Chena River to Ridge Endurance Race
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Chena River to Ridge : February 28, 2026
The Chena River to Ridge endurance race is held on maintained snowmachine trails in the Chena River State Recreation Area, about 30 miles east of Fairbanks. The event offers two distances:
- 55 miles
- 26 miles
Racers may compete by ski, fat bike, or on foot. The course follows one or two approx 26-mile loops for a total near 55 miles for the long distance. Trail grades rarely exceed 10 percent.
Course and aid stations
The trail climbs above the valley floor and follows ridgelines in places, providing views of local hills and the Alaska Range. The trail is relatively narrow and is best suited to classic skis, though short sections are wide enough for skate skiing. Fat bikers commonly encounter short hike-a-bike sections; runners have occasionally carried lightweight snowshoes in some years.
Aid stations and checkpoints are located along the loops, including Colorado Creek Cabin (about mile 8), an aid station near the Compeau intersection (about mile 16), the 26-mile midpoint/finish for the short course, and a checkpoint near Stiles Creek Cabin (about mile 34). Aid stations typically offer hot and cold water, electrolyte drinks, and sweet and salty snacks; the finish/checkpoint hosts a BBQ with meat and vegan options.
Logistics and rules
The race is limited to 100 entrants. Registration opens December 6, 2025 and closes February 23, 2026; early and late entry fees vary by distance. The start/finish is at Twin Bears Camp, milepost 30 on Chena Hot Springs Road. Parking at the start is limited; overflow parking is at the Compeau trailhead about 0.5 mile west, which may require up to a 30-minute walk to the start. A parking fee applies at the Compeau trailhead unless a vehicle has an annual Parks and Rec sticker.
This is a human-powered event: no dogs or motorized assistance is allowed. Racers must be self-sufficient, finish using the same mode they started with, and may only accept limited help from another racer or race official that does not advance them along the course. There is no required gear list. There are time limits for each distance (12 hours for the 26-mile course and 13 hours for the 55-mile course). Evacuations may occur by snowmachine and can result in fees; unauthorized self-evacuation or failure to notify race officials may incur a $100 charge. Disqualification can result from littering, disrespectful behavior, or violating race rules. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
