The Chena River to Ridge endurance race is open to skiers, cyclists, and runners. Racers can choose to register for the 55-mile or 26-mile course. The grades on the trail rarely exceed 10 percent, so the entire course is rideable for cyclists. The trail is relatively narrow and well-suited for classic skis, although there are short sections where the trail widens enough for skate skiing, and many entrants do choose to skate ski the course.

The 55-mile race starts at 8 AM, and the 26-mile race starts at 9 AM. All racers MUST check in 45 minutes before their respective race start times. Also, a MANDATORY pre-race meeting will begin at 7:45 for 55-mile participants, and 8:45 for 26-mile participants. All racers must cross the finish line by 9 PM, meaning the 55-mile cutoff is 13 hours and the 26-mile is 12 hours.

The race is open to 100 participants, so register early to guarantee a spot! If the race fills up, additional entries will be placed on a wait list in the order they are received. On race day, racers may ONLY change their division and/or race distance at check-in (no refunds if you switch from the 55-mile to the 26-mile, sorry). You may not change race distances or divisions at the 26-mile checkpoint.

See detailed course description and map here.

Online registration for the 2026 Chena River to Ridge is available beginning December 6, 2025 at 12:00 AM Alaska Time at UltraSignup. Registration closes February 23, 2026 at 11:59pm. The event is limited to 100 entrants. Registration is non-refundable and not transferable. Please read the Race Rules and other information on this website before you register.

Online Registration Costs
$90 – 55 miles
$80 – 26 miles

Costs after February 1, 2026
$100 – 55 miles
$90 – 26 miles

Race Day Check-in

• A mandatory pre-race meeting will begin at 7:45 AM for the 55-mile racers, and 8:45 AM for the 26-mile racers at the race start. All participants must attend if they want to race.

• Any racer who has not signed in 30 minutes prior to the race start must wait until after the race begins to sign in, if their spot has not already been forfeited to a waitlisted racer.

• Racers may change their division (ski, bike, foot) and/or race distance at check-in (no refunds if you switch from the 55-mile to the 26-mile).

Human-Powered Race

• No dogs or motorized equipment may be used to facilitate a racer in any way.

• Any racer bringing a dog on the race course will be disqualified.

No Outside Help

• Racers must be self- sufficient and are only allowed to accept help from another racer or from a race official.

• Further, racers are not allowed to accept any help from a race official that advances that racer along the course (such as getting a snowmachine ride or having a volunteer carry some of their gear).

Race Gear

• There is no required gear for the River to Ridge race.

• Racers must finish using the same mode of transport that he or she started with.

• Racers may not purposely leave any gear, clothing or equipment at the aid station or on the trail.

• Racers are allowed to change clothing or leave clothing/gear at the midway checkpoint.

Checkpoints and aid stations:

• If you are racing the 55-mile course, there are mandatory checkpoints at mile 26, which is also the finish line for the 26-mile race, and near Stiles Creek Cabin at approximately mile 35. Any racer who misses or skips either checkpoint will be disqualified.

• There will also be an aid station at Colorado Creek Cabin - at about mile 8 of the 26- and 55-mile course - and another aid station at approximately mile 16 of the course, around where the Compeau Trail intersects the Little Chena Dozer Line. Racers are not required to stop or check in with the aid station volunteers. We do ask that you make sure your bib number is visible to the volunteer or you verbally inform the volunteers of your number as you pass by each aid station.

• The checkpoints and aid stations will have hot and cold water, Powerade, Gatorade or another electrolyte drink mix, and various sweet and salty snacks.

Cutoff Times:

• Total time allowed for completion of the race is 12 hours for the 26-mile distance, and 13 hours for the 55-mile distance. In either distance, you must finish by 9 PM Saturday.

• Also, 55-mile racers must reach the 26-mile checkpoint by 3:40 PM.

• Any racer unable to reach the finish line by the cutoff time may be evacuated back to the race start by snowmachine. A fee and any associated costs the race director deems appropriate will be charged to the racer in the event of an evacuation. A check will need to be mailed to the Race Director within 90 days of the end of the race, or the participant will not be allowed to race again.

• Any racer who is unable to complete the race will be disqualified. If a racer is able and willing to return to the start under his or her own power, or with external assistance, he or she may do so. BUT all racers MUST inform a race official if they have scratched.

• A fee of $100 will be charged to any racer who scratches or self-evacuates without notifying the Race Director. A check will need to be mailed to the Race Director within 90 days of the end of the race, or the participant will not be allowed to race again.

• ALL racers are ultimately the responsibility of the race staff and MUST be accounted for at all times.

A Little R-E-S-P-E-C-T:

• Be respectful of other racers, race officials, volunteers, and any other trail user in the recreation area.

• Any racer treating others poorly or perceived to be disrespectful will be disqualified.

• Any racer intentionally depositing litter on the trail will be disqualified.

• Do not damage any structures, trail signs, or property. Treat this area as you would your home.

The Chena River State Recreation Area is a public use area enjoyed by all types of trail users. Please use common sense and keep the following in mind:

TRAIL USE:

• Please yield to ALL motorized vehicles, dog teams, skijorers, skiers, bikers, snowshoers, or any other person on the trail.

• Step off of the trail if you need to rest, change clothes, repair equipment, etc.

• Make noise if you are heading into a blind turn at a high rate of speed in order to alert any oncoming traffic.

TAKIN’ CARE OF BUSINESS:

• Use the outhouses when available. Outhouses are located at the trailhead, Colorado Creek cabin (mile 8) and Stiles Creek Cabin (mile 34).

• Step as far off the trail as possible if you need to take care of big business and pack out your TP.

TRASH:

• If you see trash, pick it up and drop it off at the aid station or at the race start/finish.

• Any racer intentionally littering the trail will be disqualified.

MISCELLANEOUS:

• Do not damage any structures, trail signs, or property in the recreation area.

• Please treat this area as you would your own home.

Please carpool or arrange a ride to/from the race start if possible.

The race starts at Twin Bears Camp, milepost 30 of Chena Hot Springs Road. There is limited parking at Twin Bears; most spots will be reserved for volunteers, though a few may be available for early-arriving participants. Overflow parking will be available approximately 1/2 mile west of the Twin Bears Camp at the Compeau trailhead (~mile 29.5). A good strategy would be to carpool to the start, drop participants and gear at Twin Bears, then park at the Compeau trailhead. A well-marked trail to Twin Bears begins about 200 yards up the Compeau trail. Please plan accordingly because you may have a 30-minute walk to the race start from your parking spot.

Please note all motorists parking at the Compeau trailhead will be required to pay a $5 parking fee per vehicle, unless the vehicle has an annual Parks and Rec parking sticker.

WHY IS THE RACE LIMITED TO 100 PARTICIPANTS?

We decided to limit the number of participants for several reasons. There is minimal parking at the race start/finish area so we can only accommodate a certain number of vehicles. In addition to parking, the trails are narrow and may be congested and unsafe with more than 100 participants.

CAN I SKATE SKI THE COURSE?

The race course is narrow (snowmachine width) so classic skis are preferred and highly recommended. There are a few stretches that are wide enough to skate ski but you will definitely challenge yourself if you plan to skate ski the entire race course. All that being said, if you have short skate skis and a lot of determination, it can be done.

WILL THE RACE COURSE BE GROOMED PRIOR TO THE RACE?

The trails are maintained and groomed by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources but there is no guarantee the trail will be groomed right before the race. If new snow falls or the wind blows, the race course may be soft and challenging.

IS THE RACE COURSE TOO STEEP FOR BIKING?

The trail network was designed for recreation and the grades rarely exceed 10 percent. If the trail is not too soft, cyclists should easily be able to ride up almost all the hills.

CAN I PARK AT THE RACE START?

Parking will be tight at the race start/finish. We will leaving some spots open for trail users who are not associated with the race. Some racers will be able to park at the start but once the lot is full, racers and spectators will be directed to overflow parking at the Compeau trailhead.

CAN I LEAVE CLOTHING AT THE RACE START?

Yes. Feel free to bring some warm clothes to wear prior to the race start, especially if you have to walk from the Compeau trailhead. You can leave these clothes at the race headquarters at the start/finish line.

WHAT SORT OF FOOD WILL BE AT THE AID STATION AND CHECKPOINTS?

There will be hot and cold water at the aid stations and checkpoints. There will also be hot chocolate, instant coffee, electrolyte drinks, Tang, and Coke. As for food, you can expect to find salty snacks (Fritos, Pringles, nuts), instant soup and Ramen noodles, and a variety of baked goods such as bread and butter, cookies, and brownies. In addition, there will be a BBQ at the race finish/checkpoint at Twin Bears with both meat and vegan options.

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