46K Overview

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Please note that the exact course changes slightly each year due to snow conditions. 
 

The Broken Arrow 46K covers a world-class loop (twice!) that showcases some of Palisade Tahoe's most famous terrain. From the valley floor at 6,200 feet, runners will ascend nearly 5,300 feet as they circumnavigate the heralded terrain of North America's most rugged and extreme ski resort. The course is characterized by a plethora of vertical gain over a technical and physically demanding landscape that is mostly above treeline. 
 

Along the way, runners will be treated to numerous iconic California trail running landmarks. These include Emigrant Pass (elevation 8,750 feet), made famous by the Western States 100 Endurance Run, the jagged terrain of KT-22, unrivaled views into Granite Chief Wilderness and a the famous Stairway to Heaven ladder!

 

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Course Specifics 

 

The course for the Broken Arrow 46k starts from the European arch in front of Coffeebar in the heart of the Village at Palisades Tahoe. After the start gun runners head out into the Far East parking lot and then to an access road that leads to single track trails along the Western States trail toward CA Highway 89. This relatively smooth 3.25 mile section may be the fastest and most runnable section of the course. 
 
The course stays in the woods and turns back westward for ~2.6 miles, climbing ~1200 ft. along more single track trails and beautiful two-track ski area access roads to the top of Snow King. Runners then ascend and traverse the Red Dog Ridge with outstanding and technical single track and excellent views of Lake Tahoe. This ridge wraps around the backside of KT and links into the saddle. 

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After descending the ridge from the KT-22 ski lift runners traverse for one mile and 1,000 feet of vertical gain along a mix of open single track across the saddle between KT-22 and Washeshu Peak. At this point is one of the more challenging and spectacular climbs on the course as runners ascend up steep trails to the top of the Headwall lift. The climb scrambles up the ridge line between the top of the Headwall Lift and Washeshu Peak. It is here that the course traverses an exposed rocky ridge to the "Stairway to Heaven" ladder. It has craggy views and steep drop offs on either side. It represents one of the most iconic sections of running/scrambling in the entire race and is the high point of the race at approximately 9,000-feet. 
 

Runners then descend and traverse about 1,200 ft. in ~ 2.5 miles from the top of Squaw Peak down into Shirley Basin. Along the way, runners will pass through the Siberia Aid Station at mile 8.85. The Shirley Canyon sections is always the the snowiest section of the course. From the bottom of Shirley Basin the runners climb another snowy ~550 vertical ft. in about .9 miles back up to the High Camp Aid Station at mile 11.75. From High Camp, racers descend back down single track to the finish line at the KT Sun Deck.... and repeat the entire process again!

The price for the 46k is $197.50. Please note that you must be 16 years of age or older to run the 46K. 

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Equipment

 

Poles are allowed and encouraged, although if you start with them they must be carried the entire length of the route, meaning you cannot ditch them at any aid station or with your drop bag. Traction devices such as MicroSpikes are allowed and race organizers will have hand lines installed where needed due to snow patches and/or steep talus. Please come prepared for a serious run in a mountainous environment and bring your desired personal needs in order to stay comfortable. 

We are strongly encouraging each runner to carry at least 12oz. of water but this is not required. In the instance of poor weather, race organizers reserve the right to require all participants to carry an adverse weather kit. 

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Drop Bags/Pacers

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There will be a designated drop bag area at the half-way point (23k) of the race. This zone will be in close proximity to the Vendor Village and uphill of the Funitel building, directly next to our aid station. Drop bags must be left in the drop bag zone on the mountain-side of the Funitel prior to the start of the race.
 

Please note that we allow you to use any drop bag that you see fit, but require you have your last name and bib number in large, discernible letters. Crew is ONLY allowed at the Village aid station. Please also remember that if you start with poles, you must keep them with you for the entirety of the race. 

Pacers are not allowed at the Broken Arrow Skyrace. Additionally, distance changes are NOT allowed on the day of the race. This will result in a DNF.

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Drug Testing

 

 All athletes who participate in any Broken Arrow Skyrace distance are subject to drug testing performed by the USADA (or comparable body) in accordance with the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing. U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.  The VK and 23k, as part of the World Mountain Running Association World Cup, are held under the International Technical Rules of World Athletics. 

 

Aid Stations

 

At the Broken Arrow Skyrace, whether you finish first or last, YOU are a rockstar. This mantra is also true with how you are treated at our aid stations. We've partnered with some of best groups out there who understand that race day is YOUR time to shine. These partners routinely pull out all the stops to make your day a fantastic experience. We hope you will enjoy our best-in-class aid station service from the following groups: