The Friends of Kachemak State Parks are happy to announce this new half-marathon: Portlock Half Marathon a remote, self-supported wilderness running and hiking event conducted on rugged terrain accessible only by boat. The dropoff at Humpy creek requires wading to shore, bring light weight water shoes (crocs or neoprene water shoes- that volunteers will bring to the finish). Also NOTE: At Grewingk Creek you will need to go across on a hand tram - there will be volunteers to help pull you across - limited to TWO people at a time on the tram, so if you are a runner be aware there may be a delay to wait your turn. The tram crosses a 300 ft span, high above the raging water.
There are no aid stations. Participants are responsible for carrying their own required food, water, medications, safety equipment, bear spray, and weather protection. Participants must have completed a rugged mountain hike comparable to Grace Ridge, Crow Pass, or equivalent terrain involving at least approximately 2,500 feet of elevation gain and rough footing, OR possess equivalent experience.
COURSE:
Start: Humpy Creek Flats (bottom of Portlock Trail)
IMPORTANT: you'll need light weight water shoes to exit the boat in order to wade to shore. Light crocs or water shoes work best. Absolutely no hip waders or rubber boots!
Turnaround: High point on Portlock Plateau
Tram crossing over Grewingk Creek - limited to 2 people on tram - may have to wait your turn
Finish: Saddle Trailhead Beach
Trail distance is "approximate 13 + - miles
We will email participants more details about how to find the start on Humpy Flats before July 11
RUNNERS: START TIME 9:00 AM / Running cut off time is 6 hours to be timed.
START : BE AT HUMPY CREEK FLATS (Bottom of the steep Portlock Trail) between 7:30-8:30am. This is an extreme rugged trail race for "experienced mountain runners only and you must be 18 yrs or older" to participate. Print & read the waiver to be sure you are qualified to participate & you must carry the list of REQUIRED gear. (Normal hiking time is 10+ hours) Approx 13.5 miles with approx 2500' elevation. DROP-BAGS: Your waterproof bag with after-race dry clothes and light weight water shoes will be brough to the finish for you- please keep it under 10-15lbs max.
HIKERS: START TIME 8:00 AM / Hiking time for this event is 6-8 hours and hikers must be done by 4 pm
START :BE AT HUMPY CREEK FLATS (at the Bottom of the steep Portlock Trail) between 7:00 -7:30am latest. This is an untimed event for hikers - once you check in you can start before 8am but BE SURE YOU HAVE CHECKED IN BEFORE STARTING. Print & read the waiver here to be sure you are qualified to participate & you must carry the list of REQUIRED gear. Hikers will start by no later than 8:00 am. Approx distance 13.5 miles with approx 2500' elevation. Hikers will not be timed. If Hikers decide to "run" they still will not be timed. Normal (non event) hiking time is 10+ hours, but please be done by 4pm. DROP-BAGS: Your waterproof bag with after-race dry clothes and light weight water shoes will will be brough to the finish for you- please keep it under 10-15lbs max.
NOTE: RACE FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE BOAT TRANSPORT.
- This race is only accessible by boat from Homer, Alaska via Water Taxi or friends /family boats.
- IMPORTANT: you'll need water shoes to exit the boat in order to wade to shore.
- Light wight crocs or neoprene water shoes work best. NO HIP WADERS OR RUBBER BOOTS!
- The water may be higher than any boots and volunteers will not carry heavy boots back to the start.
- ALLOW AT LEAST AN HOUR OR MORE TO GET TO THE START FROM HOMER: half hour for boat ride and then hiking a variable distance at low tide across Humpy Creek Flats to bottom of Portlock Trail. Allow for delays and there are always delays.
- BOAT PICKUP AT THE FINISH /Saddle Trailhead Beach by boat at Saddle Trailhead Beach around 4-5pm or make your own arrangements to spend the night!.
For more info https://www.facebook.com/kbaymountainclassic or https://www.friendsofkachemakbay.org/trail-race
Sorry, No refunds - all proceeds are donated to the non-profit Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks.
No pets or guns are allowed in this event.