Broken Arrow Skyrace announces huge prize purse for 2026
A North American trail favourite levels up with bigger support and new opportunities across the board
Howie Stern/Broken Arrow Skyrace
Broken Arrow Skyrace has become one of the most prominent mountain running weekends in North America, drawing thousands of runners to Palisades Tahoe ski resort in Olympic Valley, Cali., each June, for steep, technical trails, a community-driven atmosphere and a deep elite field. For 2026, the organizers, together with Nike’s ACG line, have introduced updates that move the race to the forefront of more inclusive, athlete-supportive trail running.
The headline change is the money. Next year’s event will feature a $150,000 purse, the largest ever offered by an independent trail race. The 23K champions will earn $30,000—an amount that now stands as the highest winner’s payout in the sport—while the Ascent and 46K winners will earn $6,000 and $4,000, respectively. The organizers say elite athletes will also continue to receive travel and lodging support.
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The race offers an 11K, 18K, 23K, and 46K, plus the steep Vertical K “Ascent.” Two challenge formats round out the weekend: the Iron Face Challenge, which mixes running with short, guided technical sections, and the Iron Crown, a multi-event challenge completed over the course of the weekend. Together, they give athletes everything from short efforts to big-day mountain racing.
A clearer path for adaptive athletes
In collaboration with Paralympian Dani Aravich and Born to Adapt founder Zach Friedley, the race will offer 20 guaranteed entries into the 18K for adaptive athletes—an expansion of the adaptive program created in 2025.
More support for the underrepresented runners
Several practical additions are planned for 2026, including expanded lactation stations and limited childcare options. The race will also adjust its waitlist procedures to prioritize women, to improve gender equity across distances.
Runners from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and non-binary communities will be offered complimentary entries to the 11K, 18K and 23K distances, along with gear and travel support for selected clubs. Broken Arrow has long emphasized community building, and the 2026 plan puts real resources behind that commitment.
A national stage for young trail runners
Youth racing is taking a major step forward with the introduction of Trail Futures NTN (Nike Trail Nationals). The meet will bring together athletes ages 10–19 and give them a structured championship experience over the weekend.
A bigger experience for all
Race organizers are determined to make the weekend a thrilling one for those on the sidelines, not just on the trails. Race weekend itself will feel different, with new interactive elements throughout the venue. Spectators will also be able to reach multiple cheer zones by lift for the first time, a change that should boost energy across the course and make the race more engaging for families and friends who come to watch.
The 2026 edition of Broken Arrow Skyrace kicks off on June 18th. To learn more, head here.
