Crow Pass, an iconic Alaskan footrace

In 1984, the Crow Pass Crossing began as a “28 mile” adventure from above Girdwood to the Eagle River Nature Center.

Since then, the event has “shrunk” to its accurate length of about 23.5 miles. It has also grown in stature as an iconic Alaskan footrace replete with stunning mountain and glacier views (if you dare look up from the highly technical trail), sloping snowfields, chest-high brush, a crossing of the frigid and fast-moving Eagle River, wildlife including bears, bees and moose, and countless rocks and roots that make staying upright a constant challenge. And there are only a handful of course markers and no official aid stations. Runners are expected to take care of themselves and help out others, if needed.

Hikers typically require two or more days to traverse the trail. The fastest Crow Pass racers now take less than three hours, though anyone finishing in under 6 1/2 hours gains immense satisfaction and respect as a Crow Pass Crossing finisher.

Since 2018, Crow Pass has been organized as a fundraiser by the Anchorage nonprofit Healthy Futures (the signature program of the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame). It was founded in 1984 by Tim Neale and Jay Caldwell and originally sponsored by Old Folks Sports. The University of Alaska Anchorage cross country and track program, under coach Michael Friess, directed Crow Pass for many years before passing it on to Healthy Futures under Matias Saari and Harlow Robinson’s leadership.