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Race guide · California, USA
How to train for the Broken Arrow Skyrace
Big vert at altitude above Olympic Valley: Emigrant Pass, KT-22 and the Stairway to Heaven ladder, with snow on course most years. Here's what to know and how to get ready.
Next race June 2027 (dates not yet published; registration opens Dec 7, 2026)
| Distance | Climb | Time limit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46K | 28.1 mi | 9,000 ft | 12:00 |
| 23K | 14.25 mi | 4,500 ft | 7:00 |
Starts in the Village at Palisades Tahoe at about 6,200 ft. Figures are from the 2026 race, and the course changes slightly each year with snow. Runners must be 18 or older for the 23K and 46K.
What makes it hard
Altitude from the start
You start around 6,200 ft and top out near 9,000 ft at the Stairway to Heaven ladder, passing Emigrant Pass at 8,750 ft.
Train for it: Sustained climbing at a steady effort; if you live low, arrive early or plan to climb slower than usual.
Snow and steep ground
The course shifts each year with snow, Shirley Canyon is usually the snowiest section, and the route runs along ridges like Red Dog Ridge.
Train for it: Practise steep, rough climbs and descents, and snow running if you can find it.
Big vert for the distance
The 46K packs about 9,000 ft of gain into 28 miles, and the 23K about 4,500 ft into 14.
Train for it: Weekly hill sessions and long runs with lots of vert; hiking strength matters here.
How long to train
Plan on 12–16 weeks for the 23K and 16–20 for the 46K if you're already running regularly. Put vert and descending ahead of flat mileage.
Get a plan built around race day
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How much elevation gain is the Broken Arrow Skyrace?
About 9,000 ft of gain and loss for the 46K and 4,500 ft for the 23K, according to the organiser's 2026 figures. The course changes slightly each year with snow.
When is the Broken Arrow Skyrace 2027?
The organiser hadn't published the 2027 dates when we checked; the race is held in June at Palisades Tahoe. Registration for 2027 opens December 7, 2026 at 9 AM PT.
Race facts checked October 22, 2026 against brokenarrowskyrace.com. Confirm dates and rules with the organiser. Vert.run is not affiliated with the race.