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Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon & Half Marathon
Alaska’s largest road race, the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon takes place each June against the backdrop of one of the most stunning cities on earth. With views of Cook Inlet, the Chugach Mountains, and a course that winds through forested trails and wildlife corridors, this event is on every bucket-list runner’s radar.
The Course
The marathon begins at 7:30 a.m. at ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium in Kincaid Park. The first mile descends through a cottonwood forest to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, where the next eight miles hug Cook Inlet with sweeping views of the Alaska Range. On a clear day, runners may spot beluga whales in the water. At mile nine, the course turns east toward the Chugach Mountains, following Chester Creek Trail past Westchester Lagoon — a premier bird-watching spot featuring trumpeter swans and arctic terns. Miles 13 through 20 traverse Goose Lake, the UAA campus, and the sprawling 4,000-acre Far North Bicentennial Park, home to moose and bears. The final miles return along Chester Creek to Delaney Park Strip in downtown Anchorage. The half marathon starts at 8:30 a.m. and follows the second half of the course. Both races are USATF-certified Boston Marathon qualifiers.
Race Day Experience
Both races finish at Delaney Park Strip in the heart of downtown Anchorage, with a course cutoff of 3:00 p.m. The finish line festival features a festive Alaskan atmosphere with food, live entertainment, and community celebration. The race is held in mid-to-late June, benefiting from Alaska’s legendary long daylight hours — expect up to 19 hours of sunlight on race day. Charity fundraising is woven into the race’s DNA, with registration fees supporting local Anchorage causes and runners able to create personal fundraising pages.
Why Run the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon?
There is simply no other marathon like this one. Running through Anchorage’s forests, along glacially-fed waterways, and past genuine Alaskan wildlife is an experience that road racing alone rarely provides. The race draws competitors from across the U.S. and around the world, yet retains the warm and welcoming community spirit that Alaskans are known for. As a Boston qualifier with a net downhill profile and challenging but manageable terrain, it appeals to both competitive runners and those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure race. It also supports meaningful local charitable causes.
Travel & Logistics
Fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), which receives direct flights from Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, and other major hubs. The race start is at Kincaid Park, approximately 7 miles from downtown. Rental cars are widely available. Downtown Anchorage hotels offer the most convenient base, putting you near the finish line, restaurants, and post-race entertainment. Book accommodations early — June is peak tourism season in Alaska. Anchorage also serves as a gateway to Denali, Kenai Fjords, and other world-class national parks for those extending their trip.
How to Register
Register online at the official Mayor’s Marathon website, where you can also sign up as a charity fundraiser and explore volunteer opportunities.
Check out our race catalog for more exciting races.
Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon & Half Marathon
Alaska’s largest road race, the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon takes place each June against the backdrop of one of the most stunning cities on earth. With views of Cook Inlet, the Chugach Mountains, and a course that winds through forested trails and wildlife corridors, this event is on every bucket-list runner’s radar.
The Course
The marathon begins at 7:30 a.m. at ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium in Kincaid Park. The first mile descends through a cottonwood forest to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, where the next eight miles hug Cook Inlet with sweeping views of the Alaska Range. On a clear day, runners may spot beluga whales in the water. At mile nine, the course turns east toward the Chugach Mountains, following Chester Creek Trail past Westchester Lagoon — a premier bird-watching spot featuring trumpeter swans and arctic terns. Miles 13 through 20 traverse Goose Lake, the UAA campus, and the sprawling 4,000-acre Far North Bicentennial Park, home to moose and bears. The final miles return along Chester Creek to Delaney Park Strip in downtown Anchorage. The half marathon starts at 8:30 a.m. and follows the second half of the course. Both races are USATF-certified Boston Marathon qualifiers.
Race Day Experience
Both races finish at Delaney Park Strip in the heart of downtown Anchorage, with a course cutoff of 3:00 p.m. The finish line festival features a festive Alaskan atmosphere with food, live entertainment, and community celebration. The race is held in mid-to-late June, benefiting from Alaska’s legendary long daylight hours — expect up to 19 hours of sunlight on race day. Charity fundraising is woven into the race’s DNA, with registration fees supporting local Anchorage causes and runners able to create personal fundraising pages.
Why Run the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon?
There is simply no other marathon like this one. Running through Anchorage’s forests, along glacially-fed waterways, and past genuine Alaskan wildlife is an experience that road racing alone rarely provides. The race draws competitors from across the U.S. and around the world, yet retains the warm and welcoming community spirit that Alaskans are known for. As a Boston qualifier with a net downhill profile and challenging but manageable terrain, it appeals to both competitive runners and those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure race. It also supports meaningful local charitable causes.
Travel & Logistics
Fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), which receives direct flights from Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, and other major hubs. The race start is at Kincaid Park, approximately 7 miles from downtown. Rental cars are widely available. Downtown Anchorage hotels offer the most convenient base, putting you near the finish line, restaurants, and post-race entertainment. Book accommodations early — June is peak tourism season in Alaska. Anchorage also serves as a gateway to Denali, Kenai Fjords, and other world-class national parks for those extending their trip.
How to Register
Register online at the official Mayor’s Marathon website, where you can also sign up as a charity fundraiser and explore volunteer opportunities.
Check out our race catalog for more exciting races.