THE HOURGLASS: VALLEY
Big mountains. Shrinking clock. June 27, 2026 (Palmer/Mat-su)

The Hourglass blends fun, challenge, and community in a way most races dont. Youll laugh, youll struggle, youll meet new friends and youll quickly understand why this event represents the heart of Toughest Alive: stay in the fight. Its a simple you vs. you format that creates big moments and even bigger memories. It is a last-person-standing style run/ruck/hybrid/carry event that will leave you inspired.

The Summer Edition Hourglass is at the CrevasseMoraine Trailhead in Palmer, AK. Start with a 30:00 round, complete your loop and restart the next with 1:00 minute less every reset keep beating the clock to earn your next start. Choose your category, bring your grit, and come suffer (and smile) with the community.



DATE / TIME / LOCATION
_Date: June 27, 2026_
_Location: CrevasseMoraine Trailhead, Palmer, AK_

SCHEDULE
Check-in: 9:15 AM
Race brief: 9:45 AM
Start time: 10:00 AM

THE HOURGLASS FORMAT
Youll repeat your category's loop as long as you can finish within the time period.
Round 1 time period: 30:00; Each round after: the time period decreases by 1

* Round 1 time period: 30:00
* Round 2 time period: 29:00.
* Round 3 time period: 28:00.
* Round 4 time period: 27:00, etc.
* Until the last person standing (in each respective category)

How it works:

Start when the round begins.
Finish your required work before the time cap expires.
Make the cutoff = you earn your next start at the reset.
Miss the cutoff = your event is complete (stay and cheer others on!).

COURSE LOOPS

* Run loop: 2 miles
* Ruck loop: 1 mile
* Loaded Carry loop: 0.5 miles
* Hybrid Athlete: 2 mile run loop + sandbag zone

EVENT CATEGORIES

_>>> RUN (2-mile loop)_
Complete the 2-mile loop each round and return before the shrinking time cap.

_>>> RUCK (1-mile loop)_
Complete the 1-mile loop each round with a weighted pack and return before the time cap.
Ruck weight standard (bring your own pack/weights):
- Men: 35 lb
- Women: 20 lb

_>>> HYBRID ATHLETE_
A mix of running + strength each round:
Each participant will complete the 2-mile loop + 10 burpees before the round is considered completed.

Standard: Chest & Thighs touch the ground at the bottom; elbows get above the ears at the top.

_>>> LOADED CARRY_
A pure grit test and yes, it follows the same Hourglass timing.
Each round complete: 800m sandbag carry
Men: 60 lb
Women: 45 lb
Carry options: bearhug, shoulder, or suitcase-style. You may set the bag down as needed, but you must finish within the time cap to earn the next round.

AWARDS
Awards will go to the top finisher in each category (Run, Ruck, Hybrid Athlete, Loaded Carry).

_**As with every Hourglass Race, the top 5 participants in each category receive an invitation to the "Ultimate Hourglass" in Anchorage, AK in September to compete against other top finishers for a cash prize and big bragging rights (per category).**_

_WHAT TO BRING_
Trail shoes recommended
Water/electrolytes
Bug spray / sun protection
Weather-appropriate layers (Alaska summers are highly varied)
Gloves optional (sandbag events)
Ruckers: bring your own pack + weights to meet the standard

FAQ
_What is the Hourglass format?_
Its last-person-standing style. Complete your loop/work before the time cap. The cap starts at 30:00 and drops by 1:00 every round. Miss the cutoff and your event is complete.

_Can I rest between rounds?_
Yes. Absolutely! Any time left after you finish is your rest time until the next round starts.

_Can I switch categories mid-event?_
No. Please choose your category during registration. If you need to switch at any time before the event, contact us and well help if possible.

_How is it scored?_
Your result is based on how many rounds you successfully complete before missing a time cap.

_Is this beginner-friendly?_
Yes. Early rounds are manageable and the time cap tightens gradually. Choose the category that fits your current fitness level.

_What if the weather is bad?_
This is an Alaska event we plan to operate in typical conditions. If conditions become unsafe, well modify the format or course and notify participants.

_Refunds / transfers?_
All registrations are final. If you cant attend, you may transfer your entry to another participant prior to the event (details provided in the pre-event email).