TRAIL FUTURES NTN:
THE KESTREL (U-14)
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Friday, June 19, 2026
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Start TBD
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4.6 miles/7.35 km
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1,400’/430 m vertical gain
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Age Eligibility: 10-13 (on race day)
Trail Futures NTN Overview: The Kestrel
The Kestrel, designed for runners between the ages of 10 and 13 (ages on race day), remains largely on the lower mountain at Palisades Tahoe. It covers a world-class loop that showcases some of the fastest and most scenic singletrack in the area. From the valley floor at 6,200 feet, runners will ascend approximately 1,400 feet. Along the way, our Trail Futures athletes will experience stout climbs, scenic views, and ripping downhills.
While the Kestrel will be run on Friday afternoon, June 19th, as of 2/2/26 the exact start time is still TBD.
The event costs $30, and scholarships are available if needed (please email info@brokenarrowskyrace.com). Team competition is encouraged, with winners determined by the fastest combined time of each team’s top three runners. Teams may consist of up to five athletes, with separate divisions for men’s and women’s teams.
The price for the NTN U14 is $30.
Course Specifics
The Kestrel starts from the European arch in front of Coffeebar in the heart of the Village at Palisades Tahoe.​ After the start gun, runners head through the village and east up single-track trails along the Western States trail toward CA Highway 89. At roughly the 1-mile mark, the course tilts upward, whereby runners will enjoy a rigorous 1.5-mile climb (1,200-foot gain) to the Snow King aid station.
After refreshments on the high point on the course (7,500 feet), runners will descend 1,300 feet to the valley floor using a mix of service roads and single track. As with all Broken Arrow participants, finishers will ring the iconic finish line bell to celebrate their accomplishment.
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Aid Stations
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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.
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, all registered 2026 Broken Arrow runner will be emailed a 20% discount code. This code will allow you to shop our hand-picked Race Ready products (along with others from ACG (All Conditions Gear), Leki, Garmin, Julbo, Black Diamond and more) at our retail provider Alpenglow Sports. Save on Neversecond and Tailwind supplies HERE.
Recommended Equipment
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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.
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PLEASE NOTE THE BELOW INFORMATION WILL BE UPDATED IN EARLY 2026.
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Summer/Hot Weather Recommended Items:​
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Identification
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Cold Weather Recommended Items (in addition to the above): ​
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Warm Layer
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​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.
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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 2026 Broken Arrow participants a 20% discount on best-in-class products from ACG (All Conditions Gear - footwear and hydration), 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 Custom/Ultra Quiver, a storage sheath that attaches to your hydration vest and allows you to stow your poles on the fly.
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.​
