The Broken Arrow Skyrace, "Where the Mountains Meet the Sky"
The Broken Arrow Skyrace, presented by Salomon, is a three-day, nine distance event held at world-famous Palisades Tahoe. On June 19-22, 2025 elite and recreational participants will experience an unforgettable trail running experience “where the mountains meet the sky.” The Broken Arrow consists of eight iconic distances (plus a kid's race) that showcase the beauty of Lake Tahoe, the Jewel of the Sierra Nevada.
Designed in the vein of 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 at altitude....with exposure, hand lines, a ladder and snow slopes thrown in for good measure!
The Broken Arrow Skyrace features nine distances: a 46k, 23k, 18k, Vertical K, 11k, Triple Crown (the Ascent/23k/46k), the Iron Crown (IFC/23k/46k), the Iron Face Challenge, and a kids race. These races are unique in California as most of the terrain is above tree line. Runners will be treated to spectacular views of Lake Tahoe’s emerald-blue waters and Palisade Tahoe's unmistakable high-alpine terrain. Elite and recreational participants will run and then celebrate together with first-class food, craft beer, music, seminars, films and fun activities for the whole family.
PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATION OPENS AT 9AM PST ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 9th AND CLOSES AT 11:59PM ON JUNE 10th.
2025 specifics are currently being worked on but for now, enjoy what you can most likely expect!
KID'S RACE SPECIFICS:
We're excited to welcome future Skyrunners to a fun and festive kid's event at Palisades Tahoe on Sunday, June 22nd at 9:45am. The course will be easy and fun, and children of all ages are welcome to participate, although we ask that little ones under six years old have a parent accompanying them. The race will begin and end at the finish line, ascend a short hill, and circle back down on easy service roads in less than than one kilometer.
The event is $20 (no price increase on race weekend) and day of registration will be available. The majority of participants register on race morning and we do not cap the number of runners in this distance. All participants will receive a medal and swag but please note that we do not time the kid's race or offer podium prizes.
KID'S RACE RUNNER ITEMS:
Unique Finisher Medal ($10 value)
Hydrapak SpeedCup ($7.50 value)
Custom Broken Arrow Pin ($2.50 value)
TOTAL VALUE: $20
Ascent SPECIFICS:
The Broken Arrow Ascent (formerly VK) is slated for Friday, June 20th at 930am. The price for the Ascent is $105 and the distance is limited to 500 runners.
The Ascent covers some of Palisade Tahoe’s most iconic terrain in a short, steep, and physically demanding sprint. From the valley floor, runners will ascend over 3,100 feet in a mere 4.5 miles to the summit of 9,000-foot Washeshu Peak. In true Skyrunner fashion, the course begins on steep terrain, ascends technical off-trail talus, and finishes on an exposed ridge line. The Headwall ridge is the most iconic portion of the race, complete with stunning views of Lake Tahoe, a bolted hand line, and the infamous "Stairway to Heaven" ladder to the top of Washeshu Peak.
The Ascent course will contain steep slabs of rock, potential snow slopes, scree and exposure. This is not your average trail run...but is one you will remember forever! We also encourage hikers to join this party. You won't be disappointed by an absolutely stunning section of Palisade Tahoe's most extreme terrain.
Please note that you must be 14 years of age or older to run the Ascent. We allow runners under 14 to participate but they must be approved by the race directors and have a parent who is also registered for the distance accompany them.
Before registering for the Ascent, please know that this is a SERIOUS mountain race with a moderate degree of risk and extreme physical exertion. Of vital importance is to remember that you will have to descend AT LEAST to the Tram, which downloads to the village. This is how most runners get down the mountain, but you are allowed to run down using ONLY the marked descent if you would like bonus miles.
However, in years of adverse weather where the tram cannot run, you will have to descend all the way down the mountain ON YOUR OWN TWO FEET. WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU NOT TO REGISTER FOR THE ASCENT UNLESS YOU CAN GET YOURSELF UP AND DOWN THE MOUNTAIN BY YOURSELF. Whether or not the tram runs is out of our control. Ascent drop bags will be available at or just below the summit, or in high snow years, as high as we can physically get them. Irregardless of adverse weather, the descent will be well marked and trail marshals will be placed at key junctions for safety purposes, but please only register if you can handle what is described here.
2025 the Ascent RUNNER ITEMS: TBD
11k SPECIFICS:
The Broken Arrow 11k is slated for Saturday, June 21st at 830am. The price for the 11k is $99 and the distance is limited to 500 runners. The course is 11km in length with ~569m / 1,840 ft. of vertical. The cutoff is a generous 4 hours.
The Broken Arrow is all about community, both elite and recreational runners, and as such we want to celebrate runners of all types. While our other distances are Skyrace caliber events, the 11k is a gateway drug to those longer and harder distances. If, perhaps you are just getting into trail running or are intimidated by the other events, this is your race but that we will celebrate you as equally as all of the other runners!
Please note that you must be 14 years of age or older to run the 11k. We allow runners under 14 to participate but they must be approved by the race directors and have a parent who is also registered for the distance accompany them.
2025 11K RUNNER ITEMS: TBD
18k SPECIFICS:
On Friday, June 20th (at 12 p.m.), runners will have the opportunity to experience year two of the 18k challenge the Broken Arrow Skyrace on some of Palisades Tahoe! For those who may have run the Ascent or 11K in the past, it is an opportunity to “level up.” With nearly 3,800 feet of climbing over a mere 11 miles, this will challenge even the heartiest of trail runners. And, while it is certainly easier than the 23K, the 18K does represent a significant jump in difficulty from the 11K, showcasing some of the most beautiful features of the 23k course: Red Dog Ridge, the Stairway to Heaven ladder, and the ripping downhill of the Western States trail.
Like any Broken Arrow race, each finisher will ring the finish-line bell and be greeted with a hug, high-five, or handshake from one of our race directors. Runners will also receive best-in-class swag from our friends at Salomon, Boco, and more. This personal touch is incredibly important to us and, we hope, to each of you.
The new 18k fits perfectly into our model of a European-style mountain running event. More than just a race, Broken Arrow is a multi-day, multi-distance "experience." And, while it incorporates many elements of the iconic European races, it puts a North American spin on things. Broken Arrow is a celebration of the culture, tradition, and values of our sport, celebrating the fact that it is the people who make our community so unique, compelling, and welcoming. The price of the 18K is $130.
Please note that you must be 16 years of age or older to run the 18K.
18K RUNNER ITEMS: TBD
23k SPECIFICS:
The Broken Arrow 23k (14.25 miles) will be run on Sunday, June 22nd at 9am and many years is the kick-off event for the Golden Trail National Series for the United States and Canada. The price for the 23k is $150 and the distance is limited to 650 runners. The Broken Arrow 23k covers a world-class loop that showcases some of Palisade Tahoe's most famous terrain. The cutoff for the 23k is 7 hours and the race starts in the heart of the Palisades Tahoe Village.
From the valley floor at 6200 feet, runners will ascend more than 5,000-plus feet as they circumnavigate the heralded terrain of North America's most rugged and extreme ski resort. In true Skyrunning fashion, the course is characterized by a plethora of vertical gain over a technical and physically demanding landscape that is mostly above tree-line. Along the way, runners will be treated to the jagged terrain of KT-22, unrivaled views of the Granite Chief Wilderness, and the inspiration for the course, the Broken Arrow, as well as the most iconic portion of the race, the infamous "Stairway to Heaven" ladder to the top of Washeshu Peak.
The course will contain steep slabs of rock, potential snow slopes, scree and exposure. This is not your average trail run...and one you will remember forever! Additional course description is available on our website.
Please note that you must be 16 years of age or older to run the 23K. Additionally, depending on the amount of snow on the course, our 23k distance can be slightly longer or slightly shorter and varies year to year.
2025 23K RUNNER ITEMS: TBD
46k SPECIFICS:
The Saturday, June 21st Broken Arrow 46k is the signature distance of our three-day event. The price for the 46k is $199 and the distance is limited to 650 runners. The race begins at 7am in the heart of the Palisade Tahoe Village in front of Coffeebar. The cutoff for the 46k is 12 hours.
This iconic distance features a challenging, world-class race course that showcases Palisade Tahoe's most extreme and scenic terrain. From the valley floor at 6,200-feet, runners will ascend more than 10,000 feet as they traverse the rugged terrain of one of North America's most iconic ski resorts. In true Skyrunning fashion, the course is characterized by loads of vertical gain and loss through technical and physically demanding terrain. Most of the course is above tree-line.
Runners will be treated to the jagged terrain of KT-22, unrivaled views of the Granite Chief Wilderness and the inspiration for the course, the Broken Arrow, and the most iconic portion of the race, the infamous "Stairway to Heaven" ladder to the top of Washeshu Peak (twice!). The course will contain steep slabs of rock, potential snow slopes, scree and exposure. This is not your average trail run...and is one you will remember it forever!
After the inaugural event in 2016, many runners, including Salomon athlete Max King, called the event "the hardest event of it's type in North America." Depending on the amount of snow on the course, the actual distance can be slightly longer or shorter and varies year to year.
The Broken Arrow Skyrace 46k is an extreme mountain run. As such, race directors reserve the right to require all participants to carry an adverse weather kit. Additional course description is available on our website. Please note that you must be 16 years of age or older to run the 46k.
2025 46K RUNNER ITEMS: TBD
TRIPLE CROWN SPECIFICS:
For those tremendously adventurous souls we offer our "Triple Crown" option. This is some of the toughest consecutive day racing you can ever attempt! The Triple Crown consists of the Ascent on Friday, 46k Saturday and 23k Sunday. All Triple Crown finishers receive special prizes and are pretty much the raddest people ever.
The cost for the Triple Crown is $445 and is limited number of 200 spots.
2025 TRIPLE CROWN RUNNER ITEMS: TBD
The Iron Crown:
The same as the Triple Crown, but including the Iron Face Challenge instead of the Ascent (formerly Vertical Kilometer). The price for the Iron Crown is $575 and is limited to only 25 brave souls.
2024 IRON CROWN RUNNER ITEMS: TBD
Iron Face Challenge:
A unique and unforgettable mountain running event, the Iron Face Challenge travels 5.75-miles and climbs approximately 2,000 vertical feet. The "IFC" takes place at noon on Friday, June 21st. From the valley floor, it traverses and climbs the most extreme terrain at Palisades Tahoe and is the first event of its kind in North America! Due to the extreme technical nature of the event, the Iron Face Challenge is limited to only 75 participants and costs $275.
The Iron Face Challenge blends three distinct and challenging types of mountain adventure running: uphill, downhill, and scrambling on a Via Ferrata. The first is a 1.75 mile/830-foot uphill singletrack section that starts next to the KT Sundeck. The second section of the race, the Tahoe Via, is a protected climbing route with permanent steel anchors and cables that keep runners safely connected to the rock at all times. This “via ferrata” section ascends the Tram Face, an imposing and pronounced granite cliff that towers above Olympic Valley. The Tahoe Via section is .35-miles long and has just over 600 feet of climbing.
As runners ascend the second section of the Iron Face Challenge (the Skyline Traverse), they will encounter chimneys, exposed ledges, and the highlight, a 30-foot long suspension bridge that is only passable via a single foot cable! After topping out on the Tahoe Via, participants will then enjoy a smoking 3.7-mile downhill to ring the iconic Broken Arrow Skyrace bell at the finish line. This is a true adventure race that combines running and pseudo-rock climbing. Accordingly, the Iron Face Challenge will test the mountain mettle of any runner.
*DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE EQUIPMENT USED ON THE TAHOE VIA, PLEASE NOTE THAT PARTICIPANTS MUST WEIGH AT LEAST 88 POUNDS AND BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EVENT.
THERE ARE NO ROLLOVER, REFUNDS, OR PARTIAL CREDITS AVAILABLE FOR THE IRON FACE CHALLENGE. PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER UNLESS YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN OF YOUR ABILITY TO JOIN THE EVENT IN JUNE.
ALL REGISTRANTS MUST ATTEND A PRE-RACE MEETING ON FRIDAY MORNING, JUNE 20th.
2025 IFC RUNNER ITEMS: TBD
Awards:
Podium Winnings: The 2025 edition of the Broken Arrow Skyrace, presented by Salomon, will see the strongest runners in North America compete for OVER $65,000 of cash prizes. Prize money will be distributed to the top 5 runners in each gender for the Ascent, 23k and 46k.
2025 Ascent Prize Breakdown:
M1/W1: $2000
M2/W2: $1500
M3/W3: $1000
M4/W4: $300
M5/W5: $200
TOTAL: $10,000
2025 23k Prize Breakdown:
M1/W1: $5500
M2/W2: $3500
M3/W3: $1000
M4/W4: $750
M5/W5: $500
TOTAL: $22,500
2025 46k Prize Breakdown:
M1/W1: $5500
M2/W2: $3500
M3/W3: $1000
M4/W4: $750
M5/W5: $500
TOTAL: $22,500
*Each winner receiving over $600 will be required to fill out a W-9 before their check is received and 7% is required to be withheld by California law. Additionally, international winners are potentially subject to additional tax withholdings required by California and the US government. These vary by country and can be as high as 30%. We hate this, but it is the law. If requisite forms and payment avenues (IBAN/Swift account numbers) aren't submitted by October 1st, 2024, all winnings and travel reimbursements are forfeited. Lastly, prize money is not paid out until anti-doping results are finalized by USADA/WADA, which can take up to eight weeks after the event.
*Elite runners who podium are not eligible for age group prizes.
*There are no cash prizes for the 11k, 18k, Triple Crown, Iron Crown, Iron Face Challenge or Kid's Race.
Age Group Awards (All Distances):
The top three men and women in each age group will receive unique, handmade prizes.
Age group categories include:
10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
NONBINARY ATHLETE POLICY:
In 2025 we will continue to have a non-binary podium, with prizes for the top three non-binary finishers in every distance. Beginning in 2024, the Broken Arrow Skyrace began to offer prize money for elite nonbinary athletes at a level consistent with the men’s and women’s divisions. However, because of the smaller field size and a desire to ensure that prize money is limited to athletes competing at the very highest levels, non-binary athletes must meet the performance thresholds to be eligible for prize money:
46K: 5:06:20
23K: 2:19:55
the Ascent: 53:13
Nonbinary athletes must also register for the nonbinary division to be eligible for prize money. In doing so, they relinquish their eligibility for prize money or awards in other divisions (including age group awards). Nonbinary athletes who finish on the podium but do not qualify for prize money will be recognized with trophies. The top three podium finishers will also receive guaranteed (and complimentary) entry to the 2025 Broken Arrow Skyrace, and all podium finishers will receive a prize package (gear).
For more details, please see our website.
*Age group winners are asked to pick up their prizes at the results tent on race weekend but please note that we do not offer age group awards for the Triple Crown, Iron Face Challenge, Iron Crown or Kid's Race.
*Age group winners will be contacted via text by our registration and/or timing team.
*We are happy to ship items but each winner will be responsible for the freight.
Race Swag:
We update this section as contracts and items are finalized, but we commit to giving all of our runners the best race swag available. It has always been our goal for your swag to outpace your race entry. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU PULL FROM THE EVENT IN ANY CAPACITY, YOU VOID YOUR OPTION ON ANY/ALL RACE SWAG.
Triple and Iron Crown participants only receive ONE unique set of race swag, not all the items for each distance.
PLEASE NOTE we order our swag 10-12 months before the race and our volunteers at packet pickup have no control over shirt sizing. As such we don't know our exact size needs but if for some reason we run out of your size, we pledge to figure it out for you ... it just might take a bit of time.
During the registration process you have the option to decline all race swag. Please note this is an either/or scenario whereby runners choose to receive everything (or nothing) for their desired distance. A la carte choices aren't allowed. Excess swag is donated to local nonprofit organizations.
If we have items left after the event there is a small chance we can stoke you out. However, this will not happen until at least two months after the event and we require you to email us. We cannot promise this but will of course do our best to fulfill this. The participant is required to pay a flat rate of $50 freight and we can only ship to the lower 48 states.
Cancellation/Refund Policy:
PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND OUR CANCELLATION POLICY! IT IS OUR GOAL TO BE TREMENDOUSLY CLEAR HERE SO PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY AND UNDERSTAND THE RULES IN FULL.
The race organizers reserve the ability to cancel or reroute the event due to unsafe weather. Race organizers will make the best decisions when it comes to protecting the safety of all runners. This means we reserve the right to adjust, cancel, reroute, OR reschedule as we see fit. Because the bulk of our costs come before the event occurs we will not be able to extend refunds to those who wish to cancel any registration, without exception. In the instance of biblical weather and/or a force majeure, we will assess things appropriately and fairly, to the best of our abilities.
Due to liability issues, race entries are not transferable, without exception. Any participant who is found to have transferred their entry will be banned from the Broken Arrow Skyrace for life.
Any registered runner who becomes pregnant during the months preceding the race is eligible to take advantage of our Pregnancy Deferral Program. Please email a doctor's note to us and we will happily honor the fact that you are bringing a new and beautiful soul into the trail running community. Rollover options are good for THREE YEARS. In order to be considered for our Pregnancy Deferral Program you must notify us ON OR BEFORE June 1, 2025. This applies to any parent in a given household.
We allow you to change your chosen race distance until June 6, 2025. If you decide to run a longer (and more expensive) distance, you will be required to pay the difference. No refunds will be given if you choose to drop to a shorter (and less expensive) distance. No changes WHATSOEVER are allowed after June 6, 2025 and you cannot be changed to a distance if it is sold out. Please note this includes dropping down in distance from the 46k to the 23k as the 23k is our most popular distance and will likely be sold out shortly after registration opens in December.
All partial credits and/or rollovers must pay any increase in price, if applicable, at the time of redemption.
Registration is non-transferable and cannot be rolled over to subsequent years, unless extenuating medical or life circumstances occur. However, we understand life can get in the way of racing. We are able to offer the following credits: $150 (Triple Crown), $80 (46k), $40 (23k) and $30 (18K/11k/the Ascent) until midnight PST on May 15, 2025. PLEASE NOTE that this offer is ONLY good for the subsequent year but can be used in any fashion against the full price when registering for a 2026 distance. Any/all partial credit holders are responsible for any increase in pricing. All partial credit holders are eligible for early registration for the 2026 event, which will occur in the second half of November each year. If a runner with a partial credit does not take advantage of the early registration, they must register when the portal reopens for the general public, generally in the first week of December each year. If a distance is sold out, the opportunity to utilize a partial credit becomes null and void and cannot be utilized in a subsequent year.
Please note that there are no partial credits for the Iron Face Challenge or Iron Crown due to the need to rent the entire Via Ferrata cliff face. Please only register if you are absolutely certain you can attend. All partial credits are required to re-register for the following year.
There are no partial credits for the Kid's Race. Generally this is not an issue as the majority of registrations take place on race weekend.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT IF YOU PULL FROM THE EVENT IN ANY CAPACITY, YOU VOID YOUR OPTION ON ANY/ALL RACE SWAG. If we have items left after the event there is a small chance we can stoke you out, and if we can, we certainly will. However, this will not happen until approximately two months after the event and we require you to email us if interested. The participant is required to pay a flat rate of $50 for shipping/handling and we can only extend this to the lower 48 US states.
Please note that we REQUIRE that you email us your "withdrawal" from the race. Not doing so voids any and all rollover options. Online registration closes at 11:59pm, June 10, 2025. On site registration will be available at Palisades Tahoe on Thursday, June 19th (TBD), Friday, June 20, 2025 (6am-5pm), Saturday, June 21, 2025 (6am-3pm) and Sunday, June 22, 2025 (6am-9am). Prices for the 18K, 23k & 46k increase $40 for day-of registration and $35 for the Ascent and 11k. There is no price increase for the kid's race.
WAITLIST POLICY:
It is common that every distance at the Broken Arrow Skyrace sells out on the day registration opens.
- Your credit card is not charged by adding yourself to the waitlist.
- The quicker you add yourself, the sooner you are likely to receive an invite.
- Our waitlist is a ROLLING invite process. When a registered runner pulls, the next runner on the waitlist receives an invite.
- Most invites are sent in April/May.
You have 48-hours to redeem your invite.
- Your credit card is charged upon acceptance. Runners are then subject to the regular cancellation policy.
- All invites are sent by June 5th, 2024. After this date you can assume you will NOT get into the event.
PAR FOR THE COURSE - Mirna Valerio at Broken Arrow Sky Race 2019 from Broken Arrow Skyrace on Vimeo.
Event's current local time: 4:11 PM PT
