Marathon Details - Mayor's Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > AK > Anchorage > Mayor's Marathon

Mayor's Marathon & Half-Marathon, 5-Miler, Relays

Anchorage, AK USA

June 22, 2024

http://www.anchoragemayorsmarathon.com

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Contact More Info

Name:	Michael Friess
Address:	Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon c/o UAA Athletics Dept 3211 Providence Drive Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone Number:	907-786-1325
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.3

Spectators 3.6

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Number of comments: 127 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

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T. L. from Canyon Country, CA (12/30/2023) "Lovely course" (about: 2023) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Like many runners, I did this one because...Alaska. We arrived in Anchorage a few days early, and we went to the group run at Skinny Raven running store on Thursday night to meet locals and get an idea of the course. VERY glad we did that. No bears on course. Thank goodness. I am afraid of bears to the point of phobia, and the sign at about mile 16.5 that said 'Caution: Black and Brown Bears frequent this area during salmon spawning season' did not help. I covered that portion of the course very quickly. We did see a moose in the first couple of miles. Hid behind bushes until the moose vacated the area. Spectators -- none to speak of. Lots of planes taking off and landing as we passed Ted Stevens Int'l Airport. Lots of people not connected with the race on the bike paths in miles 6-15 and 19-26. I cannot thank the woman who came out to run me in enough. We'd met her at the group run on Thursday night and when she heard I was still out there she headed out and accompanied me the last 1.5 miles. THANK YOU RACHEL. I probably won't be back to do this one again any time soon -- still terrified of bears! -- however I would recommend this race to people who want to see a bit of Anchorage and want to add Alaska to their state list.
B. B. from Pittsburgh, Pa (6/24/2022) "It's Really Good" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Pre race involved a packet pick and not really an expo at a local college with free parking a little ways from downtown. Race day started at a soccer field that had sufficient free parking and enough port o potties for the size of the field. A pleasant course featuring Anchorage's extensive park trail system. The first few miles are downhill, including a very steep downhill first mile. Most of the middle of the course, after about mile 7, is relatively flat until you get to a very steep climb at mile 25.5 that was reminiscent of Marine Corp's finish. Not many spectators, but there is really not many places for them to be anyway. A solid finish line experience as well with a big, impressive medal. The parking/shuttle system worked for me, but I talked with some folks who waited over an hour for the shuttle back to the start. Happily, this was not my fate. Overall, a good, low key well organized race that got all of the important things right in my opinion. Several very good breweries in Anchorage with King Street and Turnagain being my favorites. As a first time visitor to Alaska, I was stunned by the beauty and encourage everyone to plan on enjoying the area for several days.
T. Y. from Dayton, OH (6/20/2021) "Well organized/supported" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The organization and volunteer support for this race was top notch. This was apparently a new course this year which was almost exclusively on a bike trail in and around Anchorage. There was one small stretch (2 miles or less) of gravel/packed dirt trail but the rest was paved. A little bit of up and down hills, but a net elevation loss. I didn't notice the downhills as much as the up until my quads were less than happy late in the race. The course was very well marked with both signs and arrows on the path at intersections. If you are looking to BQ, this is probably not the race to try it as a bear on the trail caused at least a 10 minute delay for some runners (I was one of them) before a re-route around the bear added around 0.4 mile to the total distance. Post race food was minimal (banana, granola bar and water bottle), but this was likely due to Covid still being a PITA. We stayed at a B&B (Susitna Place) within walking distance of the finish area which worked out very well for the shuttle to the start area. All in all a fantastically organized race if you need to mark Alaska off your list.
K. J. from Washington, DC (6/28/2019) "The Most Beautiful Race I've Run" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I really liked the Mayor's Marathon! It was a smaller race - especially for being a race in a 'big' city. It was so very scenic with panoramic views of the mountains for the first five miles, valleys, rivers, more mountains, forests, etc. Alaska is a state you visit in order to see the wilderness in all of its glory and the Mayor's Marathon did a stellar job in showcasing that.The course can be challenging - especially from miles 10-14. You will run on a variety surfaces: road, loose dirt/gravel, trail, and a little bit of grass at the end. You will be taunted by two giant hills in the last half mile. The crowds are sparse, but you are running in the wilderness and on a bike trail, so that is to be expected. However, the runners are all incredibly friendly and supportive. This will probably not be your fastest marathon, so bring your camera and take in the scenery. As an East Coast dweller, this whole experience will be one I always remember and cherish. As other reviewers have said, make a vacation out of it and explore more of Alaska when you are done.
D. D. from Las Vegas (6/26/2019) "Beautiful course" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Course is run on pavement, gravel, rocks, road, single track trail, finishing on grass. My feet didn't get as sore as usual due to the diverse course. Aid stations with water and Gatorade every couple miles but no gels. Also the hard plastic cups forced me to walk through all the water stations in order to drink. Food after was nice with grilled cheese sandwiches; bread, cookies. Definitely not a fast course but not too difficult compared to other races I've run. I saw a bear by the side of the road! Course was beautiful!
M. F. from Colorado (6/24/2018) "Nice Organization! Course & Fans need help!!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 First, Alaska is a beautiful state - one of the prettiest.....but the course is incredibly boring....most of it on a tree lined path or roads with virtually nothing to see....with all of the scenic beauty around - this is the best they could do? Nothing even through the city/downtown either...? Fans were virtually non-existent and even the most of fans that were on the course were very quiet and hardly cheered at all...really? The course safety people on bikes did NOT say anything either; just rode by said nothing....the water stations (lots of friendly volunteers), packet picket, shuttle buses and start/finish areas was all fine - so good job there! Also, why was there 2 steep hills in the last 1/2 mile? That's a bad design. Anyway, this could be so much better!!! Also, I had an epic massage at BKK Thai Massage with Carol after the event - 907.644.6224....look her up after next year's race....
c. w. from Pottstown, PA (6/25/2017) "There has to be a better marathon in Alaska" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 Like many others, I came to Alaska to work on the 50 state challenge. After the fiasco with humpy's race last year, I decided to run the Mayor's marathon. I found the organizer to be unresponsive to e-mails. When I went to the expo, there was no dedicated information table and the volunteers were unable to answer my questions (shower availability after the race, gels being offered during the race). Most of the race is held off road to help minimize road closures and let you enjoy the scenery of Alaska. There is a 30' suspension bridge that you run over around the mid-point of the race. There were water stations about every 2 miles and several stations offered oranges or pretzels or candy along with water and gatorade. The finish is up a steep hill that is worse than the marine corps marathon finish. The finish line was pretty skimpy on food with very long lines for the grilled cheese sandwiches. Fortunately there was plenty of parking near the finish of the race so you could easily leave after the race. Alaska is a beautiful state. This race does not reflect the beauty. You spend too much time in the deep woods or on a bike trail near a major highway to enjoy what lies beyond. The swag is pretty skimpy (water bottle and a finisher's t-shirt). I would recommend runners to look for a different race if you are looking to complete the 50 state challenge.
D. H. from Decatur, Georgia (7/16/2016) "Wild, urban race" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I did this race, as so many do, to knock out Alaska. It's a nice race, to be sure. The course is beautiful, and the first half is mostly run in the training areas of the Army/Air Force base. Very few spectators until the very end. Very few aid stations, relative to other races I've run, but the volunteers were great. The up hill leading to the finisher chute is reminiscent of Marine Corps, but longer. Mean, little joke, but I can laugh at it. I don't know if it was when I came in, but there wasn't too much food available. Admittedly, I was in a hurry to catch a bus to a ship and may have just missed it. Lastly, runner tracking is offered as a courtesy, but I only remember seeing 2 timing mats and my wife never received a single update for my friend or myself. Would I do this again? Probably not. Had I the time, I would explore one of the other AK races.
T. K. from Cincinnati, OH (6/26/2016) "Most beautiful marathon course of all!" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Top 10 Reasons to Run Anchorage: 10) A nice escape from the mid June heat/humidity of the lower 48..its like natural air-conditioning. 9) The hills are largely at the beginning except for the last one right before the Finish Line which you actually get to run twice in the last half mile! 8) You can make a wonderful vacation out of running it 7) Since this is a true destination race, there are a lot of hardcore runners with some good inspirational stories a 50-stater was finishing his 50th state, another was doing the 50 states for the 3rd time. 6) A variety of running surfaces streets, bike paths, crushed gravel/dirt roads, single track trail and even grass (at the finish line) 5) Corollary to #6, the race is run on city streets for less than a mile total&this makes for a more pure running experience 4) Although you dont get a participant shirt, you do get a really nice long-sleeved technical shirt at the Finish Line 3) The finishers medal is great it even has a moose on the back 2) One of the most beautiful marathons Ive run mountains, creeks, rivers, meadows, ponds, the inlet, flowers, forests&absolutely gorgeous 1) If you are lucky enough to plan and afford a cruise afterwards, you can eat and eat and eat&totally guilt free!
Wayne Wright from Palmdale, California USA (7/25/2015) "Way Up North in the Urban Wilderness" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 INTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:16:46. The Mayors Midnight Sun Marathon was my thirty-fourth 26.2-miler accomplished. COURSE: It was a great day for a marathon: weather conditions at start time were an overcast 57 degrees, 78 percent relative humidity with no noticeable wind. We started our marathon trek at Bartlett High School on the eastern outskirts of Anchorage. Within a half mile, we were relegated to a Glenn Highway bicycle path that was able to accommodate only three astride. Congestion cleared up a bit somewhere between miles 1 and 2 as we continued our way out of town, heading east. At mile 4, turning south, we left the trail and entered the grounds of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. With one unobstructed lane to travel in, we stayed on the undulating paved roads until reaching a point between miles 6 and 7, where we were diverted onto the gravel tank roads. Alternating between south and west directions, we remained at elevations ranging between 300 to 400 feet until reaching mile 13, where we started to climb to the highest point of the marathon (approximately 550 feet) near mile 14 1/2. By this time, when we left JBER, our final mile or so on the unpaved part of the course narrowed down to the single-track Tank Trail inside Far North Bicentennial Park, but the field had thinned out by this point that it was not difficult to pass a fellow marathoner if the need existed. At mile 15.2, we were back on pavement, travelling downhill on Campbell Airstrip Road for the next 2.6 miles. When we had reached East Tudor Road just before mile 18, we had gone down 250 feet in elevation. Now heading westward, we were in the southern suburb of the city, travelling once again on a bike trail for the next seven miles. (One of the nice features of the trail system and marathon is the existence of tunnels under and bridges over the major arteries of the city; no doubt, the motorists appreciated the fact they were not required to stop and wait for us to complete the crossings.) Turning north at mile 19.5, we stayed on trails that took us adjacent to University Lake Park, Alaska Pacific University, and Goose Lake Park, now resuming our westward trek toward the finish. At mile 21, we embarked on almost the entire length of the four-mile Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail, perhaps the most scenic part of the race. Winding alongside the forested creek on the southern outskirts of downtown Anchorage, we continued west passing through Tikishla Park, Eastchester Park, Chas Smith Memorial Park, Valley of the Moon Park, and finally, Margaret Egan Sullivan Park, all the while going down 130 feet in elevation. Just before the trailhead, we got off of at U Street, where we would travel through a west Anchorage neighborhood for the final half mile. Just before reaching the finish line at the western edge of Delaney Park, we were obliged to go uphill approximately 80 feet in elevation. Furthermore, when the course flattened out at the park entrance, we had to traverse a grassy surface for a hundred feet or so before reaching the race conclusion. Weather conditions at finish time were an overcast 61 degrees, 67 percent relative humidity, and wind from the west at 5 mph. ORGANIZATION: Average expo for a race of this size with a good selection of race merchandise to choose from. The guide provided to us gave good advice on what to do if we were to encounter a bear or moose during the race. Good course support during the race, but one can suspect misplaced mile markers at miles 15 and 25. (In the case of the latter, it was hard to believe the existence of a five-minute time differential between the last two mile splits.) SPECTATORS: Understandably, with exception of aid station personnel, there was an absence of fans during the first fifteen miles while we were alongside Glenn Highway, inside JBER, and on Tank Trail. Otherwise, we experienced average fan support for a marathon of this size. CONCLUSION: Despite being in a city of 300 thousand people, we rarely encountered evidence of such: for approximately two miles did we see any commercial structures; for the rest of the time we were surrounded by parklandan urban wilderness, if you will. In addition, the half marathon and four mile races were staged on separate courses in a different part of the city. Two reasons why this made it an enjoyable marathon to participate in. POSTSCRIPT: Race-walkers are few and far between in events such as these, and rarer still is to find one of similar ability. Russ, a national-class race-walker was instrumental in getting me to the finish line within the time objective. Furthermore, the miles seem to go by a bit more quickly! My thanks to you, sir!

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T. L. from Canyon Country, CA (12/30/2023) "Lovely course" (about: 2023) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Like many runners, I did this one because...Alaska. We arrived in Anchorage a few days early, and we went to the group run at Skinny Raven running store on Thursday night to meet locals and get an idea of the course. VERY glad we did that. No bears on course. Thank goodness. I am afraid of bears to the point of phobia, and the sign at about mile 16.5 that said 'Caution: Black and Brown Bears frequent this area during salmon spawning season' did not help. I covered that portion of the course very quickly. We did see a moose in the first couple of miles. Hid behind bushes until the moose vacated the area. Spectators -- none to speak of. Lots of planes taking off and landing as we passed Ted Stevens Int'l Airport. Lots of people not connected with the race on the bike paths in miles 6-15 and 19-26. I cannot thank the woman who came out to run me in enough. We'd met her at the group run on Thursday night and when she heard I was still out there she headed out and accompanied me the last 1.5 miles. THANK YOU RACHEL. I probably won't be back to do this one again any time soon -- still terrified of bears! -- however I would recommend this race to people who want to see a bit of Anchorage and want to add Alaska to their state list.
B. B. from Pittsburgh, Pa (6/24/2022) "It's Really Good" (about: 2022) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Pre race involved a packet pick and not really an expo at a local college with free parking a little ways from downtown. Race day started at a soccer field that had sufficient free parking and enough port o potties for the size of the field. A pleasant course featuring Anchorage's extensive park trail system. The first few miles are downhill, including a very steep downhill first mile. Most of the middle of the course, after about mile 7, is relatively flat until you get to a very steep climb at mile 25.5 that was reminiscent of Marine Corp's finish. Not many spectators, but there is really not many places for them to be anyway. A solid finish line experience as well with a big, impressive medal. The parking/shuttle system worked for me, but I talked with some folks who waited over an hour for the shuttle back to the start. Happily, this was not my fate. Overall, a good, low key well organized race that got all of the important things right in my opinion. Several very good breweries in Anchorage with King Street and Turnagain being my favorites. As a first time visitor to Alaska, I was stunned by the beauty and encourage everyone to plan on enjoying the area for several days.
T. Y. from Dayton, OH (6/20/2021) "Well organized/supported" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The organization and volunteer support for this race was top notch. This was apparently a new course this year which was almost exclusively on a bike trail in and around Anchorage. There was one small stretch (2 miles or less) of gravel/packed dirt trail but the rest was paved. A little bit of up and down hills, but a net elevation loss. I didn't notice the downhills as much as the up until my quads were less than happy late in the race. The course was very well marked with both signs and arrows on the path at intersections. If you are looking to BQ, this is probably not the race to try it as a bear on the trail caused at least a 10 minute delay for some runners (I was one of them) before a re-route around the bear added around 0.4 mile to the total distance. Post race food was minimal (banana, granola bar and water bottle), but this was likely due to Covid still being a PITA. We stayed at a B&B (Susitna Place) within walking distance of the finish area which worked out very well for the shuttle to the start area. All in all a fantastically organized race if you need to mark Alaska off your list.
K. J. from Washington, DC (6/28/2019) "The Most Beautiful Race I've Run" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I really liked the Mayor's Marathon! It was a smaller race - especially for being a race in a 'big' city. It was so very scenic with panoramic views of the mountains for the first five miles, valleys, rivers, more mountains, forests, etc. Alaska is a state you visit in order to see the wilderness in all of its glory and the Mayor's Marathon did a stellar job in showcasing that.The course can be challenging - especially from miles 10-14. You will run on a variety surfaces: road, loose dirt/gravel, trail, and a little bit of grass at the end. You will be taunted by two giant hills in the last half mile. The crowds are sparse, but you are running in the wilderness and on a bike trail, so that is to be expected. However, the runners are all incredibly friendly and supportive. This will probably not be your fastest marathon, so bring your camera and take in the scenery. As an East Coast dweller, this whole experience will be one I always remember and cherish. As other reviewers have said, make a vacation out of it and explore more of Alaska when you are done.
D. D. from Las Vegas (6/26/2019) "Beautiful course" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Course is run on pavement, gravel, rocks, road, single track trail, finishing on grass. My feet didn't get as sore as usual due to the diverse course. Aid stations with water and Gatorade every couple miles but no gels. Also the hard plastic cups forced me to walk through all the water stations in order to drink. Food after was nice with grilled cheese sandwiches; bread, cookies. Definitely not a fast course but not too difficult compared to other races I've run. I saw a bear by the side of the road! Course was beautiful!
M. F. from Colorado (6/24/2018) "Nice Organization! Course & Fans need help!!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 First, Alaska is a beautiful state - one of the prettiest.....but the course is incredibly boring....most of it on a tree lined path or roads with virtually nothing to see....with all of the scenic beauty around - this is the best they could do? Nothing even through the city/downtown either...? Fans were virtually non-existent and even the most of fans that were on the course were very quiet and hardly cheered at all...really? The course safety people on bikes did NOT say anything either; just rode by said nothing....the water stations (lots of friendly volunteers), packet picket, shuttle buses and start/finish areas was all fine - so good job there! Also, why was there 2 steep hills in the last 1/2 mile? That's a bad design. Anyway, this could be so much better!!! Also, I had an epic massage at BKK Thai Massage with Carol after the event - 907.644.6224....look her up after next year's race....
c. w. from Pottstown, PA (6/25/2017) "There has to be a better marathon in Alaska" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 Like many others, I came to Alaska to work on the 50 state challenge. After the fiasco with humpy's race last year, I decided to run the Mayor's marathon. I found the organizer to be unresponsive to e-mails. When I went to the expo, there was no dedicated information table and the volunteers were unable to answer my questions (shower availability after the race, gels being offered during the race). Most of the race is held off road to help minimize road closures and let you enjoy the scenery of Alaska. There is a 30' suspension bridge that you run over around the mid-point of the race. There were water stations about every 2 miles and several stations offered oranges or pretzels or candy along with water and gatorade. The finish is up a steep hill that is worse than the marine corps marathon finish. The finish line was pretty skimpy on food with very long lines for the grilled cheese sandwiches. Fortunately there was plenty of parking near the finish of the race so you could easily leave after the race. Alaska is a beautiful state. This race does not reflect the beauty. You spend too much time in the deep woods or on a bike trail near a major highway to enjoy what lies beyond. The swag is pretty skimpy (water bottle and a finisher's t-shirt). I would recommend runners to look for a different race if you are looking to complete the 50 state challenge.
D. H. from Decatur, Georgia (7/16/2016) "Wild, urban race" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I did this race, as so many do, to knock out Alaska. It's a nice race, to be sure. The course is beautiful, and the first half is mostly run in the training areas of the Army/Air Force base. Very few spectators until the very end. Very few aid stations, relative to other races I've run, but the volunteers were great. The up hill leading to the finisher chute is reminiscent of Marine Corps, but longer. Mean, little joke, but I can laugh at it. I don't know if it was when I came in, but there wasn't too much food available. Admittedly, I was in a hurry to catch a bus to a ship and may have just missed it. Lastly, runner tracking is offered as a courtesy, but I only remember seeing 2 timing mats and my wife never received a single update for my friend or myself. Would I do this again? Probably not. Had I the time, I would explore one of the other AK races.
T. K. from Cincinnati, OH (6/26/2016) "Most beautiful marathon course of all!" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Top 10 Reasons to Run Anchorage: 10) A nice escape from the mid June heat/humidity of the lower 48..its like natural air-conditioning. 9) The hills are largely at the beginning except for the last one right before the Finish Line which you actually get to run twice in the last half mile! 8) You can make a wonderful vacation out of running it 7) Since this is a true destination race, there are a lot of hardcore runners with some good inspirational stories a 50-stater was finishing his 50th state, another was doing the 50 states for the 3rd time. 6) A variety of running surfaces streets, bike paths, crushed gravel/dirt roads, single track trail and even grass (at the finish line) 5) Corollary to #6, the race is run on city streets for less than a mile total&this makes for a more pure running experience 4) Although you dont get a participant shirt, you do get a really nice long-sleeved technical shirt at the Finish Line 3) The finishers medal is great it even has a moose on the back 2) One of the most beautiful marathons Ive run mountains, creeks, rivers, meadows, ponds, the inlet, flowers, forests&absolutely gorgeous 1) If you are lucky enough to plan and afford a cruise afterwards, you can eat and eat and eat&totally guilt free!
Wayne Wright from Palmdale, California USA (7/25/2015) "Way Up North in the Urban Wilderness" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mayor's Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 INTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:16:46. The Mayors Midnight Sun Marathon was my thirty-fourth 26.2-miler accomplished. COURSE: It was a great day for a marathon: weather conditions at start time were an overcast 57 degrees, 78 percent relative humidity with no noticeable wind. We started our marathon trek at Bartlett High School on the eastern outskirts of Anchorage. Within a half mile, we were relegated to a Glenn Highway bicycle path that was able to accommodate only three astride. Congestion cleared up a bit somewhere between miles 1 and 2 as we continued our way out of town, heading east. At mile 4, turning south, we left the trail and entered the grounds of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. With one unobstructed lane to travel in, we stayed on the undulating paved roads until reaching a point between miles 6 and 7, where we were diverted onto the gravel tank roads. Alternating between south and west directions, we remained at elevations ranging between 300 to 400 feet until reaching mile 13, where we started to climb to the highest point of the marathon (approximately 550 feet) near mile 14 1/2. By this time, when we left JBER, our final mile or so on the unpaved part of the course narrowed down to the single-track Tank Trail inside Far North Bicentennial Park, but the field had thinned out by this point that it was not difficult to pass a fellow marathoner if the need existed. At mile 15.2, we were back on pavement, travelling downhill on Campbell Airstrip Road for the next 2.6 miles. When we had reached East Tudor Road just before mile 18, we had gone down 250 feet in elevation. Now heading westward, we were in the southern suburb of the city, travelling once again on a bike trail for the next seven miles. (One of the nice features of the trail system and marathon is the existence of tunnels under and bridges over the major arteries of the city; no doubt, the motorists appreciated the fact they were not required to stop and wait for us to complete the crossings.) Turning north at mile 19.5, we stayed on trails that took us adjacent to University Lake Park, Alaska Pacific University, and Goose Lake Park, now resuming our westward trek toward the finish. At mile 21, we embarked on almost the entire length of the four-mile Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail, perhaps the most scenic part of the race. Winding alongside the forested creek on the southern outskirts of downtown Anchorage, we continued west passing through Tikishla Park, Eastchester Park, Chas Smith Memorial Park, Valley of the Moon Park, and finally, Margaret Egan Sullivan Park, all the while going down 130 feet in elevation. Just before the trailhead, we got off of at U Street, where we would travel through a west Anchorage neighborhood for the final half mile. Just before reaching the finish line at the western edge of Delaney Park, we were obliged to go uphill approximately 80 feet in elevation. Furthermore, when the course flattened out at the park entrance, we had to traverse a grassy surface for a hundred feet or so before reaching the race conclusion. Weather conditions at finish time were an overcast 61 degrees, 67 percent relative humidity, and wind from the west at 5 mph. ORGANIZATION: Average expo for a race of this size with a good selection of race merchandise to choose from. The guide provided to us gave good advice on what to do if we were to encounter a bear or moose during the race. Good course support during the race, but one can suspect misplaced mile markers at miles 15 and 25. (In the case of the latter, it was hard to believe the existence of a five-minute time differential between the last two mile splits.) SPECTATORS: Understandably, with exception of aid station personnel, there was an absence of fans during the first fifteen miles while we were alongside Glenn Highway, inside JBER, and on Tank Trail. Otherwise, we experienced average fan support for a marathon of this size. CONCLUSION: Despite being in a city of 300 thousand people, we rarely encountered evidence of such: for approximately two miles did we see any commercial structures; for the rest of the time we were surrounded by parklandan urban wilderness, if you will. In addition, the half marathon and four mile races were staged on separate courses in a different part of the city. Two reasons why this made it an enjoyable marathon to participate in. POSTSCRIPT: Race-walkers are few and far between in events such as these, and rarer still is to find one of similar ability. Russ, a national-class race-walker was instrumental in getting me to the finish line within the time objective. Furthermore, the miles seem to go by a bit more quickly! My thanks to you, sir!

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Marathon Details - Mayor's Marathon