The weather was cloudy almost the entire day with periodic showers, but I didn't mind the rain a bit. The course was pretty flat; just a couple of hills, and I didn't consider them bad at all. The race website indicated the possibility of encountering wildlife in the wooded areas, and sure enough, a group of 4 or 5 of us had to stop around the 22-mile mark and give way to a grazing moose making its way slowly down the side of the bike path. After about a minute or so, the moose had passed by and we could resume running. That's a race experience that probably won't get duplicated anywhere else. Anchorage is a very easy town to navigate, and the parking at the race site was very convenient. I had no problems with the water stations. They were spaced every 2 miles like clockwork, and I didn't experience any shortage of supplies. Overall, I enjoyed the whole thing.

This was a cool marathon to run. Perfect weather, entirely run on asphalt bike trails in scenic surroundings, and my first trip to Alaska. Only problem was lack of good fluid support in the last half of the marathon - tables with few volunteers who were too slow in handing over the water and small 'dentist' like cups to drink out of that took in only one gulp before empty. One table at mile 16 had empty cups and a jug a water with no people at the station - I had to pass it up. Fortunately my wife had earlier passed a water belt to me that I used to hydrate myself. The pasta feed was the best pasta I have ever eaten at a marathon - there were four or more varieties and all very tasty! Hardly any fans along the course, but for me the scenic route and
clean air was better than having good crowd support. The best fans were at about mile 2 - four young women dressed in crazy outfits that made you laugh. They should have them placed at mile 22 where you could really use the support. All in all, a great marathon, small size, great food, beautiful country, and no major hills, save a short (.1 mile) stretch around mile 22. If water support were adequate, I'd have no reservations.

The race course is beautiful and the asphalt paths are very nice for runners. The weather was perfect. I would suggest the organizers put a little more effort into a nicer finisher's medal (the ones presented are very small and cheap) for the many who invest quite a bit of time and money to get to Alaska for the race. They should also spend a little money to offer finishers awards instead of the blank ribbons that were passed out.

The registration and the pasta meal the day before the race were both late in getting set up. Some of the fluid stations were not set up for some runners in the leading groups. And lastly, the marathoners, half-marathoners and 5K finishers all received the same t-shirt. It would be better to have shirts made for each race with the distance printed on it.

Registration and pasta dinner held outside in the cold rain with only enough seating for a tenth of the people. No water or sports drink at the 3 aid stations between about 12 and about 19 miles. The volunteers said they 'weren't ready yet'. Too bad, I had just gulped an entire energy gel!! Consequently went from 2nd to 11th because of abdominal cramping. They gave out unmarked 'field day' ribbons for age-group awards. That's right - the fabric ribbons with 1st, 2nd, or 3rd on them, with the paper on the back to fill out your name, etc. I wonder what they spent my $50 on??

I've run Humpy's twice and love the race course. It's flat and fast and run on paved bike trails. Several miles of the course are run along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail which has an excellent view of Cook Inlet and the city of Anchorage. Weather is cool and perfect for running.

Excellent organization with great volunteers. Very pleasant race in a mid size marathon.
Great prize ceremony afterward in Humpy's Bar where all people from abroad were recognized and were told they would receive a running vest as a gift. Two months later, my French niece received a great 'Alaska racing team ' vest ! Thank you guys !