Kachemak Bay Mountain Classic

This is a remote, rugged course of about 9 miles on steep, brushy terrain with no support and few trail markers. For experienced trail runners only. The course goes from sea level to 2,200 feet of elevation and back to sea level.
Transportation: Racers arrange drop-off by water taxi at North Eldred and pickup at South Eldred. Water taxi is not included in registration fee. RACE FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE BOAT TRANSPORT. This race is only accessible by boat from Homer, Alaska via Water Taxi or friends /family boats. PLEASE ALLOW AN HOUR TO GET TO THE START (SOUTH GRACE TRAILHEAD) FROM HOMER. This allows for any delays and there are always delays.

OUR UNIQUE CHALLENGE IS TO MOVE THE RACE EVERY 3-4 YEARS (or however long it takes) TO CLEAR A NEW TRAIL THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY OVERGROWN.

The annual event raises money for Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks and awareness of “trails lost to overgrowth.” The 9.2-mile race was the fifth year the Friends hosted it at Grace Ridge Trail, with an elevation gain of 3,200 feet and a trailhead only accessible by boat.

A press release from the event states that the goal of the race series is to feature different Kachemak Bay State Parks trails every three to four years, as “they are reclaimed from the constantly growing wilderness.”

The Friends wrote that many trails in the park have been lost to brush over the years, due to a lack of funding through the state for trail maintenance.

The first race was held in 2018 on Grace Ridge. In 2022 and 2023, the race was held at Sadie Knob, before returning to Grace Ridge in 2024.