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May 2, 2024

Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Marathon) Runner Comments

Back to Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Marathon) Information & Reviews

Course 4.1

Organization 4.0

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 61 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

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C. Y. from Louisiana (8/26/2014) "Not Great But Not Bad at All" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The organization and course support were the highlights for me and I like the size, small but large enough. Except for the aid stations virtually no spectators but that's fine with me. The aid stations were frequent, well stocked and staffed with friendly students and adults. I don't appreciate the two hills, especially the one at the end. They could both be avoided. Do remember that Anchorage is in a rain forest!
K. A. from Anchorage, AK (8/20/2014) "late start and crowded bike path" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 My favorite part of this marathon was the ease of getting to the start line and the first mile+ that took us through the city streets. After that the course was run mostly on a bike path which was crowded with runners from the other races, bikers, walkers, dogs etc. The lead marathoners had to weave around the slower half marathoners and walkers and the out-and-backs made for lots of crowding with the two-way traffic. Personally I'd rather run on city streets that are closed off to the public than on a crowded bike path, which is fine for a training run but not good for a race. The late 9am start probably contributed to the crowding. The start should be earlier, as the weather and amount of light was the same at 6am/7am as it was at 9am. There were some nice brief ocean views but no signs of wild life.
N. C. from Bound Brook, NJ (9/1/2013) "Peaceful and pleasant small marathon in Anchorage" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I flew to Anchorage for my 13th marathon and am happy that I did. It rained the entire week I was there but as far as the marathon was concerned, the 50's-60's rainy temps made for comfortable running conditions. One moose spotting at mile 19.5 made my day. And the delicious grilled cheese at the finish line was a welcomed bonus. With about 384 runners (and many more half marathoners who started 20 minutes later), the size of the race is comfortable and with two out and backs you never really felt like you were running alone. We stayed at the Anchorage Grand Hotel and were able to quickly walk to the start which is always my preference. I'd highly recommend this marathon.
Ed Robins from Philadelphia, Pa (8/24/2013) "You may run w/ a Moose!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this year's marathon (called Moose's Tooth) and I have absolutely no regrets. In short it is a well run scenic marathon! Before the race you see lots of maniacs and 50 staters and that is always a sign of a well run race. In fact I spoke to three runners who were using Anchorage to complete their 50 state quest! This a smalish race (330 in full; 1000 in half) but large enough that you feel part of something. The expo is modest but about what you'd expect for a race of this size and I got my packet effortlessly. Runners could get some gel or socks but not too much more. It is held in the dowtown convention center only a block or two from the race start-finish area. The race runs about 1.5 miles in the city to thin out the crowds before hitting a paved bike path where the rest of the race is held. The half begins 20 minutes after the marathon start so early race crowding isn't an issue. The course is very scenic and much of it is tree lined offering protection if you get a sunny day. There are 2 or 3 hills on the course and a few gradual ascents/ decents but I would say this course is more flat than not and is pretty fast. There is a short steep hill the final mile however so runners need to keep that in mind. This year we had cool, drizzly weather which made for perfect running weather. Temperature wise I think runners can expect cool conditions most years. There were ample water stops along the way. All had water and Gatorade and there were some gel stops too. Unfortunately each one was organized differantly. Sometimes water was first, sometimes Gatorade. Sometimes the water was in plain cups but other times it was in cups marked gatorade. I know this is nitpicky but late in a race when fatigue is an issue little things like continuity really help. Unique to any race I've ever run this is a race where you may encounter a moose. I did about mile 18.5 and that was an amazing moment. We didn't get many fans. Perhaps the weather kept folks away but the turnout is about what you'd expect from a race of this size. There a modest post-race spread but I did enjoy the bread! A local bar Humpys had a post race celebration but I didn't attend so I can't comment on that. You get a nice long sleeve tech shirt and a nice medal. Anchorage is a little pricey so I avoided the Host hotels. They were walking distance to the start line but I opted to save a little and stay a few miles away. I made the race the start of a vacation and spent the rest of the week up in Denali National Park. If you travel up to Alaska consider doing the same.
B. K. from Midwest (8/21/2013) "Good but needs help ..." (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Mas COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 If you've never visited this state, put it on your bucket list. This is my second visit; and I'll return. Alaska is wild! Pros: 1. No traffic problems. Small town. Convenient hotels. Ramada was great. 2. Good weather. 57 at start with sprinkling rain. 3. Asphalt trail along a marsh. Saw a moose! No real hills. Gentle up and downs. Finish and start in same place, within walking distance of all hotels. Cons: 1. 9am start. Why not 7:30?? Lucky it was not hot. A few weeks before the race, temps were in low 90s here. 2. Post race food below average. 3. Tech shirt was better a few years ago when Humpy's colorful logo was featured. Get a new artist for the shirt. 4. Age bracket awards were pitiful. Cheapo mug. We give nice Lucite awards in our little 5K back home. C'mon, this is a marathon. Volunteers were enthusiastic and kind, as are many Alaskans. This city is central for trips north and south. So much to see, so little time. Forget Europe, visit AK.
J. L. from Columbus, OH (8/24/2012) "Find your Alaska" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 August is a great time for a marathon in Anchorage. After two years in a row roasting in the late summer heat in the lower forty-eight, it was nice to find mid-50s and cloudy. The expo was small but adequate for the size of the race. The pasta dinner was quite a bargain for the advance ticket price. The downtown area was a fairly short cab ride from the airport and there were several hotels within easy walking distance so a car was not necessary. The course was scenic but had lots of little ups and downs. No split times but there was a mat at the start. Many water stations; little entertainment (but the native drum corps at the last turn around was inspiring); crowd support was intermittent and mostly concentrated where the relay exchanges were. Great shirt/medal and the post race was nicely done with bread, fruit and pretzels. There are more choices than youd think for Alaska but this was a good one. If you havent been, plan some extra time on the back end for touristy things (there are lots to choose from).
J. P. from the lower 48 (8/24/2012) "Fun Race" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The Big Wild Life Runs Marathon is a fun race held mainly on a bike/walking trail. Spectator rating is low but those that were out were most enthusiastic. Because you're on a bike trail it doesn't lend itself to the throngs of city folks lining the streets like most city marathons. The course is relatively flat but the back half does have some small grades and the hill on the last mile is a real time killer if you're close on time. Despite that I still PR'd. Good water stations and volunteers. Thank you so much!! Long sleeve tech shirt and finishers medal is very nice. Only complaint is that the course is open and there were lots of bicyclists and walkers later in the race. Some with loose dogs following them. One guy on a recumbent bike came within a whisper of clipping a group of us. This is not cool when you're 17 miles into a marathon dodging all this. I'm not sure why they have to start the race so late in the morning. 9am is really late. A 7 or 8 am start would make more sense. Lots of great places to eat and drink in Anchorage. Definitely try some of the local brews. Everybody was 'in tune' with the race weekend and so nice and helpful with info when needed. If you're doing the 50 state and DC deal then this is my pick for Alaska!
J. W. from The Berkshires, Massachusetts (8/23/2012) "Wild in the city...but not on the streets!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Most of the course is on a relatively flat paved bike trail in the woods and it was great to not have to deal with vehicle traffic. The last half mile of the course is back in the city of Anchorage and the finish is down a straightaway that seemed pretty dramatic-at least to me, because I was about to PR. Spectators were very sparse but the volunteers at the aid stations were good. However, I will complain that some of the course markings were iffy on the bike trail--some forks in the road were not marked with anything except chalk or sticks, and we almost made a wrong turn late in the race. There were teenaged volunteers at the intersection looking bored, and if I hadn't called out 'which way?' we could've gone off the course. This was about 4:30 into the race, we weren't really straggling. This is a small complaint. BWLR was well organized and the fact that the RD was hosting a half and a 5K on the same day didn't get in the way of the marathon. If you need a reason to go to beautiful Alaska, let this race be it.
K. M. from Dallas, TX (9/12/2011) "Scenic, small and great support" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I thoroughly enjoyed this marathon as my choice for running in the state of Alaska. Convenient start/finish line to all downtown hotels, friendly and plentiful volunteers, great course. I personally enjoyed the out and back in both locations so I could see the leaders twice. Very few miles on roads, so no traffic issues. This is a great marathon put on by the Anchorage Running Club and I highly recommend it as a nice change from the huge, crowded, corporate type marathons. A lot less crowded in Alaska this time of the year too. My only complaint/question was to the start time of 9am - it's light by 5:30am that time of the year, so not sure why such a late start. I did not attend the expo or pasta dinner so I can't comment on them.
S. C. from Portland Oregon USA (9/6/2011) "Great course! nice moose w/ Baby" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I loved not having any cars around. Run was on paved trails in mostly wooded areas. Very nice, very comfortable weather. First turn-around was just past the airport. Had a 747 landing directly overhead. VERY COOL. Less than a mile later, a moose and baby. MORE COOL. Lots of water. Great support. Nice finish area with food and music. Very festive enjoyable end zone. THANKS !!

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