ELITE ATHLETE HOUSING PROGRAM
The Broken Arrow Skyrace Elite Housing Program provides housing for qualified elite runners competing in the 2026 races.
If you’re considering applying, we’re grateful for your interest and excited you’re joining us at Broken Arrow Skyrace. (If you’re a host looking for information on the program, please visit this page.)
At Broken Arrow, we believe that whether you finish first or last, YOU are a rockstar! We celebrate every runner, while remaining committed to ensuring that Broken Arrow remains one of the most competitive trail and ultra events in North America.
While we have always offered qualifying elite athletes complimentary race entries, we’ve found that race weekend lodging in Lake Tahoe can be prohibitively expensive. We want to make sure that this is NOT an impediment to your. Our Elite Athlete Housing Program helps remove that barrier. Each year, we house more than 75 elite runners.
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What the Elite Athlete Housing Program Provides
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Lodging with a local Lake Tahoe host for race weekend, many whom are athletes or race volunteers themselves
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Direct host introduction to coordinate logistics and housing expectations
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A welcoming, community-centered stay
These home stays often create lasting friendships and long-term support networks within Lake Tahoe and the sport.
The Broken Arrow Elite housing program is so amazing! Its existence absolutely speaks to the specialness of Broken Arrow. It is also one of those programs that is a win-win for both sides. As elites, one of the big non-running parts of our job is trying to sort out housing and transportation admin for our races. It's usually stressful and very expensive. And is also often a huge barrier that determines how many and what races we are able to participate in in a season. Especially in places like Olympic Valley, where the housing is limited and very expensive, it's so so cool to be able to stay with local families. And for the houses & families it sounds like it's special to be involved in the event is such a meaningful way. — Robyn Lesh
How Elite Athlete Housing Works
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Hosts and athletes complete application surveys outlining dates and preferences
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Starting in the spring, our team thoughtfully matches athletes and hosts based on compatibility
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Once paired, we e-introduce you directly to coordinate details and expectations
Once an official pairing has been made, you can expect to hear from our Elite Athlete & Housing Coordinator, Krissi Polentz. Krissi joined our team in 2025 and was instrumental in helping athletes connect with local families, as well as acting as a resource for elites (particularly internationals) who find themselves needing questions answered throughout race weekend. Krissi can be reached at krissi@brokenarrowskyrace.com.
Program Guidelines
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The program may not be used to house extended family members
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However, if traveling with a spouse or significant other, this must be communicated in advance so it can be considered in placement
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Animal guests are not permitted unless explicitly discussed and approved with the host after introduction
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Hosts are not required to provide transportation to and from the race, but may choose to
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Athletes may want to stay shorter or longer than race dates; matches will take into account the required days and anything beyond that is up to the hosts after introduction
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We work hard to create thoughtful, well-matched pairings so you can arrive in Lake Tahoe focused and ready to compete
Thank you for considering the Broken Arrow Skyrace Elite Housing Program. We know there are many world-class trail races on the calendar, and it means a great deal that you’re considering ours. We hope this program helps make your decision — and your race weekend — a little easier.
Click here to learn more about Elite Athlete Qualification and Competition at Broken Arrow Skyrace.
The Broken Arrow Elite Housing Program is an incredible experience. My fellow athlete, Josh, and I formed wonderful, lasting friendships with our hosts, Ari and Jenni, and their family. The homes are beautiful, and the program is truly designed to support elite performance. The hosts go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and at home. I could not recommend it more highly. — Nicholas Turco
