Northern Trails Running Series
The Northern Trails Running Series was started in 2008 with a mission of increasing the participation in local trail races and introducing runners and hikers of all levels to new trails. The series, created by Matias Saari, had six events in 2008: Masochism on Moose Mountain, Ester Dome Ass Kicker, Granite Tors Trail Run, Chena Hot Springs Run & Soak, Mount Healy Challenge, and Run for the Refuge (10k). Events in the series are subject to change each year depending on participation and feedback.
For the current Northern Trail Running Series many of the events from inaugural season remain unchanged. The Wickersham Dome Trail Run was added in 2010 and the Musk Ox Run and the Annihilator were added for the 2011 season. The Angel Creek 50 Miler was added as an exhibition event in 2016. Runners may score points for the series in the Angel Creek 50 Miler provided they have competed in at least one other Trail Series event. The Angel Creek 50 Miler is not required to complete the entire series. The “Going the Distance” award for runners who complete all seven of the trail series events (Angel Creek 50 Miler not included) will be presented at the annual Running Club Social in the fall.
More information for each of the events can be found through the running club calendar link.
- Toghetthele Trail Run (formerly The Annihilator) *
- Masochism on Moose Mountain
- Wickersham Dome Trail Run
- Ester Dome Ass Kicker
- Angel Creek 50 Miler
- Chena Hot Springs Run & Soak
- Granite Tors Trail Run
- Musk Ox Run
* The Toghetthele Trail Run (‘TOG-uh-TEE-lee’, which in Athabascan means “hill on the river”) is the new name of the first race of the series, as of 2019. The course will be unchanged, but the new name better honors the Alaska Native history of the area and reflects the name of the area. The event is now a fundraiser for the Nenana High School XC team. We use the name with the permission of the Toghetthele Native Corporation.
A new point system tracked runners in the 2011 season. The new point system is intended to account for increased participation in trail series events since the inaugural 2008 season. The age groups (29 & under, 30 to 44, and 45 & over) remain unchanged. In previous seasons runners scored points in their best four races in the series. This restriction was removed for the 2011 season; runners may now score points in all trail series events in which they compete. Awards for the overall Trail Series champions and age group winners will be presented at the annual Running Club Social in the fall (see our events calendar for details).
