Race Day Schedule

• 4:00 a.m. – 50 Mile Bib Pickup & Runner Check-in opens
• 4:30 a.m. – Mandatory pre-race briefing for 50 mile racers
• 5:00 a.m. – 50 mile start at Twin Bears Camp
• 8:00 a.m. – 50K Bib Pickup & Runner Check-in opens
• 8:30 a.m. – Mandatory pre-race briefing for 50K racers
• 9:00 a.m. – 50K race starts at Angel Rocks trailhead
• 6:30 p.m. – Cut-off time: racers must depart Angel Rocks Trailhead*
• 5:30 p.m. – Post-race BBQ and awards presentation at Chena Hot Springs Resort
• 9:00 p.m. – Anticipated finish time for final racer

*All racers departing the Angel Rocks Trailhead by 6:30 p.m. will be allowed to finish the race.

Participant Briefing

A brief mandatory pre-race meeting will be held for both races. The 50 mile briefing will be held 30 minutes prior to the 5 a.m. race start at the Twin Bears Camp located at Mile 30 Chena Hot Springs Road. The 50K briefing will be held 30 minutes prior to the 9 a.m. race start time at the Angel Rocks Trailhead located at Mile 49 Chena Hot Springs Road. Participants in both races will be familiarized with the race course, the hazards on the course, race rules and cutoff time, recreation area rules, trail etiquette, the safety plan, and any other details necessary for a safe and successful event.

Cut-off Time

Runners in both races must depart Angel Rocks Trailhead by 6:30 p.m. race day. For the 50 mile distance this allows for approximately 19 minute per mile average pace (over an 8 hour marathon pace) for racers. All racers departing the Angel Rocks Trailhead by 6:30 p.m. race day will be allowed to finish.

Race Rules

1. No short cuts.
2. No littering.
3. Adhere to the qualifying race and gear requirements.
4. Be courteous to all volunteers, racers, and others recreating in the area.
5. Have fun.

Qualifying Race

The Angel Creek 50 Miler is a difficult course that may challenge even the most experienced ultra runner. For this reason 50 mile racers must have completed any foot race of marathon distance or longer (virtual races are acceptable) within the past two years prior to registering for the race.  It is highly recommended, though not a requirement, that racers have completed a trail run of at least half-marathon distance or longer within the past two years. There is no qualifying race for the 50K race.

Required Gear

Runners in both racers are required to carry gear necessary for a safe and successful race.  Runners must have with them at all times throughout the race the required items listed below.  Please note that this is a minimum requirement and not at all a recommendation.  Racers should equipment themselves based on their personal experience level and weather conditions the day of the race with the gear they believe will be necessary to be self sufficient while on the course.  The required gear is listed below:

1. A water bottle or hydration bladder that can hold at least 16 ounces and
2. A wind breaker or rain jacket.

Wildlife Safety

Moose, Black Bear, and Grizzly Bear are found throughout Interior Alaska including the Chena River Recreation Area.  Please use caution while traveling through areas with thick brush and vegetation where visibility is limited and wildlife may be surprised by your presence.  Make noise while traveling through these areas and travel in groups if possible.  If moose are encountered back away slowly and provide a path for the moose to escape.  Moose are known for erratic behavior if they feel cornered or trapped.  If a black bear or grizzly bear is encountered do not run away.  Stand your ground and talk calmly to the bear.  While carrying bear spray is recommended, it is not required.  If you do decide to carry bear spray please be safe and familiarize yourself with its operation.  Please report any bear or moose sightings or encounters to race volunteers.

Pacers and Crew

The following rules and information for racers and crew apply to both the 50 Mile and 50K races. Due to the remote nature of the course support crews will only be allowed within a 100 yards of the Angel Rocks Trailhead and pacers will only be allowed to park at the Angel Rocks Trailhead and Chena Hot Springs Resort. From Angel Rocks Trailhead pacers may wait for their runner or travel in the opposite direction from the checkpoint to meet their racer. Pacers may travel as far back as the Upper Angel Creek Cabin to meet their racer. Pacers may also park at Chena Hot Springs Resort and travel in the opposite direction on the course to meet their racer. Up to two pacers per racer will be allowed. Pacers are not allowed on bikes, ATV’s, or any other mechanized or motorized vehicle.

Drop Bags

Drops bags will be available to runners in the 50 Miler at three locations: Upper Angel Creek Cabin (race mile 30), Angel Rocks Trailhead (race mile 42), and the finish line at Chena Hot Springs Resort (race mile 50).  Drop bags for 50K runners will only be available at Angel Rocks Trailhead and the finish at Chena Hot Springs. Please bring drop bags to the start line clearly marked with your full name and checkpoint destination.

Shuttle Service

A shuttle service is an option for runners who reserve and pay for seats during registration for both races from Chena Hot Springs Resort to the start of each race. For the 50 mile, shuttles will transport runners to the Twin Bears Camp (50 mile race start) the evening before departing at approximately 6:30 pm and the morning of the race at approximately 3:30 am. For the 50K, a 7:30 am shuttle will transport runners to Angel Rocks Trailhead. Spectators and support crews for racers are encouraged to park at the Angel Rocks Trailhead and/or Chena Hot Springs Resort. There is a $5 daily Alaska State Parks and Recreation parking fee at Angel Rocks Trailhead and no overnight parking is allowed.

Lodging

Campsites and cabins will be available at Twin Bears Camp on a first come basis.  Runners in both races are welcome to join us. There are 13 rustic frame cabins and plenty of tent camping spaces.  Racers as well as pacers, support crews, volunteers, spectators, etc. are all welcome but there is a small fee paid during registration for those who aren’t racers or volunteers. Outhouses and a bathhouse will be available. We only have the camp reserved for Friday evening through mid-day Saturday so other accommodations will need to be made for Saturday night. Runners, pacers, supports crews, spectators, etc. joining us will need to arrive no earlier than 3 pm on Friday and depart Twin Bears Camp by 10 am the day of the race. Chena Hot Springs Resort also has rooms and campsites available. Contact the Hot Springs for more details (907) 451-8104. Road accessible cabins are also available for rent online through in the Chena River State Recreation Area http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins/north. Campsites at multiple camp grounds along Chena Hot Springs Rd. are available for a small fee and free tent camping is always available on gravel bars along the Chena River.

Post-Race Party

A post-race party and BBQ will immediately follow the race starting around 5:30pm near the finish line at Chena Hot Springs Resort. We hope all racers, volunteers, family and friends will attend! Racers and volunteers eat for free. Guests pay only $10. Please head to the Hot Springs after the race for a soak and BBQ.

Course

Trail Markers

The race course will be marked primarily by bright flagging and pin flags of an identical bright color. In areas where the course is above tree line, wooden lath with directional arrows will also be used along with pin flags. During poor visibility, flashing lights will also be utilized in key areas. Flagging and signs will be placed at trail junctions to guide racers in the right direction.

Angel Creek 50 Miler Checkpoints

Checkpoint	Race Mileage*	Distance to Next Checkpoint*	Aid Available	Drop Bags and Crew Access
Twin Bears Camp	0 miles	7 miles	Water only
1. Trailside outlook	7 miles	9 miles	Water only	No
2. Turn-off to Colorado Creek Cabin	16 miles	6 miles	Water, typical ultra snacks- fruit, chips, cookies; some 1st aid	No
3. Chena Dome Shelter Cabin	22 miles	8 miles	Water only	No
4. Upper Angel Creek Cabin	30 miles	10 miles	Water, typical ultra snacks- fruit, chips, cookies; some 1st aid	Drop bags available, no crew access
5. Angel Creek Trailhead (short out and back here)	40 miles	2 miles	Water, typical ultra snacks- fruit, chips, cookies. Some 1st aid	No
6. Angel Rocks Trailhead	42 miles	8 miles	Water, typical ultra snacks- fruit, chips, cookies; some 1st aid	Drop bags and crew access
Chena Hot Springs Resort	50 miles		Full aid	Drop bags and crew access

*All distances are approximate.

Maps

50 Mile Course Overview

Course Part 1 Topo

 Course Part 2 Topo

Course Profile AC50 elevation profile – complete course

50 Mile Course Description

Detailed Course Description with Maps, Elevation profiles, and Photos (14 page PDF )

The race will begin at the Twin Bears Camp at Mile 30.0 Chena Hot Springs Road and follow the Compeau Trail approximately 16.0 miles. The first checkpoint will be at approximate race mile 7.5, half way between the start line and the second checkpoint. The second checkpoint is on the Compeau Trail at the intersection leading to Colorado Creek Cabin. Departing Checkpoint 2 the course will climb up the ridge to the Little Chena Dozer Line and traveling northeast, traverse the ridge to the Chena Dome Trail. This section of the course is not maintained by Alaska State Parks, though a path does exist from a dozer line. Extra flagging will be used in this section of the course. Traveling east along the Chena Dome Trail the course will pass the Chena Dome Trail Shelter (Checkpoint 3) before turning north and descending to the Upper Angel Creek Cabin (Checkpoint 4). Departing the Upper Angel Creek Cabin the course will cross the Angel Creek Bridge and take the Angel Creek Hillside Trail almost to the Upper Angel Creek Trailhead at mile 50.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd then take the winter trail that parallels Chena Hot Springs Road. Checkpoint 5 is located at the intersection of the Hillside Trail and the winter trail. 5o mile runners will take the same out and back as 50K runners. Depending on race day conditions the course may follow the road approximately 2.0 miles south. Both routes will cross over to the Angel Rocks Trailhead (Checkpoint 6) at mile 48.9 Chena Hot Springs Road. Runners will traverse Angel Rocks, passing the Angel Rocks Trail Shelter, and finish at Chena Hot Springs Resort at mile 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Road. The course will be well-marked on race day, though taking a copy of the race map, particularly if you’re not familiar with the area, is encouraged.

50 K Course Topo Overview

50 K Start Detail

50 K Out and Back detail

50K Course Description

The race will be begin at Angel Rocks Trailhead, cross Chena Hot Springs Rd and turn right towards Lower Chena Dome Trailhead. Runners will turn left into the turn off for Lower Chena Dome Trailhead and head up the Chena Dome Trail. The 50K will join the 50 mile course on the Chena Dome trail at the intersection of the cutoff descent down to the Upper Angel Creek Cabin. Upper Angel Creek Cabin is approximately Mile 9 of the course and is 50K Checkpoint 1 (Checkpoint 4 for the 50 mile race). The two courses will then be identical.

Angel Creek 50K Checkpoints

Checkpoint	Race Mileage*	Distance to Next Checkpoint*	Aid Available	Drop Bags and Crew Access
Angel Rocks Trailhead	0 miles	9 miles	Water only
1. Upper Angel Creek Cabin	9 miles	10 miles	Water, typical ultra snacks- fruit, chips, cookies; some 1st aid	No
2. Angel Creek Trailhead (short out & back here)	19 miles	2 miles	Water, typical ultra snacks- fruit, chips, cookies; some 1st aid	No
Angel Rocks Trailhead	23 miles	8 miles	Water, typical ultra snacks- fruit, chips, cookies; some 1st aid	Drop bags and crew access
Chena Hot Springs Resort	50K		Full aid	Drop bags and crew access

*All distances are approximate.