Sat, Sep 26, 2026

The Lakes TrailFest

Palmer, AK

Registration openAnnual since at least 2023
1.5 Miles5K10K15.5 Miles31 Miles
Register · From $20

About the Lakes TrailFest

The Lakes TrailFest runs through Matanuska Lakes State Rec Area on single-track and grass trails that are often wet and slick, with roots, leaves, and the occasional downed tree to step over or around. The setting is wild enough to feel like a real trail race, and several distance options mean everything from a short introductory run to a long double-loop effort is on the table.

All bib pickup happens race morning at the start tent, staggered so each distance group has its own window before the gun. Parking at the rec area requires a state parks permit, either an annual pass or a daily one purchased at the on-site card kiosk. The start and finish are both at the campground, so there is a clear home base for the day.

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Finish-Time Stats

Going by the 2025 results, this is a small, friendly field, and the field is fairly quick, so expect a competitive front.

6.2 Miles · 2025 results

38finishers
50:08winner
1:09:27median
1:46:27cutoff

Top 3: Pilgreen, Cyrus (50:08) · Chandler, Daniel (50:57) · Ricci, Heather (51:06)

3.1 Miles · 2025 results

34finishers
24:57winner
35:50median
55:09cutoff

Top 3: Cook, Wyatt (24:57) · Southards, Robbie (26:14) · Nicoll-Huggins, Rhiannon (30:06)

15.5 Miles · 2025 results

31finishers
1:50:36winner
3:06:31median
4:31:26cutoff

Top 3: Morse, Matthew (1:50:36) · Templin, Micah (2:01:14) · Edwards, Christopher (2:08:41)

31 Miles · 2025 results

18finishers
4:07:02winner
6:08:15median
7:37:16cutoff

Top 3: Taylor, Joshua (4:07:02) · Severson, Shauna (4:47:59) · Mohn, Benjamin (5:07:27)

The Lakes TrailFest has been held every year since at least 2023. That is as far back as RunSignup's records for this race go, so it may well be older.

Where Would You Finish?

Enter a finish time to see where it lands against the most recent 6.2 Miles results.

Median

See how your time stacks up nationally →

How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Jul 27, 2026.

Distances & Start Times

1.5 Miles9/26/2026 10:00$20
3.1 Miles9/26/2026 09:30$55
6.2 Miles9/26/2026 09:00$65
15.5 Miles9/26/2026 08:30$90
31 Miles9/26/2026 08:00$115

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Common Questions About the The Lakes TrailFest

Will I finish last at the Lakes TrailFest?

Almost certainly not. Half the 6.2 Miles field finished slower than 1:09:27, and the last recorded finisher came in around 1:46:27, so there is a long tail of runners behind the middle of the pack. Most fields are far slower than people expect.

Is the Lakes TrailFest a good first 6.2 Miles?

It is a small race (38 finishers), which is friendlier and less intimidating than a big-city event, though the field thins out. There is no qualifying time, and the finish-time spread above shows how varied the field really is. If it is your first 6.2 Miles, that spread matters more than the winner's time.

How competitive is the Lakes TrailFest?

The 6.2 Miles winner ran 50:08 while the median finisher took 1:09:27. That spread points to a relatively quick field, so expect a competitive front end.

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