Susitna 100

Matanuska-Susitna Valley (known locally as the Mat-Su or The Valley) is an area in Southcentral Alaska south of the Alaska Range about 35 miles (56 km) north of Anchorage, Alaska. It is known for the world record sized cabbages and other vegetables displayed annually in Palmer at the Alaska State Fair. It includes the valleys of the Matanuska, Knik, and Susitna Rivers. 11,000 of Mat-Su Valley residents commute to Anchorage for work. It is the fastest growing region in Alaska and includes the towns of Palmer, Wasilla, Big Lake, Houston, Willow and Talkeetna. The valleys are shaped by three mountain ranges: the Alaska Range, the Talkeetna Mountains and the Chugach Mountains. The Matanuska-Susitna Valley was carved by glaciers leaving thousands of lakes. The Mat-Su rivers and lakes are home to the spawning grounds of chinook, coho, sockeye, pink, and chum salmon.The area is home to 31 state parks and campgrounds.

The Susitna 100 is a ski, foot, or bike race held on packed snowmachine trails in the Susitna River valley, north of Anchorage. The current 100-mile course has evolved through a history of tradition, opportunism, stubbornness, and confusion. This is a 100 mile out and back course which starts and ends at Happy Trails Kennels. Participants experience loop on frozen rivers, swamps and tight twisty trails through the woods. It’s not uncommon to see moose, fox, dogsled teams, the aurora borealis, and majestic mountains on your journey between checkpoints with fun and friendly hosts. Along with the extreme temperatures, runners must be totally self sufficient throughout the race, only being allowed few checkpoints, to replenish water and get a few food items.