Registration is underway for the Tsalteshi Backyard Ultra, the first sanctioned race of its kind in Alaska.
Scheduled for June 10, the event is a form of ultramarathon run.
Competitors must consecutively run a loop of 4.167 miles in less than one hour, at the top of each hour. If runners finish the loop in under an hour, the remaining time can be used as a rest before the next hour’s race.
The last runner who is able to consecutively complete the loop in under one hour wins, meaning it could end in just a few hours or last well into the night. The last competitor standing will advance to the regional Tartarus Backyard Ultra in Spokane, Washington, on July 30. The winner of the region race will earn entry into a national Backyard Ultra.
The loop begins and ends at the Wolverine Trailhead at Tsalteshi and is not lit at night, but early June should provide nearly 20 hours of daylight for runners.
No late starts will be allowed, and participants may not leave the course until each loop is completed except to use the restroom. Additionally, non-competitors, personal aid and artificial aids like trekking poles will be prohibited.
Competitors should provide their own aid, although water and first aid will be provided at the trailhead. Support crews and tents up to 10 feet by 10 feet are allowed at the trailhead, but not on the course. People can also bring a gas grill or stove to cook, but there is no electricity. Cups of water will be provided for runners but there is no water at the trailhead, so participants should plan to bring their own for cooking or refilling bottles.
There were 45 runner slots out of 50 total still available as of Tuesday evening. Entry costs $75 and includes a T-shirt. Register at https://members.tsalteshi.org/event-4704117.
Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.
