I agree with RL from Seattle, except the scenic part. To me, scenic involves broad vistas. This course is run on a great set of trails. So although you are out of traffic for most of the race, you are also running on trails that have, for the most part, trees on both sides of the trail. This is very nice, keeps the air fresh, etc, but you get none of the beautiful views that Alaska is famous for. The trails were very rocky (you almost had to pick your way through the rocks) for a small stretch and full of rocks, but 'runnable' for the rest of the tank trails. Also I agree with the other comments about the elevation. The first half of the course was almost all up hill. And the people who designed the course with an ascent for most of the last mile were cruel.

It is a fun marathon. A great break from the big city marathons. You do get away from the crowds and back to nature. But don't go looking for crowd support.

Congratulations to Michael and all the other support people!
Excellent course with much diversity; very scenic too.
I disagree with previous comments on the course being rough, but if you are 'city runner', look for some trails.
This was my 3rd marathon, with Chicago being the other two races. From an organizational perspective, I rate this marathon a mini-Chicago.
Be sure to take some vacation time after the race, and head to Mt. Mckinley and Denali National Park for some outstanding mountain climbs and trail walks.
And, the people of Alaska are very nice and friendly to us visitors from the lower 48.
I will do this one again!

This was my first marathon, and I wouldn't recommend it for first-timers. The course is extremely difficult, and I was forced to walk over baseball sized rocks for a few miles, as I have a history of ankle injuries and didn't want to risk it. Also, elevation chart is questionable and placement of hills is incorrect according to website. Spectators were few, but very vocal. No spectators allowed on the 9 miles on the trail in a military base. Aid stations were great. Organization at finish was disappointing -- massage therapists left after the exact 5-hour finishers came in. Only food was cold, chewy bagel pieces, and a few kinds of fruit. Ran out of finisher's shirts. I would never do the full marathon again with the rocky trail, but the half is all street. Alaska was gorgeous in general, and I loved the cool weather!

R. L. from Seattle (6/23/03) said it all - my sentiments precisely! This was marathon 23 for me, and I'd rate it second, only behind Hawaii for best venue. I'd only add that some consideration might be given to awarding a nicer medal to finishers (I travelled 10K+ miles from NY to participate at notable air/hotel/misc. expense - it would have been nice to have had indicated on the face of the medal that it was awarded in Anchorage, Alaska, on 21 June, 2003). Anchorage should not be missed - it's a memorable trip of a lifetime: beautiful country, great restaurants, gift shops, and no sales tax!

This was a challenging and difficult course due to the constant hills, but one that is rewarding with the scenery, and one gets a feeling of accomplishment upon finishing such a difficult run.

This was my first marathon, and I am happy to say that I ignored the reviews that said, 'not for first-timers.' I'm proud to be able to say that my first marathon was in Alaska. If I could train all over again, I would definitely incorporate hills into my routine. It would have helped considerably.

The spectators were few, but so encouraging when there. The aid stations were wonderful and consistent, every two miles.

I would do this course again, but would like to see how I'd do on a flat course first. It was awesome to be in Alaska and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Very beautiful course. Remarkably beautiful. But you won't see about 8 miles of the beauty because you will be too busy watching your feet. About 8 miles of the course is on trail strewn with big, ankle-biting rocks. Ay caramba... I didn't pay attention to other people below who mentioned this. Beware. Train a little on this, because it will mess with your head - and make miles 12-26 (after you exit the rocks) that much harder. Also, the first 16 miles of this thing are relentlessly uphill... I think the official elevation chart is perhaps optimistic. Tough stuff. The fluid/aid stations were extremely well organized, well staffed, and well stocked. And when you actually saw some spectators, they were enthusiastic. Most of the course is on trail not near roads - so spectators had to work to get there... wow. I won't do this run again, but I am glad I did it once.

A breathtaking marathon course!

While the course is beautiful it is also challenging. The first few miles are run on a narrow path and it was very crowded. I lined up mid-pack and still had TNT walkers in front of me. After that it opened up and was lovely. Softball size rocks on the trail were scary so it was hard to enjoy the scenery though that section.

I would like to see more water stations on the course, but the ones that were there were well stocked and manned by creative volunteers.

This marathon is something special. I wouldn't recommend it to first timers but veterans will delight in its beauty and challenge.

What a beautiful marathon!
Great for first timers. My 11 year-old son ran with me and had a great time. The scenery was beautiful. The spectators were few, but vocal. The aid stations with their themes (MASH,Dog days, etc)were so creative.
My only complaint was that the bus didn't stop at my motel as promised.

The course is challenging as I'm a city person who trains on relatively flat city streets. The route takes you out into the woods with many miles on trail surfaces with some hills up to about mile 15. So I'd recommend some practice (which I didn't have!) on that kind of surface so you won't be psyched out. It is a huge Leukemia Society Team in Training event so about 50% seemed to be with them. That does provide for interesting company to chat with along the route as each has a story about why they are there. Organization is good with stations about every 2 miles and they are high spirited and fun. Spectators are vocal though not numerous. Its a great run and be sure to take time to explore Alaska afterwards. I went to Kenai Fjords and then Denali.

The land of the Midnight Sun is energizing!! I loved running on the gravel paths and through the parks. The terrain made it different from the other marathons I have run. The most popular color on race day is Purple! Team In Training fills the course. TNT coaches are everywhere shouting encouraging words. It was a great feeling to cross the finishline. I am looking forward to doing it again with the team in 2002.