The only race in North America combining trail running with via ferrata climbing
Other trail races within 49 miles
The Iron Face Challenge is unlike any other race in North America: 8 kilometers blending alpine trail running with the Tahoe Via, a protected via ferrata route up the imposing Tram Face granite cliff. After a 1.75-mile uphill singletrack approach, competitors clip into a steel cable system and ascend 600 feet via fixed ladder rungs, steel steps, and a 30-foot suspension bridge over a single foot cable. Passing is impossible on the via ferrata section; runners start in pre-assigned waves. A 3.7-mile descent back to the finish completes the circuit. Harness and helmet are provided and required. Limited to 100 participants.
Experienced ultrarunners
Olympic Valley, CA, United StatesJune 19, 2026
Broken Arrow Skyrace Iron Face Challenge is a loop trail race in Olympic Valley, CA, United States, held on June 19, 2026. The course covers 5 miles and climbs 1,670 ft.
| Location | Mile | Elevation | Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
Start Start | 0.0 | 6,220 ft | — |
Via Ferrata Base Checkpoint | 1.8 | 6,949 ft | — |
Via Ferrata Summit Checkpoint | 2.1 | 7,060 ft | — |
Finish Finish | 5.8 | 6,224 ft | — |
Aid station details for this race are still being filled in. Cutoffs and access rules come from the race’s own published information and can change — check the official race details before planning around them.
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