The race course is basically flat, and follows the old Copper River Railroad, which led to Kennicott copper mines. The Marathon starts at the Mile 27 Bridge, one of many bridges which span the Copper River. The first half of the course is gravel road with little to no traffic. Because the area is still wild, moose and bear may be encountered occasionally. For safety and water support, each marathoner will be followed by a vehicle. Runners pass the "Mudhole Smith" Airport at mile 13. Paved road then spans the delta, which is lined with beautiful wildflowers including lupine, nagoonberry, fireweed, and Alaska's state flower, the forget-me-not. The last 10K are run along the blue waters of Eyak Lake. June tempratures range from 49 to 63 degrees.