🏅 Race Medals/Awards

Race medals are for participant finishers, you will receive your race medal after completing the full marked course on August 16th, 2025. Podium awards will be given to the top 3 male/female winners.

🅿️ Parking & Location

You can park at either Government Peak Recreation Area (Borough Pass) or Independence Mine (State Park Pass). Please note that this is a point to point race and there will NOT be a race day shuttle so plan accordingly.

Starting Location: Government Peak Recreation Area, N Mountain Trails Dr, Palmer, AK 99645

Ending Location: Hatcher Pass Lodge, 21623 Gold Cord Rd, Palmer, AK 99645

🏃‍♂️ Course

Check out the course details here!

👶 Ages

Ages 16+ can register for our race. Keep in mind the difficulty level and the technicality of the race course. Please be comfortable with the terrain prior to signing up!