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Marathon Details - Equinox Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > AK > Fairbanks > Equinox Marathon

Equinox Marathon

Fairbanks, AK USA

September 21, 2024

http://www.equinoxmarathon.org

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Race Details

Extremely challenging, mostly trail, loop course with approximately 4,000 feet of elevation change

Contact Information

Name:	Steve Bainbridge
Address:	Running Club North, P.O. Box 84237, Fairbanks, AK 99708
Phone Number:	907-347-1061
Fax Number:	907- 451-2155
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (19)

Course 4.7

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.5

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Number of comments: 19 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

c. m. from Anchorage (10/7/2012) "Great community marathon, tough course" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Equinox Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is my third Equinox and my ninth marathon, though I've done numerous halfs associated with big events in other cities. I love the race and thought the 2012 one was a wonderful event. It is a lower key atmosphere than many marathons and that's part of its charm. I love the history, the community pride in the event and the trail. The course has everything, up/down, road/trail, dirt/pavement. It's always pretty, but was esp beautiful this year with the golden birch leaves lining our path. Running along side a Musk Ox farm is pretty neat and then we get great views from the top. This year was the 50th running and since the Equinox is uniquely community oriented, the directors chose not to limit the number of participants except in the relay. That resulted in the largest field in years and I believe they handled the large numbers very well. I didn't run into glitches, but registered early. If there were minor issues, I think it was worth it to let more people participate in the 50th running. I loved the changes that kept runners more on trails. There were plenty of water stations and most had pretzels, cookies, etc. The directors also sent out numerous emails, keeping us up to date. As far as chips, I'm not sure how that would help with the bottle neck at the fence since the fence is well past the start line. The gate had actually been widened compared to previous years. Fans are a bit sparse, but everyone is friendly and helpful. I'd said this would be my last time since it's nice to try other races, but after running it, I might be back.
N. L. from Alaska (9/17/2012) "Great course; organization was lacking" (about: 2012) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 I really enjoyed the course for its challenging terrain, the scenery, and the overall camaraderie of the runners. The organization left a bit to be desired, however. I felt it would have been better with chip timing, especially since there is a major mess of people right out of the gate and up the first hill. A chip might make it easier for runners to go out of the starting gate in less of a pack instead of having to walk in a big crowd. Additionally, they didn't have the shirts ordered on time to pick up the day of the race, and the expo was pretty weak. The fans are a great bunch and the weather was perfect for the race day. Just wish that they'd handled some of the logistics better. I talked with runners who had to wear the Ultra bibs because they ran out of the regular marathon bibs. I signed up several weeks in advance but was told my shirt would have to be mailed. Not sure how that happens. Anyway, fun race for the challenge and the view, but I really hope it goes better next year re: organization.
J. D. from Fairbanks, AK (9/21/2010) "Challenging but fun race" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran it this year for the first time. It was a perfect fall day. It started cold (31 degrees F) and ended in the high 50s. The first hill is worth walking, the runners all funnel to get around the fence at the top anyway, so you can't really run. The first 8 miles are almost entirely on trails but otherwise it's uninteresting, then the climb up Ester Dome gets fun. I held back here and walked/ran the hill and lost a lot of time. Next year I will run it. The out-and-back is not as bad as people say; it flies by because of the two-way traffic. You get to see tons of other runners and, if you are in a good mood, cheer them on. The cookies at the turnaround were totally unappealing to me at that point in the race but other people loved them. The porta-potties are at mile 8.4 and then at the top of Ester Dome right by the chute (so you get 2 chances). I used the woods; there are lots of chances to do that. The chute is by far the worst part of the race. I walked it slowly; there are EMTs at the bottom. The worst part of the race for me was hitting pavement on Gold Hill; I cramped up and that part of the run went by fast but I couldn't wait to get back on trail. I had a friend meet me at mile 23 and run to mile 25 with me to get me through. The last mile is uphill and hard but I was so excited that I ran it faster than any other mile in the race. It was a fun, nice course. It is a small race; there were times I was on my own in the woods. You might want a support crew for this one to take layers of clothing, as from start to finish there can be up to a 30-degree temperature difference. I also carried a Camelbak the first 8.5 miles so I could drink and be sure I was hydrated and then ditched it at the first relay exchange point. Next time I won't do that, but it didn't seem like there were enough water stops in the beginning to me and I get dehydrated easily. Great race!
D. C. from Fairbanks, AK (9/21/2009) "Beautiful, fall marathon" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I just ran this race. The course was amazing during the fall. Unlike past years, cars weren't allowed anywhere near the Ester Dome (the brutal hill), so congestion and the breathing of fumes weren't issues at all. This was my first marathon, but I'm addicted. It was beautiful, challenging, and the runners were well taken care of.
D. F. from Michigan (11/9/2008) "A true Alaskan marathon & great hill workout!" (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The autumn leaves and the smell of fall keep you enchanted all 26 miles. Be conservative on the hill and enjoy the downhill. There were cars everywhere up at the top and they were not always polite to runners. I was ticked when a few cars made me wait for them to park before I could pass. Two bee stings at mile 7 didn't feel great, but provided fellow runners with some laughs and an opportunity to make some trail friends. It's very hard to distinguish relay participants and therefore impossible to set your pace off of other runners. It's also a bit discouraging to be continually passed up by fresh legs. Trail was well marked and well stationed. If I'm ever in Fairbanks in September again, you can bet I'll be there. Loved it.
G. R. from Canada (10/8/2008) "Gorgeous fall colors, intimate atmosphere" (about: 2008) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This is a very scenic race, run mostly on trails. I'd heard too much about the rigors of the course, and so held back too much on the Esther Dome climb in the middle - it's actually mostly runnable. If you're doing the 50-states thing, this event has more of an Alaska feel to it than the Mayor's Marathon in Anchorage. Downside? No medals. Oh yeah, and hornet stings - incredibly painful.
S. H. from Austin, TX (9/24/2008) "NOT even close to the second hardest US marathon" (about: 2008) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The worst thing about the race is that we had to share the steepest and longest four-mile uphill part of the course, with cars driving folks to the relay exchange at the top of Ester Dome. This was unexpected and was not very pleasant. As much as I love breathing car exhaust while running uphill, I just don't enjoy dodging around cars that are trying to drive up the course. Only about 30-40% of the course is on trails. Most of the course is on paved or gravel roads, and those portions are open to traffic. It would have been very scenic if it hadn't been foggy. About 80% of the runners got stung by yellow jackets swarming around 6.75 miles into the race. They should have gotten some Benadryl to the aid stations. The race is billed as the 2nd hardest marathon in the US. Having run over 80 different marathons in the US I would rank this one around 20th in difficulty. The cold weather makes it easier and the second half of the course is pretty much all downhill. The race is well organized, the course is well marked and the volunteers are terrific. PowerAde is full strength at nearly ever water stop. Aid station spacing is about every three miles. Tourist season is over, so there are plenty of hotels and B&Bs. The post-race pizza party is fun. Results books are available at the party! Great local newspaper coverage. There is a choice of a either a technical or a cotton shirt. If they kept the cars off the course, then it would be a very enjoyable race.
C. M. from Alaska (9/21/2008) "Tough Marathon" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This marathon is one tough cookie. It goes from 400 feet to 2,000 feet, and downhill just the same. You will need to practice self control on the steepest part of this race. If you don't feel like running the whole thing, then you can get a relay team together - a three-person team! FUN, FUN, FUN!
c. m. from fairbanks (9/25/2007) "Hard, hilly and beautiful" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a very hilly trail marathon that is run on hiking trails, ski trails, roads, and dirt roads and with the fall colors, it's very beautiful. My other marathon was Chicago and they are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but both are great! The first 9 miles are mostly ski trails near the university including a section near the musk ox farm. Next is the ascent of Ester Dome, about an 1,800-foot climb over 3 miles - some great views. Then there is the out-and-back, a tough section of up/down on a hiking trail along the ridge that was the hardest for me. Then is a very steep rocky "chute" followed by a beautiful section through a forest on a nice dirt road. This is followed by a decline on pavement section that some hate, but I like. Then you climb the last hill up to mile 25, and run down a hill over the soccer field to the finish. It's well-run, with aid stations where they say they will be and extras manned by local fans. The director has done it for a number of years and has it down. During training runs, it was easy to get lost, but on race-day, it was quite well marked. Nice tech t-shirt, nice medal. Good pasta feed. The spectators are scattered and not very numerous, but they are fun and encouraging. I have only done one other full, but have done a number of both high-profile (including RnR Arizona, Disney, Georgia) and small (Capitol City, Humpy's, etc.) half-marathons, and this race is well run.
A. K. from Palmer Alaska (9/17/2006) "Best Marathon/Relay Ever!" (about: 2006) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon is everthing I love about running; trails, hills, people, the leaves and the smell... wonderful! The family of runners in Running Club North are so wonderful to be around - it is a great draw to this event. I am so glad I finally ran my first marathon.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]



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c. m. from Anchorage (10/7/2012) "Great community marathon, tough course" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Equinox Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is my third Equinox and my ninth marathon, though I've done numerous halfs associated with big events in other cities. I love the race and thought the 2012 one was a wonderful event. It is a lower key atmosphere than many marathons and that's part of its charm. I love the history, the community pride in the event and the trail. The course has everything, up/down, road/trail, dirt/pavement. It's always pretty, but was esp beautiful this year with the golden birch leaves lining our path. Running along side a Musk Ox farm is pretty neat and then we get great views from the top. This year was the 50th running and since the Equinox is uniquely community oriented, the directors chose not to limit the number of participants except in the relay. That resulted in the largest field in years and I believe they handled the large numbers very well. I didn't run into glitches, but registered early. If there were minor issues, I think it was worth it to let more people participate in the 50th running. I loved the changes that kept runners more on trails. There were plenty of water stations and most had pretzels, cookies, etc. The directors also sent out numerous emails, keeping us up to date. As far as chips, I'm not sure how that would help with the bottle neck at the fence since the fence is well past the start line. The gate had actually been widened compared to previous years. Fans are a bit sparse, but everyone is friendly and helpful. I'd said this would be my last time since it's nice to try other races, but after running it, I might be back.
N. L. from Alaska (9/17/2012) "Great course; organization was lacking" (about: 2012) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 I really enjoyed the course for its challenging terrain, the scenery, and the overall camaraderie of the runners. The organization left a bit to be desired, however. I felt it would have been better with chip timing, especially since there is a major mess of people right out of the gate and up the first hill. A chip might make it easier for runners to go out of the starting gate in less of a pack instead of having to walk in a big crowd. Additionally, they didn't have the shirts ordered on time to pick up the day of the race, and the expo was pretty weak. The fans are a great bunch and the weather was perfect for the race day. Just wish that they'd handled some of the logistics better. I talked with runners who had to wear the Ultra bibs because they ran out of the regular marathon bibs. I signed up several weeks in advance but was told my shirt would have to be mailed. Not sure how that happens. Anyway, fun race for the challenge and the view, but I really hope it goes better next year re: organization.
J. D. from Fairbanks, AK (9/21/2010) "Challenging but fun race" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran it this year for the first time. It was a perfect fall day. It started cold (31 degrees F) and ended in the high 50s. The first hill is worth walking, the runners all funnel to get around the fence at the top anyway, so you can't really run. The first 8 miles are almost entirely on trails but otherwise it's uninteresting, then the climb up Ester Dome gets fun. I held back here and walked/ran the hill and lost a lot of time. Next year I will run it. The out-and-back is not as bad as people say; it flies by because of the two-way traffic. You get to see tons of other runners and, if you are in a good mood, cheer them on. The cookies at the turnaround were totally unappealing to me at that point in the race but other people loved them. The porta-potties are at mile 8.4 and then at the top of Ester Dome right by the chute (so you get 2 chances). I used the woods; there are lots of chances to do that. The chute is by far the worst part of the race. I walked it slowly; there are EMTs at the bottom. The worst part of the race for me was hitting pavement on Gold Hill; I cramped up and that part of the run went by fast but I couldn't wait to get back on trail. I had a friend meet me at mile 23 and run to mile 25 with me to get me through. The last mile is uphill and hard but I was so excited that I ran it faster than any other mile in the race. It was a fun, nice course. It is a small race; there were times I was on my own in the woods. You might want a support crew for this one to take layers of clothing, as from start to finish there can be up to a 30-degree temperature difference. I also carried a Camelbak the first 8.5 miles so I could drink and be sure I was hydrated and then ditched it at the first relay exchange point. Next time I won't do that, but it didn't seem like there were enough water stops in the beginning to me and I get dehydrated easily. Great race!
D. C. from Fairbanks, AK (9/21/2009) "Beautiful, fall marathon" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I just ran this race. The course was amazing during the fall. Unlike past years, cars weren't allowed anywhere near the Ester Dome (the brutal hill), so congestion and the breathing of fumes weren't issues at all. This was my first marathon, but I'm addicted. It was beautiful, challenging, and the runners were well taken care of.
D. F. from Michigan (11/9/2008) "A true Alaskan marathon & great hill workout!" (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The autumn leaves and the smell of fall keep you enchanted all 26 miles. Be conservative on the hill and enjoy the downhill. There were cars everywhere up at the top and they were not always polite to runners. I was ticked when a few cars made me wait for them to park before I could pass. Two bee stings at mile 7 didn't feel great, but provided fellow runners with some laughs and an opportunity to make some trail friends. It's very hard to distinguish relay participants and therefore impossible to set your pace off of other runners. It's also a bit discouraging to be continually passed up by fresh legs. Trail was well marked and well stationed. If I'm ever in Fairbanks in September again, you can bet I'll be there. Loved it.
G. R. from Canada (10/8/2008) "Gorgeous fall colors, intimate atmosphere" (about: 2008) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This is a very scenic race, run mostly on trails. I'd heard too much about the rigors of the course, and so held back too much on the Esther Dome climb in the middle - it's actually mostly runnable. If you're doing the 50-states thing, this event has more of an Alaska feel to it than the Mayor's Marathon in Anchorage. Downside? No medals. Oh yeah, and hornet stings - incredibly painful.
S. H. from Austin, TX (9/24/2008) "NOT even close to the second hardest US marathon" (about: 2008) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The worst thing about the race is that we had to share the steepest and longest four-mile uphill part of the course, with cars driving folks to the relay exchange at the top of Ester Dome. This was unexpected and was not very pleasant. As much as I love breathing car exhaust while running uphill, I just don't enjoy dodging around cars that are trying to drive up the course. Only about 30-40% of the course is on trails. Most of the course is on paved or gravel roads, and those portions are open to traffic. It would have been very scenic if it hadn't been foggy. About 80% of the runners got stung by yellow jackets swarming around 6.75 miles into the race. They should have gotten some Benadryl to the aid stations. The race is billed as the 2nd hardest marathon in the US. Having run over 80 different marathons in the US I would rank this one around 20th in difficulty. The cold weather makes it easier and the second half of the course is pretty much all downhill. The race is well organized, the course is well marked and the volunteers are terrific. PowerAde is full strength at nearly ever water stop. Aid station spacing is about every three miles. Tourist season is over, so there are plenty of hotels and B&Bs. The post-race pizza party is fun. Results books are available at the party! Great local newspaper coverage. There is a choice of a either a technical or a cotton shirt. If they kept the cars off the course, then it would be a very enjoyable race.
C. M. from Alaska (9/21/2008) "Tough Marathon" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This marathon is one tough cookie. It goes from 400 feet to 2,000 feet, and downhill just the same. You will need to practice self control on the steepest part of this race. If you don't feel like running the whole thing, then you can get a relay team together - a three-person team! FUN, FUN, FUN!
c. m. from fairbanks (9/25/2007) "Hard, hilly and beautiful" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Equinox Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a very hilly trail marathon that is run on hiking trails, ski trails, roads, and dirt roads and with the fall colors, it's very beautiful. My other marathon was Chicago and they are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but both are great! The first 9 miles are mostly ski trails near the university including a section near the musk ox farm. Next is the ascent of Ester Dome, about an 1,800-foot climb over 3 miles - some great views. Then there is the out-and-back, a tough section of up/down on a hiking trail along the ridge that was the hardest for me. Then is a very steep rocky "chute" followed by a beautiful section through a forest on a nice dirt road. This is followed by a decline on pavement section that some hate, but I like. Then you climb the last hill up to mile 25, and run down a hill over the soccer field to the finish. It's well-run, with aid stations where they say they will be and extras manned by local fans. The director has done it for a number of years and has it down. During training runs, it was easy to get lost, but on race-day, it was quite well marked. Nice tech t-shirt, nice medal. Good pasta feed. The spectators are scattered and not very numerous, but they are fun and encouraging. I have only done one other full, but have done a number of both high-profile (including RnR Arizona, Disney, Georgia) and small (Capitol City, Humpy's, etc.) half-marathons, and this race is well run.
A. K. from Palmer Alaska (9/17/2006) "Best Marathon/Relay Ever!" (about: 2006) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon is everthing I love about running; trails, hills, people, the leaves and the smell... wonderful! The family of runners in Running Club North are so wonderful to be around - it is a great draw to this event. I am so glad I finally ran my first marathon.

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Marathon Details - Equinox Marathon