Crow Pass Crossing Race held Saturday

The Crow Pass Crossing was held Saturday with the start in Girdwood. (Photos by Soren Wuerth)

By Soren Wuerth

TNews Editor

The Alaskan Backcountry Marathon was held Saturday where athletes began the 23-mile race from Girdwood to the Eagle River Nature Center.

One-hundred and thirty eight runners crossed Crow Pass this morning on their way to Eagle River in the 40th annual race.

The leader ran from the trailhead parking lot to the pass in 37 minutes and had a couple minutes lead over rivals.

The route changed slightly for last year's race due to new mandates by the Forest Service, according the race website, so runners now have to take a high traverse to get to the pass.

The change adds around 10 minutes to the 22 mile course. The first runners make it to the Eagle River Nature Center in under three hours.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The first runner to the pass descends into the Raven Glacier outwash. (Photos by Soren Wuerth)

Runners two with three right behind of the Crow Pass Crossing Saturday.

A runner cruises gingerly along a morraine spine.

Runners descend from Crow Pass into Raven Cree Valley.