Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon

The longest day of the year means a long distance race for many in Anchorage. The Anchorage Mayor's Marathon & Half Marathon is a summer solstice tradition more than 40 years in the making. Runners from all over the world head to Anchorage on late June for the race.

Organized by the University of Alaska Anchorage and Anchorage Parks & Recreation, five running races are held simultaneously - including the Midnight Sun Marathon (26.2 miles), Alaska Half Marathon (13.1 miles), a marathon relay (4 x 6.5 mile legs), Coastal 5K and Buddy Half Marathon, in which teams of two or three runners split the half marathon course into sections relay style.

The marathon course takes marathoners from the foothills of the Chugach Mountains on the east side of Anchorage, up the Chester Creek Trail and in to town at Delaney Park. The marathon course is certified by USA Track and Field and finishers can use their results to qualify for the Boston Marathon. It's also a popular run with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program.

The Alaska Half Marathon starts and ends on Delaney Park with an out-and-back course past Earthquake Park along the Coastal Trail past Point Woronzof.