The Hourglass, Summer Edition! [By Toughest Alive] — June 27, 2026 (Palmer, AK)
Toughest Alive: Summer Hourglass is a last-person-standing style run/ruck/hybrid/carry event at the Crevasse–Moraine Trailhead in Palmer, AK. Start with a 30:00 round, complete your loop and restart the next with 1:00 minute less every reset — keep beating the clock to earn your next start. Choose your category, bring your grit, and come suffer (and smile) with the community.
DATE / TIME / LOCATION
Date: June 27, 2026
Location: Crevasse–Moraine Trailhead, Palmer, AK
Schedule
Check-in: 9:15 AM
Race brief: 9:45 AM
Start time: 10:00 AM
THE HOURGLASS FORMAT
You’ll repeat your category's loop as long as you can finish within the time period.
Round 1 time period: 30:00; Each round after: the time period decreases by 1:00:
- Round 1 time period: 30:00
- Round 2 time period: 29:00.
- Round 3 time period: 28:00.
- Round 4 time period: 27:00, etc.
- Until the last person standing (in each respective category)
How it works:
Start when the round begins.
Finish your required work before the time cap expires.
Make the cutoff = you earn your next start at the reset.
Miss the cutoff = your event is complete (stay and cheer others on!).
COURSE LOOPS
- Run loop: 2 miles
- Ruck loop: 1 mile
- Loaded Carry loop: 0.5 miles
- Hybrid Athlete: 2 mile run loop + sandbag zone
EVENT CATEGORIES
>>> RUN (2-mile loop)
Complete the 2-mile loop each round and return before the shrinking time cap.
>>> RUCK (1-mile loop)
Complete the 1-mile loop each round with a weighted pack and return before the time cap.
Ruck weight standard (bring your own pack/weights):
– Men: 35 lb
– Women: 20 lb
>>> HYBRID ATHLETE
A mix of running + strength each round:
Each participant will complete the 2-mile loop + 10 burpees before the round is considered completed.
Standard: Chest & Thighs touch the ground at the bottom; elbows get above the ears at the top.
>>> LOADED CARRY
A pure grit test — and yes, it follows the same Hourglass timing.
Each round complete: 800m sandbag carry
Men: 60 lb
Women: 45 lb
Carry options: bearhug, shoulder, or suitcase-style. You may set the bag down as needed, but you must finish within the time cap to earn the next round.
AWARDS
Awards will go to the top finisher in each category (Run, Ruck, Hybrid Athlete, Loaded Carry).
**As with every Hourglass Race, the top 5 participants in each category receive an invitation to the "Ultimate Hourglass" in Anchorage, AK in September to compete against other top finishers for a cash prize and big bragging rights (per category).**
WHAT TO BRING
Trail shoes recommended
Water/electrolytes
Bug spray / sun protection
Weather-appropriate layers (Alaska summer rules)
Gloves optional (sandbag events)
Ruckers: bring your own pack + weights to meet the standard
FAQ
What is the Hourglass format?
It’s last-person-standing style. Complete your loop/work before the time cap. The cap starts at 30:00 and drops by 1:00 every round. Miss the cutoff and your event is complete.
Can I rest between rounds?
Yes. Any time left after you finish is your rest time until the next round starts.
Can I switch categories mid-event?
No. Please choose your category during registration. If you need to switch before the event, contact us and we’ll help if possible.
How is it scored?
Your result is based on how many rounds you successfully complete before missing a time cap.
Is this beginner-friendly?
Yes. Early rounds are manageable and the time cap tightens gradually. Choose the category that fits your current fitness level.
What if the weather is bad?
This is an Alaska event — we plan to operate in typical conditions. If conditions become unsafe, we’ll modify the format or course and notify participants.
Refunds / transfers?
All registrations are final. If you can’t attend, you may transfer your entry to another participant prior to the event (details provided in the pre-event email).