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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 31 to 41]

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S. F. from Birmingham. AL (9/12/2009) "On a clear day you can see Denali" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Mas COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Yes, the course is mostly on a bike path, but a very long stretch of it runs along Cook Inlet. It was overcast in the morning, but I was fortunate enough to be slow, so that by the time I reached the coastal section the last time I could see the snow-covered mountains begin to peak out across the water. The part through the woods is green and lovely, and last year I saw a porcupine. My son saw a moose on the trail in 2007. (There are customarily a lot of moose in this area, but they tend to be a little more shy on marathon day.) The marathon is small enough that I have placed in my age group 3 of the 4 times I have run it, and like I said, I am slow. The finisher's medal features a picture of a humpy, which is a type of salmon, and it says, "fishiner" on it. The age group medals are similar, but there is no ad on the back, and they are made into key chains, so you have an excuse to actually carry them around. The race has improved each year, and it seems that they clearly respond to feedback. I would strongly recommend the race, especially to those who run to savor the experience.
Dotty Maddock from Phoenix, AZ (8/20/2009) "Three Stars At Best" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 If you're going after the 50 states, there are limited options for Alaska. I chose this one because the date worked and I prefer the start and finish near my hotel (versus being bused out to the start). Now, there is always a thrill with traveling to somewhere remote for a race, and Anchorage is a cool town. If you can build in a vacation too, I would recommend that (although I didn't have that luxury). The pre-race logistics were OK. The packet pickup is easy to find, and is right by the race start and finish the next day. I appreciated that the "last chance" pickup was also provided the morning of the race, since the day before it closed at 4:00 p.m. There was really nothing of interest in the "goody bag," other than the bib, chip, and shirt (which is long-sleeved, technical, and a pretty color). Double check the size shirt you get, as I ordered a medium but there was a large in my bag. Fortunately, they let me exchange it at the "last chance" packet pickup on race morning. The timing chip was a bit odd; it looks like it should just slip over your laces, but most people tied it on with their shoelaces to ensure that it didn't fall off. I saw at least one person who had lost their chip by not tying it on. I didn't much care for the 9:00 a.m. start, but they did let walkers start at 8:00 a.m. Still, the sun was up a little after 5:00 a.m. there (this time of year), so why the late start? At the same time, it was good that the 5K and half-marathon had slightly later start times, so that helped reduce congestion at the beginning. The course itself is, well, boring. Rather than the "Alaskan wilderness" I pictured, it was basically a paved bike trail through rather "average looking" parks and woods. Other than a couple of views of water and Anchorage, you wouldn't have known you were anywhere special. While I couldn't find an official elevation chart (I think there is sort of one in the upper left corner of the race map), be prepared for some hills! Also, in the second half, the trail winds around quite a bit, and I could see how runners could take a wrong turn. Some of the volunteers were very good at indicating which direction to go, but some weren't. At one point, I had to stop and ask the person who looked like a volunteer (he was busy talking to his girlfriend) which way to go. The finish area was adequate, and I liked the fresh watermelon and big cookies! Beer would have been nice. Having Bart Yasso announce the finishers was a nice touch. The medal is somewhat small, but of good quality. However, the back of the medal is an advertisement for the company that apparently made them (with phone number and all). I hung around for a while waiting for them to post results, but they were about 40 minutes back in posting. So I went to the hotel, cleaned up, and was back in plenty of time for the "awards ceremony." I was fortunate enough to win an age group award, but I was hoping for something more special than a key chain. I'm appreciative of the recognition, but certainly a bear claw or something more Alaskan would be more fun. So, overall I would say that this was a decent experience to check off Alaska in the 50 states quest, but not one of my most memorable runs.
C. A. from Dallas, TX (9/4/2008) "Great Race!" (about: 2008) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 What a beautiful race! I was very impressed by the course (definitely enjoy running along the coast, and through a forest with a bubbling brook beside you) and all the support! The Kodiak Cross Country team was stationed all along the course to cheer runners on and provide support as needed. The water/aid stations were eager to provide you with liquids - there was no waiting for water to be poured or asking for water. The mile markers were easy to see, and the course was fairly flat (a few rollers in the first 2 miles, which you repeat in the last 2 miles). While it rained every day the previous 1.5 weeks, I was in Alaska, and the weather was ideal on race morning. It was around 55 degrees, with a light breeze, and overcast skies - perfect conditions! I would agree with the comment below about post-race food. I wasn't able to find any food after the race and ended up eating at my hotel. There also wasn't any food on the race route (no pretzels). I've completed over a 100 half marathons/marathons and can say this is one of my top events! I've recommended it to all my running friends and look forward to returning again. Would highly recommend Humpy's over Mayor's Midnight Run.
T. P. from Former Runners' Home, Metro Minneapolis, MN USA (8/24/2008) "Nicely Mellow; Basics Need Minor Attention" (about: 2008) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This race is comfortable in its skin as Anchorage's 'lesser' marathon. I chose it rather than the purple circus Mayor's Marathon has become. I had no problems following the course or spotting the mileage markers (the staked ones, which were clearly marked with Humpy's Marathon logos). Spectators and fellow runners were surprisingly friendly and enthusiastic throughout. I was warned about path crowding later in the race (marathoners, marathon walkers, marathon relayers, half-marathon walkers, and non-race path users [particularly bikes]) and luckily the only problem I had was a loose dog crossing 10 feet in front of me; people managed themselves well. The packet pickup and start/finish locales were in a nicely accessible spot downtown, and I saw reasonably close free street parking within a half-mile of the area. The race lit also mentioned free parking at the Conoco-Phillips lot, which is also near the start. Two minor complaints: I too think a long-running race should have sports drink available at all aid stations. It's not hard to do, as the number of aid stations needed in this out-and-back course is smaller than along a point-to-point course. And a pre-race pasta feed should be held at the evening meal time, rather than the odd noon-four period.
Bob Kroeger from Cincinnati (8/22/2008) "Humpy's rocks!!" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Running this marathon was an incredible experience! We arrived late Friday, which was typical (most Alaskan flights start and end in the middle of the night). Rented a car and drove to the Kenai Peninsula on Saturday: saw the Portage Glacier, salmon swimming upstream (could have plucked one out of the stream), snow-capped peaks next to the saltwater fjords, and had dinner in Seward, a quaint fishing village. The marathon course was delightfully flat (a small hill at the end); volunteers and high school runners/cheerleaders were terrific; saw a porcupine on the course; weather cooperated - 55 and cloudy. Views from the course of the marsh and forest qualify it as one of America's most scenic routes. Post-race food could have been better, but I don't feel like eating after a marathon, so that was not a factor for me. Downtown Anchorage was a complete surprise: beautiful flowers everywhere, lots of shops; a wonderful museum on Anchorage/Alaska history; many fine restaurants. Took a few days to visit the national park about four hours north. An easy drive on well-paved highways!! Denali on a clear day was spectacular. Snow-capped Mt. McKinley, at 20,000-plus feet, is something I will never forget. Took a full-day bus tour of the park: grizzlies and cubs, moose, caribou, fox, Dall sheep, etc. And it's very hard to find an Alaskan who is not friendly. We never did. Hope to return in a few years!
d. s. from US (8/20/2008) "1 star says it all" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Mas COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 My complaints are as follows. The course is very boring, unless you enjoy seeing nothing but trees and a little bit of water. The course was not marked except for some signs on the second leg. I did not see one volunteer, except for the police in the city, telling runners where to go. I was told that it was impossible to get lost. I followed several other runners for almost a half-mile before we realized we were going the wrong way. If you sign up for the walk (or slow runners), you will not b eligible for awards. They had sports drink at only 2 stops. No port-a-potties on the course or at the start line. The race director announced that, in Alaska, every tree is a port-a-potty. I followed the arrows labeled "MM" on the second leg only to find out after I finished that they were painted on the street by the Mayors Midnight Sun Marathon (but it did take me to the finish line). The half marathon medal really sucks. It does not even indicate "half marathon." The front reads, "Skinny Raven Sports Anchorage, Alaska" in such small letters that you must magnify it to read it, and "2008." The back of the medal is an advertisement for Oxford. At least the full marathon medal indicates that marathon, but it also does not have the date of the event. They did have mile markers at each mile. Humpy's bar/restaurant serves a very good, free pasta dinner.
C. S. from Springfield, Illinois, USA (8/19/2008) "Pretty well done" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This course was exactly as described on the website, so there should be no complaints on that front. Lots to do in the area, as long as you rent a car. The race started on time, and the course workers were enthusiastic. Lots of good things for the RD to be proud of. Only two negatives come to mind: 1) Need to put sports drinks at more aid stations. Lots of them only seemed to have water. 2) The parking garage charged $1/hour for parking on race day. Neither of these are big problems - just something to look at. Overall, great job!!!!
M. G. from Eagle River, Alaska (8/18/2008) "Good run if you're in the top tier" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 This race has many great volunteers and enthusiastic spectators. The problem is that there were not enough signs pointing runners in the right direction, and a decent number of runners (including me) ran off the course. I missed an unmarked turn between miles 20 and 21, and it added about a mile to my distance. This race will lose runners unless they address the directional markers. Otherwise, everything leading up to the race and the post-race food was wonderful.
T. W. from Vineland, New Jersey (7/15/2008) "Invigorating and motivational. "I would love to!"" (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I came to Alaska from NJ for work; little did I know I would be signing up for a half marathon and this was my first time. Previously, I was only running and walking for fitness, never paying attention to time or pushing myself harder. Completing the course movitated me in many ways. Running is a part of me now and so are the memories. Thanks to my boyfriend, Jon, for inspiring me and joining me in Humpy's Half-Marathon. Thanks to the organization and volunteers. I would LOVE to do it again!
M. C. from Philadelphia, PA (5/11/2008) "Decent, small race" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Anchorage Runfest Humpy's Marathon (prev. Big Wild Life Runs Ma COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This marathon is very small - about 200 marathoners take part. I was surprised to see the race this small, considering it starts and ends right downtown. I gave the course 4 stars because of the potential of seeing moose. Once the walkers/cyclists figure out there's a marathon going on, they're great! Local runners show up to cheer you on, too, and they really know how to cheer! What sets this race apart is the friendliness of the spectators and the other runners. I ran alongside one Alaskan for a good 8 miles, and when I told him I was trying to BQ, he shouted out mile splits for me. Everyone was just so genuinely friendly, it was incredible. Cons: The unmarked split at mile 5 or so that E.H. and company went the wrong way at. I was right behind them too; could have happened to a lot of us. I wound up winning my age group (and getting that BQ), and my award was just a different colored version of the finishers medal! I know it's a small marathon, but something a bit more special would have been nice. By the end, passersby were starting to eat the food for the marathoners. The run up the hill right at the end to get back into town was tough, but the course was fairly flat otherwise. No expo, and no goodies at packet pick-up, though the pasta lunch was included. Also, if the race was sponsored by an alehouse, where was the free beer? Overall, it was a memorable race.

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