The Lakes TrailFest
The Lakes TrailFest closes Alaska's fall trail season with a 50K, 25K, 10K, and 5K on rolling wooded singletrack at Matanuska Lakes near Palmer.
Quick facts
- 50K headlines a five-race day that also includes 25K, 10K, 5K, and a kids run.
- Rolling, runnable trails at Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area.
- Part of the Black Wolf Endurance series, which races in Alaska year round.
- Cold starts and possible rain come with the late September date.
About the Lakes TrailFest
Black Wolf Endurance runs trail races across the Mat-Su Valley all year, and this September event at Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area is its end-of-season gathering. The 50K anchors a day that ranges down to a kids run, which gives the race more of a community festival feel than most Alaska ultras.
Course
The trails at Matanuska Lakes roll through wooded terrain around a cluster of small lakes, and the running is smoother and faster than Alaska's mountain races. Winning 50K times close to four hours say more about the course than any elevation chart. Expect repeated rollers rather than sustained climbs, with soft or wet footing after rain.
Race-day weather
Late September in the Mat-Su Valley is genuinely cold. Starts can sit near freezing, highs often stay in the 40s, and rain or an early dusting of snow is possible. Layers and dry socks are worth more than summer trail habits.
Past Lakes TrailFest dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, September 26, 2026 | Results available | Open results |
The Lakes TrailFest FAQ
When is The Lakes TrailFest?
We're waiting for the finalized date for the 2027 Lakes TrailFest. The most recent running was on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
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