Crow Pass Crossing

In 1984, the Crow Pass Crossing began as a “28”-mile adventure from above Girdwood to the Eagle River Nature Center. Since then, the event has “shrunk” to its accurate length of about 22.5 miles. It has also grown in stature as an iconic Alaskan footrace replete with stunning mountain and glacier views (if you dare look up from the highly technical trail), sloping snowfields, chest-high brush, a crossing of the frigid and fast-moving Eagle River, wildlife including bears, bees and moose, and countless rocks and roots that make staying upright a constant challenge. Hikers typically require two or more days to traverse the trail. The fastest Crow Pass racers now take less than three hours, though anyone finishing in under six hours gains immense satisfaction and respect as a Crow Pass Crossing finisher.

The Crow Pass Crossing course starts at the Crow Pass Trailhead near Girdwood and follows extremely technical singletrack trail — plus a lengthy and frigid crossing of the Eagle River halfway — before ending 22.6 miles later at the Eagle River Nature Center.

The Crow Pass Crossing is a dangerous event with many hazards. Familiarity with the trail is vital and training on the course before race day is highly recommended. The race starts in the Chugach National Forest while most of the course is in Chugach State Park. The final 3 miles are managed by the Eagle River Nature Center.

To be admitted as a Crow Pass entrant, you must have achieved at least one of the following:
1) Completed a technical trail race (not a road race) in Alaska of 14 miles or longer in the required time since 2016. (If the Lost Lake Run is your qualifier, you must have finished in under 2:55; for Mat Peak, under 5:45).
2) OR Completed the entire Crow Pass trail in less than 6 hours (racing or training) since 2016.
3) OR Completed a comparable technical trail event outside of Alaska since 2016 by emailing proof of your participation to the race director for potential approval.

The race director reserves the right to reject an applicant even if they have met one of these standards. Entrants must be 18 years old on race day (younger hopefuls may petition the race director).

Healthy Futures took over Crow Pass Crossing directorship from the University of Alaska Anchorage running program in 2018. Healthy Futures is dedicated to empowering Alaska’s youth to build the daily habit of physical activity; it is the signature program of the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. Race proceeds will be used for Healthy Futures’ programs.