Non-traditional running event returning to Squaw

The Broken Arrow Skyrace, presented by Salomon, returns to Squaw Valley on June 15-17.

The three-day event consists of four distances for elite and recreational participants.

Designed in the vein of the classic European Skyraces, the Broken Arrow Skyrace represents a unique style of mountain running, characterized by off-trail scrambling on steep terrain with massive amounts of vertical gain and loss. Additionally, the event consists of exposure, bolted hand lines, an exposed alpine ladder and snow slopes. 

The majority of each distance is run at 6,000-plus-feet and above treeline.

Skyrunning as a discipline represents a marked departure from traditional trail running. Along the various Broken Arrow courses, runners experience steep and technical off-trail talus, snow-covered slopes, exposed ridges and rock climbing-esque exposure on the infamous “Stairway to Heaven” ladder. Skyrunning is commonly referred to as the intersection of mountaineering and trail running.

The Broken Arrow Skyrace features four distances: a 52k, 26k, 10k and vertical kilometer. The vertical kilometer is 3.1 miles with more than 3,000 feet of climbing while the 26k showcases over 6,000 feet of vertical gain.

New for 2018 is a kid’s fun race so that all family members can participate.

For more info, go online.