Turnagain Arm Trail Run

Trail update 5/1/2026:  The conditions in the washed out section between McHugh and Rainbow are still not ideal. The race will be an out and back from the Potter trail head to the McHugh trail head and back to Potter. The attached map shows the loop and direction of the races as it makes the turnaround at McHugh - it runs counter clockwise through the upper and middle parking lots before heading back to Potter

Annual 8 and 4 mile trail-running races on one of the most scenic trails in Southcentral Alaska. It is a point-to-point race between Potter TH and Rainbow TH. We alternate the direction every year between Northbound and Southbound.  

Even Years: Start at Rainbow TH/McHugh TH - Finish at Potter TH
Odd Years: Start at Potter TH/McHugh TH - Finish at Rainbow TH

The 8-mile course starts at the either end of the trail (Potter Trail Head in odd years and Rainbow TH in even years) and ends at the opposite end Trail Head. We will run through the parking lot at McHugh to get intermediate times. The 4-mile course is the same as the last 4 miles of the 8-mile course (starting at McHugh in the lower parking lot), with the same finish as the 8 mile run.

All participants are responsible for the $5.00 vehicle parking fee or annual State Parks parking permit. Let’s keep this wonderful trail nice and clean, so if you pack it in please pack it out! There is no shuttle service, so please use the buddy system/carpool.

Bib pick-up will begin 1hour before the start at the starting point of your race, i.e. Potter TH for the 8-milers and McHugh for the 4-milers.

There will also be bib pick-up available the afternoon before the race day, May 6th between 4 and 6 pm at the Alaska Airlines Center – coaches suite.

This event is a fundraiser for the UAA Ski Team. Thank you for taking part in this fun race and for your continued support! 

Ready to test your limits? The Turnagain Arm Trail Run brings a highly anticipated 12.9K, 6.4K to Anchorage on May 7, 2026. Expect a fantastic route right in the heart of Alaska.