The Hatcher Pass Marathon and Relay is a mountainous run starting in Willow, Alaska. The route follows Hatcher Pass Rd all the way over the summit, and finishes at Independence Mine Parking Area. The course has a total elevation gain of 4,943 ft, the last mile includes a steep downhill, …
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The Hatcher Pass Marathon and Relay is a mountainous run starting in Willow, Alaska. The route follows Hatcher Pass Rd all the way over the summit, and finishes at Independence Mine Parking Area.
The course has a total elevation gain of 4,943 ft, the last mile includes a steep downhill, and then one last uphill push to the finish line. Approximately 20 miles is on gravel road, the rest on pavement (at the beginning of the course). This is not a certified marathon course.
Hatcher Pass 50 Mile! This course will start at Hatcher Pass Lodge (the official finish) and run down to the marathon start in Willow before turning around and running the course back up to the finish. If you’re good at math, you will know this is not an exact 50 mile course, it’s really back to back marathons for a total of roughly 54 miles. Relay teams will also be allowed to register for and run the 50, with the same exchange points and each runner running two legs of the race; one down, one up.
Hatcher Pass is one of the most scenic areas in the Matanuska-Susitna valley and draws in hikers, runners, bikers, and sightseers throughout the year. The Hatcher Pass Marathon takes place once the gates through the Pass are opened to the public after being locked all winter due to immense snowfall. In the winter, it’s an outdoor enthusiasts playground, but the summers are the true spice of life in this area. From July through September Hatcher Pass is THE place to be!
The Hatcher Pass Races have become a staple in the Alaska running community, not just for the incredible location but also for the intense elevation gain/loss of roughly 3900 ft. The first 25 miles of the Marathon course are uphill, some gradual, some steep, some switchbacks. This is a mountain pass after all. The last 1+ mile is a downhill burner to the finish. The 50 Mile course begins with a steep climb before descending the rest of the way down to the midway turnaround point (the Marathon start). 50 Milers then follow the Marathon course back up to the finish. All courses will travel along Hatcher Pass road between Hatcher Pass Lodge and Willow. The Marathon route is slightly longer than 26.2 so it won’t qualify you for Boston but it will mark Alaska off your 50 States challenge. Likewise, the 50 Mile course is slightly over as well.
The Relay event is a 3-person relay with each team member running either one 8-9 mile leg for the Marathon or two legs for the 50 Mile. Relay teams MUST consist of three (3) runners. Only teams with the required number of runners will be eligible for top finish awards.
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Alaska is gorgeous
It's a cool race to experience Alaska, the scenery is amazing and it's not far from Anchorage. The run is uphill for the first 24 miles. Organizers claim 5,000' gain, … MORE
It’s a cool race to experience Alaska, the scenery is amazing and it’s not far from Anchorage.
The run is uphill for the first 24 miles. Organizers claim 5,000′ gain, my gps counted 3,840′.
The surface is mostly gravel road, easy to run on.
The weather is completely unpredictable. We had some drizzle, but overall lucked out.
Not many people, but great friendly atmosphere.
Relay is happening at the same time, so don’t try to keep up with the relay runners if you’re doing the whole course 🙂