Tanana River Challenge
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Tanana River Challenge
The Tanana River Challenge is an endurance event in Fairbanks that includes runners, skiers, skijorers, and cyclists. The course consists of lollipop routes along the Tanana River and through the Rosie Creek forest, offered in two distances.
- 45 miles
- 25 miles
The event allows multiple modes of travel and uses multiple aid stations staffed by volunteers. The course route can change year to year based on river conditions and logging in the Tanana Valley State Forest. Trail conditions may vary from firm machine-packed river surfaces to softer sections in the woods; organizers plan to drag the trail but do not set classic tracks.
Registration opens January 1, 2026, with tiered fees for standard, late, and race day registration. The race limits entries to 120 participants. Bib pick-up and race swag are distributed at the start when signing in. Parking at the Tanana Wayside boat launch is provided for participants with pick up passes available at sign-in or from parking volunteers.
Race rules require racers to be self-sufficient, finish with the same mode of transport they start with, and physically check in at all official checkpoints. No motorized assistance is allowed. Skijor rules: skijorers may run up to three dogs, must keep dogs under control, and must transport any dog that cannot finish. An evacuation fee is charged for assisted removal from the course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
