The 2026 Broken Arrow Elite Runner Application window is now.

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The 2026 Broken Arrow Skyrace will have one of the largest prize purses in the sport of trail running.

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The Broken Arrow Skyrace is a four-day, nine-distance event held at the world-famous Palisades Tahoe (previously Squaw Valley, and home of the 1960 Winter Olympics). On June 18-21, 2026 elite and recreational participants will come together from around the world to experience an unforgettable trail running experience “where the mountains meet the sky." We pride ourselves in providing an experience that runners of ALL ability levels can enjoy. 

 

Since our launch in 2016, the Broken Arrow Skyrace has emerged as one of the most competitive mountain/ultra/trail running (MUT) events in the world. Each year, we welcome some of the most talented trail and ultrarunning athletes from across the globe. This includes big-name athletes, as well as up-and-comers, including a growing number of young crushers who are transitioning from road and track and/or collegiate running, to trail running.

 

The Ascent (formerly VK) and 23k are once again part of the 2026 World Mountain Running Association World Cup. Many fans of the sport have called the 2025 Broken Arrow Skyrace perhaps the most competitive set races to ever take place on US soil. Once again, the Broken Arrow Skyrace will give away an insane amount of cash to elite finishers across the Ascent, 23k and 46k. Podium prizes for the event will be published in early December of 2025 and will be available for male, female and nonbinary runners.​

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To streamline the application process, we have created the Broken Arrow Skyrace Elite Application Program. These spots will be awarded to athletes with a legitimate shot at finishing on the podium or in the top 20. If you believe you might be eligible, please fill out and submit THIS application.

 

While we have always offered complimentary race entries to a percentage of qualifying runners, we have found that that lodging can be prohibitively expensive for others, especially in Lake Tahoe. We want to make sure that this is NOT an impediment to participation since many of the elites in our sport struggle to make ends meet. To address this, we created the Broken Arrow Skyrace Elite Housing Program. The program houses elite athletes in one of two ways: 1) in complimentary, multi-night lodging at Palisades Tahoe Lodge, or 2) with local families who have generously offered up space in their homes. If you are interested in complimentary housing, please fill out our Elite Athlete Housing Application.

 

Elite athletes who receive complimentary entry into the event are required to assist us with an Instagram collaboration post with the Broken Arrow Skyrace account before AND after the event. This is also a requirement for prize money eligibility for athletes placing in the top ten of the Ascent, 23k or 46k. The top 10 finishers by gender, for each distance, are required to attend the awards ceremony in order to claim prize money. 

 

Top ten male and female runners in the Ascent, 23k and 46k are extended complimentary invitations for the following year of the race, but are still required to register on Ultrasignup.

 

Levels of support offered to elite/professional athletes: 

 

TIER I:

Complimentary lodging with a local family.

This tier does not include complimentary entry.

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TIER II:

Complimentary lodging with a local family.

Complimentary race entry (single or multiple distances)

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TIER III:

Complimentary race entry (single or multiple distances)

& 1-3 nights of hotel accommodations and potential travel expenses​

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TIER IV:

Complimentary race entry (single or multiple distances) &

4-5 nights of hotel accommodations & travel expenses​

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We look forward to welcoming another strong field to our

Palisades Tahoe playground. Will you be there? ​​

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• All athletes who participate in National Championships and Team USA competitions are subject to drug testing performed by USADA/Clearidium in accordance with the WADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing.

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• Any US citizen who receives over $600 in prize money will be required to fill out a W-9 before their payment is received. Depending on the state of domestic residence, a potential 7% withholding may be required by California law.  In addition to a W-9, all US citizens NOT residing in California must also fill out From 590 if winnings are over $1,500. State of California taxes will be withheld on any non resident winners over $1,500. ​

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• All non US residents must fill out form W-8B BEN and Form 8233. International winners are potentially subject to additional tax withholdings required by the state of California and the United States government. These vary by country and can be as high as 30%. If you are an international runner, please realize that prize money in the United States is advertised WITHOUT any mandatory tax withholdings. 

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• Tax related forms, which are required for cash prizes to be distributed, must be submitted by 10/1/26.

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• International winners are required to submit requisite forms and payment methods (IBAN/Swift account number) by October 1, 2026, or all winnings and travel reimbursements will be forfeited.

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• Prize money is not distributed until our anti-doping results are finalized, which can take 10-12 weeks after the event. In the instance of a positive test, all finisher places and prize money are adjusted accordingly.

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• Elite runners who finish in the top 10 are not eligible for age group prizes.

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• There are no cash prizes for the 11k, 18k,Triple Crown, Iron Crown, or Iron Face Challenge.

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• If you submit an application through our Elite Application Program, you acknowledge that you have a full understanding of our Elite Runner Rules listed above and on Ultrasignup, where you are required to register using specific instructions from the Broken Arrow Skyrace. 

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• In order to collect any podium winnings, requisite athlete is required to attend awards ceremony. 

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• In order to collect any podium winnings, requisite athlete is required to participate in post-event press conference.​