Racers prepare for Susitna 100

ANCHORAGE - Elite cross-country skiers, runners and cyclists in Alaska are gearing up for the Susitna 100, a winter endurance race beginning Saturday in rugged wilderness terrain.

Racers will compete on an out-and-back route that begins outside of Wasilla.

The 75 competitors can ski, bike or run through remote forests and across frozen waterways 50 miles northwest to Alexander Lake, stop to eat, change clothes and then turn around for the 50-mile trek back to the finish line.

Athletes from 11 states plus Italy, Canada, Germany and France are entered.

Much of the course follows the frozen Susitna and Yentna rivers. However, most of the course is not accessible by road and drifting snow can bury geographic landmarks.