Question 1

What does K'esugi mean?

Accepted Answer

It means the Ancient One in Dena’ina language. Traditionally the area was used as caribou hunting grounds.

Question 2

Who are the two Dave Johnstons?

Accepted Answer

Dave Johnston the Elder (of Minus 148 Degrees fame) helped build the original trail in the mid-1970s, along with Pete Robinson, George Menard and the Youth Conservation Corps. It took 3-4 years to put in the basic trail. Brian Okonek had the idea to use Kesugi’s lateral moraine instead of some of the surrounding high country. Dave Johnston the Younger (of Iditarod Trail Invitational fame), along with Andrea Hambach, created the Kesugi Ridge Traverse race in 2013 and directed it the first three years.

Question 3

What are the current course conditions?

Accepted Answer

Course conditions vary year-to-year. There may be mud, swamps, snowy trail, trail that is underwater, brush, creeks that are dry when previously wet, closure due to bear activity, and more. Please share reports of trail conditions for the race director to pass on. Denali State Park rangers (907-745-3975) may also be a source of information.

Question 4

Will there be lots of snow up high?

Accepted Answer

Because the race was moved from September to mid-August, snow is not expected — but that doesn’t mean it won’t exist. However, those training on the course should expect sections of snow until at least mid-June.

Question 5

Why has the race changed its date so many times?

Accepted Answer

On September 12, 2015, the race featured hypothermia-inducing conditions (rain and sub-40-degree temperatures). Matias Saari became race director in 2016 and moved the date to August 21; that year the weather was inclement but not quite hypothermia-inducing (high 40s and rain). In hopes of better weather, and to be scheduled before most other long Alaska running races, Saari moved it to late June in 2017. When Saari became director of the Mount Marathon Race in 2020, the June date for Kesugi was too close to MMR’s July 4 date so he moved it back to August so it could be properly organized. Kesugi will remain in early- to mid-August for the foreseeable future.

Question 6

Why are there no aid stations?

Accepted Answer

Because Kesugi Ridge is a remote trail and hauling food and drink onto the course is not feasible. Volunteers are already hauling heavy packs with supplies to Ermine Hill Checkpoint. A standard race pack has plenty of room for food, drink and emergency gear. Also, spectators are allowed to hand off sustenance and drinks to racers anywhere on the course (spectators may not pace racers, however).

Question 7

For emergency purposes will cell phones work along the course?

Accepted Answer

Cell coverage is spotty at best. Racers should not rely on it (although coverage improved on the ridge in 2025 with the addition of a nearby cell tower). Course volunteers are equipped with Garmin inReach devices and satellite phones.

Question 8

Why does the Half Traverse cost the same as the Full Traverse?

Accepted Answer

Because it requires just as much organization as the Full Traverse does.

Question 9

Can the sweepers turn me back?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if they determine you are underprepared and unlikely to meet the cutoffs, they can turn you back at any time.

Question 10

Can I wear headphones?

Accepted Answer

Headphones are discouraged. Participants need to be aware of other racers and of wildlife such as bears and moose.

Question 11

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

Racers cannot bring dogs. Spectators can bring dogs but need to keep them under control.

Question 12

If I decide not to race, can I get a refund? Can I transfer my bib to a friend? Can I get a deferral?

Accepted Answer

There are no refunds, transfers or deferrals.

Question 13

Should I let the race director know if I am unable to race?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please do because it helps our planning and may enable someone on the waitlist to gain entry.

Question 14

What is the camping situation at Byers Lake?

Accepted Answer

We have a group area at Byers Headquarters for Friday and Saturday nights of race weekend. It was greatly improved in 2020 and now has increased space that is suitable for car/camper camping and tent camping. There is no charge. RVs may NOT stay there. If you wish to stay at the main Byers Lake Campground (fees apply), be aware that it may fill to capacity on race weekend. Byers Lake also has several popular cabins available for rent.

Question 15

Where can I stay besides Byers Lake?

Accepted Answer

The Denali Outpost, located a stone’s throw from the Ermine Trailhead, can be reserved on AirBnb HERE. Historic Chulitna River Lodge (Mile 156 near Ermine Trailhead) has a variety of lodging options HERE. Mary’s McKinley View Lodge (Mile 134.5) is another option. A fancier option is Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge (Mile 133). There are also many pullouts along the highway where camping is possible. Lower Troublesome Creek (Mile 137.2) has some first-come, first-serve campsites. The Kesugi Ken Campground (Mile 135.4) has become popular and allows reservations for tent camping, RV camping and public use cabins.

Question 16

Will there be shuttles in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Post-race shuttles will be available. There are no pre-race shuttles; racers are responsible for their own transportation to the Little Coal Creek start and should carpool due to limited parking there.

Question 17

Will there be swag?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there will be an item of Kesugi swag for every participant and volunteer (race hats have proven to be popular). There will also be prizes for the top performers and potentially some randomly awarded prizes.

Question 18

Will there be a post-race barbecue?

Accepted Answer

We have a barbecue every year and encourage both Full Traverse and Half Traverse racers and their supporters to attend. Burgers, snacks and drinks are provided.

Question 19

What are the course records?

Accepted Answer

For the FULL TRAVERSE, Olympic skier Scott Patterson ran 4:19:39 in 2020; this crushed his previous record of 4:38 set in horrendous conditions in 2015. Tracen Knopp has the second-fastest time of 4:29 in 2020. Yvonne Jeschke of Anchorage ran a remarkable 5:15:14 in 2025 to re-set the women’s record in the FULL TRAVERSE and place 3rd overall. That knocked more than 12 minutes off Christy Marvin’s previous record from 2018. For the HALF TRAVERSE, in 2022 Cody Priest knocked almost 10 minutes off Forrest Mahlen’s record with a time of 2:11:59. Tsaina Mahlen reset the women’s mark in 2021 in 2:34:12, which was just 27 seconds faster than Yvonne Jeschke that year.

Kesugi Ridge Traverse

Traillauf in Vereinigte Staaten, Denali State Park / Alaska

Distanzen

Über die Veranstaltung

Verpflegung & Versorgung

Pacer

Ergebnisse

Typisches Wetter in Denali State Park / Alaska

Streckenpläne (PDF)

Was im Startgeld enthalten ist

Preise & Anmeldung

FAQ