❄️ The Winter Hourglass Challenge — Run • Ruck • Ski
Crevasse–Moraine Trail | Palmer, Alaska | Sunday, January 11, 2026
Hosted by Palmer locals Andrew & Brooke Vigorito (with help from Dossie & Soph) — fully staffed with an aid station, hot drinks, and a warm-up area.
What this is
This isn’t a normal race. This is an event with lots of swag for everyone. It’s a loop challenge against the clock that starts friendly… and slowly turns into an unforgettable winter test of pacing, grit, and “one more round.”
You’ll restart each round with a group, hype, and support — until you decide you’re done or the hourglass finally wins.
HOW IT WORKS — Choose Your Division
🏃♂️ RUNNING — 2-Mile Loop
Complete the 2-mile loop within the time available.
🎒 RUCK — 1-Mile Loop
A ruck is simply a backpack with weight (This is optional here, because all beginners or those nursing old injuries are still welcome!).
If you are ready for the universal standards of rucking:
> Men: 35 lb
> Women: 20 lb
⛷️ SKI — 2-Kilometer Loop (1.2 miles)
Cross-country ski the 2K loop within the time available.
🧒 KIDS (15 & under) — 1-Mile Loop
A fun, manageable loop for kids/teens to join the action.
THE HOURGLASS FORMAT
Every athlete starts with 30 minutes to complete their loop.
After each successful lap, the hourglass drops:
⏱️ Each new round gives you 1 minute less to finish the same loop.
Round 1: 30 minutes
Round 2: 29 minutes
Round 3: 28 minutes
… and so on …
You continue until you time out or decide not to restart.
Maximum event length: under 6 hours.
✅ Your score = total completed laps.
The event continues until only one athlete remains in each division — or until time runs out on everyone.
WHO THIS IS FOR
All ages and skill levels
Anyone who wants a real cabin-fever cure
Runners who want winter fun and a pacing test
Ruckers who want a tough-but-welcoming challenge
Skiers of any experience level who want an epic outing
Hybrid athletes testing endurance and resolve
First-timers welcome — the early rounds are generous
SAFETY & SUPPORT
On-site staff
Warm-up area
Hot drinks + friendly aid station cheering you on every loop
This event is outdoors — expect winter conditions and layer appropriately
SCORING & RESULTS
Your final standing is based on:
✔️ Total loops completed
✔️ Last athlete standing (if applicable)
✔️ Separate results/podiums by division (Run / Ruck / Ski / Kids)
ARE YOU READY TO BEAT THE HOURGLASS?
Come get outside. Get uncomfortable in the best way. Leave with a story.
Register today and test yourself against winter, the clock, and your own limits.
Swag Bags + Referral Rewards: Listen — swag matters. Every participant will receive a swag bag with a few goodies, and the highlight is an official Hourglass event T-shirt.
Referral bonuses:
Refer 1 friend who registers → get your T-shirt customized jersey-style on the back (your last name, race name, or a motivating nickname).
Refer 2 friends who register → earn a FREE event hoodie or sweat pants (in addition to your shirt)!!!
To claim your referral rewards, email toughestalive@gmail.com with your friend’s name after they register, and tell us exactly how you want your shirt customized (example: last name “Johnson” or a race name like “Twinkle Toes” or your alter ego who never tires “Ms. Energizer”, “El Bandito”, etc – whatever you’re loving, we’re printing!)
[Sign ups after Thursday, January 8th cannot be assured an event t-shirt]
Parking – This event is held at the Crevasse – Moraine Trailhead, owned by the Matsu Borough. The trailhead parking lot requires a parking fee, but parking on the street is free.