| Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic |
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The Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic (sometimes called the "Alaska Wilderness Classic") is an Adventure Race that espouses purity of style. Started in 1982 as a 150 mile wilderness footrace, the Classic has crossed various mountain ranges throughout Alaska , with some routes covering over 250 miles. Traditionally, the same route is used for three years in a row. The rules are simple: start to finish with no outside support, requiring that racers carry all food and equipment; human-powered; leave no trace; and rescue is up to the individual to resolve. The most common form of transportation is by foot and Packraft , although bicycles, skis, and even paragliders have been used by intrepid racers. Beginning in 2004 , racers have been required to carry Satellite Phone s to facilitate emergency rescues. The organization of the race is Grass-roots , having no affiliation to any organization or group. While generally less than 50 people enter in any one year, its influence on American Adventure Racing , backcountry use of the Packraft , and ultralight hiking has been significant. In addition to the summer race, there is an even more low-key winter event, the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Race, which has taken place evey year since 1987, with races through the Chugach Mountains, Alaska Range , Brooks Range , and Wrangell-St. Elias . Detailed records of the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Race are lacking . ROUTES AND WINNERS Chicken to Circle , Tanana-Yukon Uplands, 180 miles
Eureka to Talkeetna ( Talkeetna Mountains ), 160 miles
Nabesna to McCarthy , ( Wrangell-Saint Elias Wilderness ), 150 miles
Hope to Homer , ( Kenai Peninsula ), 150 miles
Donnelly to McKinley Village, ( Alaska Range ), 140 miles
Gates Of The Arctic Wilderness , ( Brooks Range ), 130 miles
Nabesna to McCarthy , ( Wrangell-Saint Elias Wilderness ), 150 miles
Mentasta to Denali National Park , ( Alaska Range ), 235 miles
Hope to Homer , ( Kenai Peninsula ), 150 miles
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