This was one of my most enjoyable marathons. Thank you to Kristin, the RD, for recommending I travel by ferry to get to Cordova. That was a treat in itself. Arrived a few days early to hike around the area and take part in the annual 'Taste of Cordova' festival. Very much enjoyed that. Be sure to visit Orca Books. A nice little shop, with coffee, and a pleasant owner. After days on end of 100 degree temperatures in Missouri, it was great to run a marathon with temps in the 50's and a light rain. The course is very flat, with 15 miles of gravel. Don't expect to see other runners or specatators other than a bald eagle, or if you're lucky a moose or bear. There are other races in conjunction with the marathon (5K, 10K and half marathon) and they all have staggered start times to get everyone to the finish line as close as possible. I liked that. Make sure to attend the post race awards ceremony and salmon dinner. It's well worth the $15. I don't have anything negative or constructive to say about this marathon. Just wish it was a little more accessible so I could run it every year! Thanks Cordova!

Actually found this race right here on MarathonGuide.com and once all of the logistics could be worked out, I wrapped up a week long vacation - and state no. 27 - with my daughter by running this marathon.
Everything's a bit more expensive, but it is a completely different experience. If you can't handle anything but Marriotts and Hiltons, this travel experience isn't for you.
The race director and the community are super friendly.
The first 15 miles are gravel, but as long as you survive that you have asphalt the rest of the way in. Each mile is marked accurately with miles to go counted down - a plus mentally for me.
Temps were in the 50's with a little rain, but wasn't a hinderance to a decent performance.
A great find of a race!

I brought my family to Cordova, AK, this summer as a family vacation. Of course, the main reason was for me to run this marathon, but I was glad that my kids and wife also enjoyed the concurrent Salmon Festival events in the town, including concerts, salmon cook-out, kids' education events, and 1 mile fun run/walk.

Regarding the course, not much to add to what have been described in previous comments. The gravel road in the first half was indeed challenging, but the view along the course was stunningly beautiful and unforgettable. I would say those who run a 1/2 race miss a lot! This event definitely is growing; about 30 runners this year (vs. about 20 last year), and I bet there will be larger in coming years. Since it is a remote location, one can't expect much on spectators. Lastly, there is a must-learn inspiring story about the origin of this race.

It is definitely worth visiting this remote town in Alaska, experiencing a small town festival, watching glaciers and wild life, hiking, and running this race, especially the full.

This marathon was to be a very special event for me. The race was held two days before my 40th birthday. As I took up marathon running just three years ago and already looking to join the 50/50 club, the one place I couldn't wait to see was Alaska. I've heard nothing but great things about the Last Frontier but I needed to see for myself what made this place so special.

I opened up the vacation by spending the weekend in Cordova, not wanting to run in any 'big' city such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau. I heard about this race through the Dead Runner's Society (DRS) and thought I check it out.

First thing one should note, you cannot drive to this town from the mainland, seperated from the rest of the state by the Chugach Mountain Range, but it's a quick 1-hour flight from Anchorage. Be sure to stay at the Cordova Rose, an old barge that's landlocked that makes the best breakfast. It's so beautiful seeing the tides come in and out of the harbor throughout the day.

The race course itself is something that any marathon runner, whether you're a 2:15 - 2:20 runner or 5:30 - 6:30 runner, should take the time to appreciate. Seeing the glaciers flow down through the forests and viewing the many forms of wildlife, is as breath-taking as it gets. Getting to the starting line was a treat, being a passenger on a school bus from the 70's brought back fond memories. The comradery of everyone, being there were only 21 runners in 2010 and I was fortunate enough to place 3rd, made this race extra special.

Granted, the conditions weren't the greatest (high 40s and raining the whole race), I couldn't appreciate the extra caring the folks of the town gave when I crossed the finish line and was given a warm-blanket and escorted to a nice warm bus.

Taking the time afterward to drive out to Child's Glacier, I was able to see the remaining 40 miles of the Copper River Scenic Byway, which ends at the Million Dollar Bridge. Watching this glacier calve will take your breath away.

Thanks again Cordova for this memorable time. You're now a permanent part of me, being proud to tell the story behind my tattoo of a salmon wearing a king's throne with running shoes.

What a wonderful experience. In 2009, only 12 runners ran the full... and I had my first top-10 finish!

It is a beautiful stretch of scenery. I wish I could go back again.

This run is perfect if you want to run your own race and see the unspoiled beauty of Alaska.

This run had 9 marathon runners. We were bussed to the start line 26.2 miles down a dirt road. The race started and we ran back into town. Each runner had a follow van to keep grizzlies and overprotective mama moose from attacking you. This fact alone intrigued me enough to make this marathon my mission for the year. Got me back in pre-pregnancy shape.

But the run was incredible. I passed glaciers, ponds full of ducks, geese and swans, rivers being fished by bald eagles, steaming piles of fresh bear skat and amazing blue skies.

I like the smaller runs and hate having to fight my way around people to get my pace.

The van had all my supplies including water and medical needs.

At the conclusion of the race there were crowds, music and lots of fanfare despite the small town.

That night we were treated to a grilled salmon dinner that I challenge you to top. The local fishermen (the town is full of them) had caught fresh salmon the night before. They marinated them, grilled them and fed us until we could eat no more!

Plan to stay a few days and enjoy Alaska the way God intended!

I would run this race again, and again, and again. Make a vacation out of it.

This was my 21st marathon, and the prettiest race course I've ever run on. After being taken out to the start line by a Jeep, we met up with the other runners, and proceeded past majestic mountains, abundant wildlife, and even glaciers. The Salmon Runs consist of a marathon, half-marathon, 10K , 5K, and 1-mile 'fun run'. Probably a total of 150-200 people total for all of the races. Not bad for a town of only 3,000. The only way into town is by ferry or air. The last road into town collapsed in the 1964 earthquake.
The townspeople were wonderful. We attended the Salmon Jam (salmon cookout and music) the night before, and had the post-race dinner at the Orca Adventure Lodge. Food, shirts, and medals were beautiful. If I ever decide to rerun a marathon, this will be it.