18K Overview

Please note that exact course changes slightly each year due to snow conditions.

The 18k is not a watered-down version of the 23k but a true, stand-alone challenge. For those who may have run the VK or 11k in the past, it is an opportunity to “level up” before tackling our longer distances. With nearly 3,800 feet of climbing over a mere 11 miles, this will test even the heartiest of trail runners. Many call it the 23k without any "runnable" sections.

The take home is that the 18k is HARD! Please also consider the start time of the 18k - 12pm. In cool years, this is amazing! In most years, it can be hot. Very hot. Come prepared and remember that you signed up to do something very hard! At the end you will have an amazing sense of accomplishment.

And, while it is certainly easier than the 23k, the 18k does represent a significant jump in difficulty from the 11K, showcasing some of the most beautiful features of the 23k course: Red Dog Ridge, the Stairway to Heaven ladder, and the ripping downhill of the Western States trail.

The price for the 18k is $130.

REGISTRATION/WAIT LIST

Course Specifics

The new 18k will begin, like most distances, under the European arch in front of Coffeebar. It ascends an initial climb similar to that of the VK, at which point the course gains the prominent, exposed and stunningly beautiful Red Dog Ridge. Along the ridge, runners are treated to unique views of the emerald waters of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, if they can pull their eyes from the imposing and exposed ridge. From here the course tips even more vertically, with runners ascending the steep headwall of KT-22, made famous by the extreme skiers of Palisades Tahoe.

After cresting KT, a mild downhill allows a brief recovery, after which runners begin the most sustained, exposed and highest portion of the course - the rocky ridge that leads to the Stairway to Heaven ladder and summit of Washeshu Peak at nearly 9,000 feet. At mile 4.9 runners will be treated to the Siberia Aid Station, staffed annually by our friends from the Nomadic Adventure Club.

After refueling, you can expect a strikingly fast downhill that stretches all the way down to the bottom of Shirley Canyon …. and then all the way back out to the second aid station, the Julia Millon Memorial Aid Station ("Julia's") at mile 7.6. From here, it is all downhill until you hit our yellow brick road finish line chute and #RingDasBell! Please note that you must be 16 years of age or older to run the 18k. We allow runners under 16 to participate but they’ll must be approved by the race directors and have a parent, who is also registered for the event, accompany them.

Aid Stations

At the Broken Arrow Skyrace, whether you finish first or last, YOU are a rockstar. This mantra is also true with how you are treated at our aid stations. We've partnered with some of best aid station coordinators who understand that race day is YOUR time to shine. These partners routinely pull out all the stops to make your experience a fantastic one. Participating groups include:

In addition to best-in-class "regular" aid station food, each Broken Arrow pit-stop will have tasty snacks, traditional aid station fare (regular and gluten free bread), some fun surprises and nutritional products from Tailwind Nutrition and Neversecond.

Three different flavors of 100-calorie gels will be supplied by Neversecond, including Unflavored, Berry and one caffeinated option (Cola 75mg caffeine). Tailwind flavors will include Naked (unflavored) and Dauwatermelon.

There is a full service aid station, Snow King, at the start of the Red Dog Ridge. In hot years, if vehicle access allows, we will have a skeletal aid station at the top of KT-22, at approximately the 2.7 mile mark. This aid station is situated at the top of the Red Dog Ridge climb and directly before the KT saddle. Remember that the KT saddle gradually gives way to the steepest and most exposed part of the course, the Headwall Ridge, and of course the Stairway to Heaven ladder. You will ONLY find ice, water and Neversecond gels at this skeletal aid station.

If you've never tried flavors from Neversecond and/or Tailwind, consider testing them BEFORE race weekend. This will allow you to assess how they work for you - or if they don't. To make it easier, as a registered 2025 Broken Arrow runner, you are eligible for a 20% discount. Shop our hand-picked Race Ready products (along with others from Salomon, Leki, Garmin, Julbo, Black Diamond and more) at our retail provider Alpenglow Sports. Save on Neversecond and Tailwind supplies HERE. The specific discount has been sent to all registered runners. If you've misplaced it please reach out to us at info@brokenarrowskyrace.com.

Drop Bags/Pacers

There is no opportunity to utilize a drop bag in the 18K distance. Additionally, pacers are not allowed at any Broken Arrow Skyrace distance. There is no crew or elite support allowed anywhere on the 18k course - any support will result in a disqualification for the runner. Please also remember that if you start with poles, you must keep them with you for the entirety of the race. Additionally, pacers are not allowed at any Broken Arrow Skyrace distance. If you are an elite, and have a team documenting your race day, please remember they have to possess media credentials. If they are caught filming without credentials their runner will be disqualified.

Recommended Equipment

We definitely suggest some key items to make your day at Broken Arrow more enjoyable. Despite June being a "summer" month, we have had virtually every type of weather imaginable at Broken Arrow, from lightning storms, snow, gale force winds and extreme heat. Accordingly, it is always challenging to plan exact gear choices, and you might even have to make a game day decision/alteration. And of course, there have been years where 100% of the course is covered in snow, making things even more interesting. Lastly, remember that the high alpine terrain at Palisades Tahoe is exposed, rugged and largely above 8,000-feet. This, combined with the challenging nature of our courses can be extremely taxing.

For specifics, we tend to think of recommended equipment as "warm" or "cold" weather gear, almost all of which is available online at Alpenglow Sports AND the Broken Arrow merchandise tents on race weekend.

Summer/Hot Weather Recommended Items:

Running Poles
Hydration Vest
High Traction Footwear
Effective Eyewear
Sun Protective Headwear
Sunscreen (50+ SPF recommended) & Lip Protection
Identification

Cold Weather Recommended Items (in addition to the above):

Windshell or Lightweight Waterproof Shell
Lightweight Pants
Warm Layer
Lightweight Gloves
Hat/Beanie

Other miscellaneous items that can go in your vest include: blister care, anti-chafe salve, toilet paper and hand sanitizer, at least 16oz. of water, extra gels (400 calorie minimum), safety whistle, and your phone for pictures and emergency needs.

Running poles are allowed and HIGHLY encouraged based on the extreme vertical nature of the event. Please note that if you begin with poles, they must be carried the entire length of the route.

We're happy to offer all 2025 Broken Arrow participants a 20% discount on best-in-class products from Salomon (footwear and hydration vests), LEKI, our Official Pole Supplier, and Hydrapak, our Official Hydration Supplier and more. Shop our hand-picked Race Ready products (along with others products from Garmin, Julbo, Black Diamond, Neversecond, Tailwind and more) at our retail provider Alpenglow Sports. The specific discount code has been sent to all registered runners. However, if you've misplaced it please reach out to us at info@brokenarrowskyrace.com.

If you are going to use poles, we recommend having a good sense of how they work PRIOR to race day. This is particularly important for ascending the Stairway to Heaven ladder, where you'll need one free hand to grab onto the individual rungs/steps/hand line. You can also consider purchasing a Salomon Custom/Ultra Quiver , a storage sheath that attaches to your hydration vest and allows you to stow your poles on the fly.

SHOP DISCOUNTED RACE READY ITEMS

To assist with technique and tips/tricks, we also generally offer a free How to Run With Poles clinic with LEKI or race weekend. Keep your eyes on the schedule of events.

Traction devices such as MicroSpikes are allowed in snow years and race organizers will have hand lines installed where needed due to snow patches and/or steep talus. Please come prepared for a serious run in a mountainous environment and bring your desired personal needs in order to stay comfortable.