Bearfest Marathon - Race Reviews

My g/f and I came up for a trip to SE Alaska. This marathon was fairly well done. It takes place with Bearfest so don't expect a lot. Wrangell is a small town on an island and pretty limited lodging and eating selections. The course is o&b and challenging however has some nice views if clear we had ran 50% of the time. Would run if you love Bears and do the sight seeing in the area. Very small field due to COVID and rain.

This is a fantastic small local race. Don't come expecting a crowd, but there is a great group of strong runners who keep the field competitive. The course is certified for those who are hoping to BQ, but don't forget to factor in the rolling hills (not steep but long) and the high humidity. The course is a simple out and back with some in town street turns. Everything is well marked and staffed. Don't expect a lot of crowd support on the course but there are air stations every 2 miles with everything you need (food and beverages) and cheering race staff. Make the trip to Wrangell for this race. You won't regret it!!

This is a fun little marathon in a very friendly place. Very low-key. No timing chips. No bands. No loudspeakers. Low entry fee. The 2017 edition was run in a near-constant light rain with 10 mph winds. The bibs were plain paper, so they quickly deteriorated and fell off in the rain and wind. No big deal. The volunteers at the aid stations gutted it out and offered encouragement; thanks! The race director tried her best to keep the course markings renewed when the rain washed the paint away. Most of the out-and-back course is on the shoreline road, so even on a rainy day it was pretty. There are rolling hills throughout, but they're not steep and they're generally not long. It might be good to take a look at the course map beforehand so you know where you're going for the in-town stretch of the course, just in case. If you need spectators and an expo and big electric clocks showing you your time, go somewhere else. I recommend this race to anybody looking for a low-key race in a beautiful Alaska town. I also recommend the Squawking Raven B&B. Thanks Wrangell. Thanks, Sylvia.

The Bearfest Marathon, Half, and 5k are a an annual event coinciding with the Wrangell Bearfest Weekend. I was at the end of my 50 state quest, needed Alaska and could complete an Alaskan Goofy by doing the Juneau half on Sat., then, fly to Wrangell for the full on Sunday. Most of the 20-30 nonlocal runners did this. The small expo had a pasta feed and provided general info about the race. Lucy, the Race director, did her best to accommodate all the runners, including the back of the packers and those wishing to have their results certified. Race morning arrived, overcast, but no rain. I took the early start and settled into a groove with Don and Marion Landry. They were wonderful companions, pointing out various sights along the way. The course included Some beautiful coastline scenery. There were hills, but they were manageable. The race course was open until everyone finished. My friend, Joe, and I were finishing our 50 states together and Lucy put together a special packet with a medal in the shape of Alaska, in addition to the Bear medal for the marathonboth custom madean Alaskan flag, a cherry pie with a bear cut out, runner's balm, blueberry jam, t-shirtin addition to the other race gimmes-it was overwhelming treatment and made an already emotional moment over the top. If you need Alaska to finish your 50 statesRun Wrangell! A lovely place and a running experience that is all heart!

Wrangell is a nice small town in SE Alaska for a very small race. Only ~35 people for the full, half, and 5K together. Organization was great, races went off on time. Cool and rainy the whole time. Lots of enthusiastic volunteers manning well-stocked aid stations. I saw about 5 spectators during the entire race, so don't count on their support to get you through the rough patches. Out and back course was a bit dull, but lots of pretty scenery along the water. Overall, a nice race. Would I travel all the way there to do it again? Probably not.

A marathon that gives rest to a city boy. No crime or mean people just road hills and aid stations that are the best. A welcome party for out of town marathon runners I love this marathon.