2026 ANCHORAGE MAYOR'S MARATHON & MORE

Each Summer Solstice the Anchorage Mayor's Marathon, Half-Marathon, Solstice Classic, Kids Mile and Relay bring hundreds of people together from nearly every state in the union, countries around the globe and from our very own community. There is something about nineteen hours (actually a bit more) of daylight that draws many to this unique and beautiful event.

Anchorage and Alaska has a lot to offer, so make sure you plan ahead and allow yourself enough time to see the sights. The Visit Anchorage web site can help you plan your adventures from lodging to sightseeing to exploring. Find out where to climb a glacier, see a moose, and catch a salmon. You can also find the best places to eat, sleep and dance the night away.

The Anchorage Mayor's Marathon is co-hosted by the University of Alaska Anchorage Athletic Department and the Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department.

The Marathon course is certified by USA Track and Field as a Boston Marathon qualifier.

Do you want to help make the Anchorage Mayor's Marathon RUN-der-ful? Whether you are a local who wants to show off Anchorage's hospitality or a visitor with a friend or relative in the event, you can sign-up to volunteer—help ensure runners are on the right path, keep the spirit alive by cheering folks on, and make sure the finish line is set up and ready to rock and roll!

The link to sign up for a volunteer position will be available soon!

Sign Up Soon

The Anchorage Mayor's Marathon and Half-Marathon, presented by ConocoPhillips Alaska, has a rich history. Once known as the Midnight Sun Mayor’s Marathon, the starting gun went off in the early evening, instead of the traditional morning start time in recent years. After all, Land of the Midnight Sun means just that…midnight sun! With the event taking place on the Saturday closest to summer solstice, roughly 22 hours of functional daylight illuminates Anchorage. 

For over 50 years, the Anchorage Mayor's Marathon, Half-Marathon, Solstice Classic, and relay event has been a summer solstice tradition attracting runners from all over the world. Hosting an event of this nature is a significant undertaking, which is led by a partnership between the Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department and the University of Alaska Anchorage Athletic Department. Race proceeds help support the MOA Parks and Recreation Department, which is responsible for beautifying parks, natural areas, and operating community recreation programs for all ages and abilities in Alaska's largest city. Race proceeds also help support the UAA Athletic Department and its 180 student-athletes, who represent the University and Anchorage community in pursuit of academic and athletic excellence.  

The finish line at Delaney Park Strip is just blocks away from the heart of downtown Anchorage, which is full of summer activity, great eats, and unique shopping. Toast your success at a nearby brewery and replace all those burned calories at one of Anchorage’s many fine restaurants, food trucks, or other local eats. Just beyond the city, you can find some breathtaking sights. Glacier and wildlife cruises, flightseeing tours to Denali or Prince William Sound, and day tours are great ways to add Alaskan sights and adventures to your race in Anchorage.

Check out Stay Awhile for help in planning your adventures.

Come, stay, and enjoy the many wonders Alaska has to offer. 

Please note that all awards should be picked up at the finish line. They will be available for pickup for a limited time after the race at the UAA Athletics office in the Alaska Airlines Center, Level 2, Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm.

Awards/medals will not be mailed. There is no awards ceremony.

Overall Awards
The top three finishers, per gender, for the Marathon, Half-Marathon, and Solstice Classic events will receive an award. 
Overall awards are based on gun time.

Relay Award Medals
The top three teams in each division for the Marathon relay event will receive an award.
Relay awards are based on gun time.

Age Group Award Medals
The top three finishers in each age group, per gender, for the Marathon and Half-Marathon will receive an award.
Age group awards are based on chip time.

Age groups are generally in 10 year increments.
Marathon - 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and 75+
Half Marathon - 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and 75+

Finisher Medals
All participants in every race will receive a finisher's medal specific to their event once they cross the finish line! 

Whether it’s changing your event choice, requesting another copy of your registration email confirmation, or MORE, visit your RunSignUp Profile to see all your options!

Have a question? 

Click here to fill out the contact form and we will respond as soon as possible. Or email us directly at info@anchoragemayorsmarathon.com 

Courses will be marked with route arrow colors that correspond to the race you're running. Your bib will also match that color.

ROUTE ARROWS:

• Marathon - Yellow arrows
• Half-Marathon - Green arrows
• Solstice Classic - Red arrows

BIB COLORS:

• Marathon - Yellow
• Marathon Relay - Yellow and White stripes
• Half-Marathon - Green
• Solstice Classic - Red 

Many of you have asked... YES, the Marathon, Half-Marathon, Relays, and 5K are scheduled to be live, and in-person. A virtual option remains for those wanting to do these events (except Relays) on their own.

The Anchorage Mayor's Marathon and Half-Marathon 2021 Registration Plan

Our mission is to ensure the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon and Half-Marathon continues as Alaska’s premier running event. In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic took the community and world by surprise and made us all adapt in ways we never thought possible. As a result, we made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event and offered participants the one-time option to receive a refund or defer their registration to 2021. After considerable discussions and consultations, we decided to open 2021 registration with two options: in-person and virtual.

2021 – The Year of the Hybrid

The 2021 in-person event is almost here! Start times have been shifted to allow for socially distanced wave starts. Wearing masks and social distancing are encouraged whenever possible. Masks are particularly recommended when social distancing cannot be maintained during the event. In addition, anyone taking advantage of our shuttle service throughout race day will be REQUIRED to wear a mask while on the bus, per federal requirements.

All in-person registrants will be required to complete a self-assessment within 48 hours of the event. Please expect to receive an email with details on how to complete this assessment on June 16th. If you are unable to participate in the live event, please contact us to switch to a virtual option. 

We realize that there will still be some that prefer to remain on the virtual track and run their race on their own, while using the event as an incentive and challenge to remain active and participate. We encourage all to participant via the means they feel most comfortable.

Resident and non-residents traveling to Anchorage, Alaska

All traveling participants must follow the State of Alaska and Municipality of Anchorage travel requirements related to COVID-19, whichever is more restrictive at the time of the event.

Times & Location

• Thursday, June 18th, 2026 - 4 PM to 8 PM
• Friday, June 19th, 2026 - 10 AM to 3 PM

Bib Pickup will be at the Alaska Airlines Center on the UAA Campus
3550 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508

Bring a photo ID to pick up your bib and the event poster (if you ordered one). You can have a friend or relative pick up your bib; however, they will need to show their ID. AND Make sure you get your bib from them!

REGISTRATION CUT-OFF
This will be the last chance to register for any of the events.

• NO registration on race day.
• Online registration closes at 12:00 PM (noon) on Friday.
• In-person registration available at both bib pickup hours noted above (credit card ONLY).

Vendors will be announced at a later date.

You made it! You crossed the finish line, picked up your medal, now what?? Celebrate and relax by visiting one of our finish line vendors. Please note that all free drinks, food, and services are for race participants. 

Solstice Beer Garden presented by 49th State Brewing
Stop by the beer garden adjacent to the finish line and redeem your one free drink coupon that comes with your bib! Valid ID is required to enter.

Official Merchandise
Don't miss your last chance to purchase official Anchorage Mayor's Marathon merchandise in-person this year at the merchandise tent with the UAA Seawolf Store!

Hank The Moose
Climb atop a local favorite for an unforgettable photo op - Hank The Moose!

Fruit & Chips
Refuel at the finishers' tent with fruit courtesy of Johnny’s Produce, Charlie's Produce, Sysco, and US Foods and local chips courtesy of Alaska Chip Company!

Massages & Chiropractors
Relax and rejuvenate at our two massage tents, one of which comes with a self-service massage gun! Our friends from Arctic Chiropractic will also be on site to provide services.

Franz Bakery
Stop by the Franz tent for a grilled cheese sandwich!

Great Harvest Bread Co
Visit the Great Harvest Bread tent for cookies and some of the best bread in town!

Kaladi Brothers Coffee
Grab your caffeine fix at the Kaladi trailer!

Qdoba 
Head to the Qdoba tent for a quick chips and queso snack!

KUUK Water
Swing by the water tent for Alaskan sourced water from KUUK!

Open the PDF to view the finish line map!

(last updated June 2024)

AID STATIONS

Q. Where are the aid stations located?
A. Aid Station locations can be viewed on interactive maps, located in the Course Descriptions menu.

Q. What is available at the aid stations?
A. All aid stations will have water and a sports drink. Some stations will have GU gels. A complete list can be found at Aid Stations.

Q. What if I am injured between aid stations?
A. The race provides mobile medics for runners who are injured and cannot make it to the next aid station. Medics will patrol sections of the trail to look for runners who need assistance. If you find yourself injured and unable to make it to the next aid station, have another runner report your location and the nature of your injury at the next aid station. The nearest mobile medic will be dispatched by radio to your location and arrange transportation for you. 

Q. What type of food will be available at the finish line?
A. We have a variety of finish line food options thanks to our sponsors and supporters. Visit Finish Line Festivities for more information.

AWARDS

Q. What awards are given out?
A. The top three finishers, per gender, for the Marathon, Half-Marathon, and Solstice Classic events will receive a unique award, sponsored by 49th State Brewing.

The top three teams in each division for the Marathon relay event, along with the top three finishers in each age group, per gender, for the Marathon and Half-Marathon events, will receive special prizes! 

All awards must be picked up at the Information tent at the finish line, next to Results. There is no awards ceremony. 

BIB PICKUP

Q. When and where can I pick up my bib?
A. See the Expo & Bib Pickup page for specific information.

Q. Can I pick up my bib on race day?
A. There will be no pickup on race day. If you cannot personally attend bib pickup, you may have someone else pick it up for you. If you need special accommodations please send an email to info@anchoragemayorsmarathon.com

Q. Can I pick up a bib for someone else?
A. A friend or relative may pick up your bib for you or vice versa. Everyone picking up a bib must show their identification. If you pick up for someone else, please make sure they are aware of you doing so. AND please make sure they receive their bib before start time!

Q. Is a t-shirt included with registration? 
A. The official race t-shirt will be part of your bib pickup prior to the race, based on the size you selected during registration. Finisher medals will be distributed immediately after crossing the finish line on race day. Race organizers are unable to mail t-shirts or medals to registrants before or after the event, so please ensure you pick them up at bib pick up or on site at the finish.

GEAR

Q. How can I get my personal items from the start line to the finish line?
A. Information regarding the transfer of racer property from the Marathon and Half-Marathon start can be found on the Gear Drop Page.

HEADPHONES

Q. Are headphones allowed? 
A. Headphones are highly discouraged for the safety of all participants. Safety First!

LODGING

Q. Where can I find hotel info? 
A. Please visit the Stay Awhile page.

LOST & FOUND

Q. What if I lost an item on the course?
A: Lost items may be found at the Gear Drop area of the finish line. After the course closes at 3pm, lost and found will move to the Selkregg Chalet at Russian Jack Park where items will be available for pickup for up to 30 days after the race. 

PARKING

Q. Where should I park?
A. Marathon/Half-Marathon Start: There is parking available at Kincaid for both participants and spectators.
A. Solstice Classic Start/Finish & Marathon/Half-Marathon Finish: Parking is limited at the start and finish areas, which are just one block apart. We advise walking if possible. There are several parking lots in the surrounding area as well as the 6th Ave garage just six blocks northeast of the start and finish. If utilizing street parking, please be courteous and respectful to the neighborhood residence while parking. 
See more at Parking & Shuttle Service.

RACE START

Q. When do the races start?
A. Please see the Registration page to find start times.

Q. How do I get to the start? 
A. The Marathon and Half-Marathon will start at Kincaid Park, located approximately 4 miles south of downtown Anchorage. Shuttles will be available prior to the race from the Delaney Park Strip to Kincaid Park - 9401 W. Raspberry Road. See more at Parking & Shuttle Service.

A. The Solstice Classic starts at the west end of the Delaney Park Strip, approximately one-half mile from downtown Anchorage. Plan to be at the start 30 minutes prior to start time. Access to downtown parking is ample and use of the downtown parking garage located on 6th avenue is recommended. Access on 9th and 10th avenues will be limited once the event begins.

A. The Kids Mile starts and finishes just outside of our Expo area at the same location as Bib Pickup. Remember, the Kids Mile is on the Thursday prior to race day and starts at 7 pm. More can be found at Kids Mile.

REGISTRATION CHANGES

Q. Can I change events?
A. We allow event changes online at Edit my Registration or in person at Bib Pickup! No event changes will be allowed on race day. If you are changing to a longer event (e.g., from half-marathon to the marathon) there will be a price difference in the entry fees at the time of changing. We are unable to process refunds if you change to a shorter event or cancel your registration. Step by step instructions can be found under the registration menu of this website. 

Q. Can you fix a typo in my registration?
A. For typographic corrections please request a change at info@anchoragemayorsmarathon.com. 

STROLLERS

Q. Is the use of strollers allowed?
A. Strollers are highly discouraged for the safety of all participants. Safety First! If you must, all strollers need to go in the back of the group you are participating in. No double strollers please. Individuals in strollers are NOT participants.

TRANSPORTATION / SHUTTLES

Q. Do you provide transportation to/from the start and finish lines?
A. Yes! We provide multiple shuttles during specific times with three stops. See more at Parking & Shuttle Service.

Q. Can my family ride on the shuttle?
A. Runners are given priority on all shuttles. Spectators can use the shuttles as long as there is available space. The shuttle buses that head to the start before the event may be full with racers. Racers have priority. See more at Parking & Shuttle Service.

TIMING 

Q. What type of timing system is used?
A. Since 1998, the Anchorage Mayor's Marathon and Half-Marathon (formerly the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon) has utilized a chip-style timing system. Runners will be issued a timing chip that is affixed to their bib. Please do not fold or crunch your bib. An antenna at the finish line will sense your chip as you cross the finish mat and assign you a finish time. Runners need to make sure that they are wearing the bib on the front of their body. Any runner who forgets to wear their bib or damages the chip on the bib will not receive a finish time. There will be timing mats at several locations, including relay exchanges.

Q. How will I find out my official time?
A. Results will be updated on this website throughout the day beginning at approximately 10:30 am on race day (Alaska Daylight Time). For timing corrections, please send your protest/requests to timing@skinnyraven.com

WALKERS & TIME LIMITS

Q. Are walkers welcome?
A. Yes. Many participants walk. Walkers must line up behind all runners at the start area. There is not a separate start time for walkers. 

Q. Are there any time limitations?
A. All participants must finish by 3:00 pm.

The Anchorage Mayor's Marathon and Half Marathon is typically held on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice.

Future dates include (subject to change):
June 20, 2026
June 19, 2027
June 17, 2028

Please watch the Anchorage Mayor's Marathon and Half-Marathon website for updates.

Gear Drop will be available at the start of the Marathon and Half-Marathon at Kincaid Park. There will be trucks located close to the start line where your gear will be placed in plastic bags (provided by the race), marked with your racer number and placed in a van/truck for transportation. Your equipment bag will be transported to the Delaney Park Strip finish area and can be claimed there. You must show your bib to pick up your gear.

Gear Drop for the Solstice Classic will be at at the finish area where the Marathon and Half-Marathon racers pick up their gear after the event. 

Race officials and sponsors are not responsible for lost or damaged belongings. If you use this service, it is by your decision and knowledge of risk.

The Half-Marathon Relay option has been discontinued. Please check out our Marathon Relay or Solstice Classic options!

RACE START: 8:30 AM - There will be NO early start times. All racers must start within 15 minutes of the posted start time (8:30 - 8:45)
RACE START LOCATION: ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium at Kincaid Park - 9400 Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502
RACE FINISH: Delaney Park Strip in downtown Anchorage.  West end of Park Strip between 9th & 10th Avenues
COURSE CLOSE: 3:00 PM - All participants must finish the race by 3:00 PM

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Half-Marathon starts in Kincaid Park inside the ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium. Racers will head east, out of the park on the main road. (Note: one lane will be closed for racers, significantly affecting traffic in and out of Kincaid Park) 

At about mile 1.5 the course turns west via the multi-use paved trail to return to the Kincaid Chalet area, where you prepare to head downhill on the trail following the same route as the full marathon. The course meanders downhill through a cottonwood forest to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, following along the Cook Inlet with breathtaking views of the Alaska Range. If you are lucky, you may see beluga whales bobbing in the water.

At about mile 12.5 the route heads north on N Street. Here, runners hit the home stretch and race through Anchorage's oldest neighborhood. The course finishes at Delaney Park Strip in downtown.

KINCAID ACCESS RESTRICTION:

After the start of the marathon at 7:30am, the ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium at Kincaid Park will be transitioned to the half-marathon start setup. At about 8:25am, the only road that accesses Kincaid Park (Raspberry Road) will be reduced to one lane in order to accommodate the half-marathon start at 8:30am. The restricted traffic flow will continue until the final half-marathon runner clears the affected trail, estimated to be around 8:55am. Please be aware of this as you or your family/friends make plans to enter or exit Kincaid Park during this time. 

AID STATIONS

COURSE MARKINGS

Course Map (PDF) 

Interactive Course Map

Lodging
Find a place to stay at Visit Anchorage, whether you want a 5 star hotel or just a place to pitch a tent. Book early as most hotels (and campgrounds) will be full that weekend! Visit Anchorage will continue to seek out hotels interested in offering discounts; however June - August is peak season all over Alaska so plan your 'dream of a lifetime' trip to Alaska early. 

Hotel discounts for 2026 are listed in the PDF below!

Presented By Global Credit Union

RACE DAY: Thursday, June 18th, 2026
RACE START: 7:00 PM
RACE START LOCATION: Alaska Airlines Center on the University of Alaska Anchorage Campus - 3550 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508  
RACE FINISH: Same location as start
COURSE CLOSES: 7:30 PM - All participants must finish the race by 7:30 PM

REGISTRATION - online and FREE. This is the easiest way to sign up and can be done before you arrive for the event. (see orange button below). If you elect to sign up onsite, please give yourself a minimum of 45 minutes. 

Sign up today!

HEALTHY FUTURES KIDS MILE PRESENTED BY GLOBAL CREDIT UNION
This is a free event for grade school age youth. The paved course is a loop that measures a half-mile; while most kids will run it twice to total one mile, the youngest kids can finish after one loop. Healthy Heroes role models will lead a warm-up and then run and interact with the kids and pass out Healthy Futures medals at the finish line. Drinks and snacks will also be provided.

This is a fun, untimed event with no results (there will be a display clock for those who want to track their own time). The event is held in conjunction with bib and packet pickup for the Anchorage Mayor's Marathon & Half Marathon. Bring your kids to bib pickup and watch them run the Kids Mile!

If you are registering onsite please give yourselves plenty of time. We recommend coming at least 45 minutes early to get your kiddo registered, warmed-up, and ready to run!

About Healthy Futures
Healthy Futures is the signature program of the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. Its mission is to empower Alaska's youth to build the daily habit of physical activity.

For more information contact: Matias Saari, matias@healthyfuturesak.org, 907-529-4178

Course Map (PDF)

Thursday June 18, 2026 - 7:00 PM  

Visit the Kids Mile Run Description and Course Map

RACE START: 7:30 AM - There will be NO early start times. All racers must start within 15 minutes of the posted start time (7:30 -7:45)
RACE START LOCATION: ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium at Kincaid Park - 9400 Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502
RACE FINISH:  Delaney Park Strip in downtown Anchorage.  West end of Park Strip between 9th & 10th Avenues
COURSE CLOSE: 3:00 PM - All participants must finish the race by 3:00 PM

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

The Marathon takes racers on a scenic journey throughout Anchorage. The race begins in Kincaid Park at the ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium. The first mile meanders downhill through a cottonwood forest to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The next eight miles follow along Cook Inlet with breathtaking views of the Alaska Range. If you are lucky, you may see beluga whales bobbing in the water.

At mile nine, the course heads east—towards the Chugach Mountains—and the Coastal Trail meets the Chester Creek Trail. As you pass Westchester Lagoon, watch for birds such as trumpeter swans, mallards, and arctic terns.

At mile 13, the race crosses Northern Lights Blvd. to Goose Lake, following forested trails to the University of Alaska Anchorage. Winding through the beautiful UAA campus and expansive Alaska Native Medical Center, the race travels over Tudor Road and enters Far North Bicentennial Park. 

Far North Bicentennial Park is over 4,000 acres and home to moose, bears, salmon streams, and other wildlife. After about three miles, the course loops around University Lake Park and returns to the Chester Creek Trail. 

The last four miles follow Chester Creek back to Westchester Lagoon through several neighborhoods, parks, and roadway tunnels. Here, runners hit the home stretch and head north on N Street through Anchorage's oldest neighborhood. The race finishes at Delaney Park Strip in downtown. 

The race is primarily on pedestrian pathways and forested trails. The final half-mile runs through an urban Anchorage neighborhood.

This race is certified by USA Track, and it is recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifying event.

AID STATIONS

COURSE MARKINGS

Course Map (PDF)

Interactive Course Map 

RACE START: 7:30 AM - There will be NO early start times. All racers must start within 15 minutes of the posted start time (7:30 - 7:45)
RACE START LOCATION: ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium at Kincaid Park - 9400 Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502
RACE FINISH: Delaney Park Strip in downtown Anchorage.  West end of Park Strip between 9th & 10th Avenues
COURSE CLOSE: 3:00 PM - All participants must finish the race by 3:00 PM

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 
This four-member team event will cover the same course as the individual marathon (with much less individual effort!). Each runner may only participate in one leg of the event. Team members should keep an eye out for each other in the areas marked Relay Exchange on the course maps below. At each Relay Exchange, team members will tag or ‘high five” to end and start the next leg on this world-renowned course.

The marathon takes racers on a scenic journey throughout Anchorage. The first leg begins along with the full marathoners in Kincaid Park at the ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium. The first mile meanders downhill through a cottonwood forest to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, after which the course follows along Cook Inlet with breathtaking views of the Alaska Range. If you are lucky, you may see beluga whales bobbing in the water.

View Point Park, mile 6.3, is where Team Member 1 will exchange with Team Member 2. After continuing along Cook Inlet to mile 9, the course heads east—towards the Chugach Mountains—and the Coastal Trail meets the Chester Creek Trail. As you pass Westchester Lagoon, watch for birds such as trumpeter swans, mallards, and arctic terns.

Goose Lake Park, mile 13, is where Team Member 2 will exchange with Team Member 3. This leg is adventurous, following forested trails through the beautiful University of Alaska Anchorage campus and winding through the expansive Alaska Native Medical Center. Runners then travel over Tudor Road and enter Far North Bicentennial Park, which is over 4,000 acres and home to moose, bears, salmon streams, and other wildlife. The course transitions to a soft surface with uneven terrain until it reaches Campbell Airstrip Road, where it returns to pavement. After about three miles, the course loops around University Lake Park and returns to the Chester Creek Trail.

East Northern Lights, mile 22.3, is where Team Member 3 will exchange with Team Member 4 for the final leg. The course travels along Chester Creek through several neighborhoods, parks, and roadway tunnels. Returning to Westchester Lagoon, runners hit the home stretch and head north on N Street through Anchorage's oldest neighborhood. The race finishes at Delaney Park Strip in downtown. 

MILEAGE PER TEAM MEMBER:

• Team member 1 - 6.3 miles 
• Team member 2 - 6.7 miles 
• Team member 3 - 9.3 miles
• Team member 4 - 4.4 miles

EXCHANGE ZONES:

• Zone 1 - START - ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium at Kincaid Park - 9400 Raspberry Road. Parking available on site.
• Zone 2 - Mile 6.3 - View Point Park - 5775 Point Woronzof Road. Parking available on site.
• Zone 3 - Mile 13 - Goose Lake Park - 2811 UAA Drive. Parking available on site. 
• Zone 4 - Mile 22.3 - East Northern Lights - E. Northern Lights Blvd, about 500 feet east of Arca Drive. Park at Whaley Elementary School or ARC of Anchorage.

Relay participants are responsible for their own transportation to the exchange points.

TEAM DIVISIONS:

• Open Men
• Open Women
• Open Combined

AID STATIONS

COURSE MARKINGS

Course Map (PDF)

Interactive Course Map

Relay Exchange Locations

Event merchandise is available through our partners at the UAA Seawolf Store. Inventory is limited, so place your orders early! 

Remaining 2024 - 50th Anniversary merchandise will be uploaded to the website soon!

Order Merchandise Here

Spectator Parking/Viewing
See our interactive map for citywide viewing points and parking areas.  Look for P for parking and the camera icon for viewing areas.

Kincaid Parking
Limited parking is available at the start (Kincaid Park). Click the link below to view the start area map! 

2026 Kincaid Map

Shuttle Schedule
The shuttle service is provided to/from the start of the race in Kincaid Park to the finish area at 10 & M Street. There is also pick up and drop off between the finish and the bus transit station located at 618 H St in downtown Anchorage.

2026 Shuttle Schedule 

Use the RaceJoy app for advanced tracking of participants and show your support with cheer sending. Participants set up for tracking in RaceJoy and carry their phone as they complete the course. Spectators track participants’ actual location in a map view and can send audio cheers. GPS-based progress alerts are typically issued at every mile along the course. Participants need to opt-in for spectators to track them in RaceJoy. Download the RaceJoy app here!

• Free Live Tracking and Progress Alerts on Race Day! Race-Timed Split & Finish Alerts
• Receive text or e-mail alerts as participants cross timing equipment along the course. Tracking alerts are based upon the participant’s bib/chip and participants will need to carry their phone. The number of alerts varies per course. Sign up to receive alerts with the Result Notifications buttons below.
• Make sure you download the RaceJoy mobile app for live phone tracking of the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon

Carry your phone and use RaceJoy to add to your race experience with these key features:

GPS Progress Alerts

• Receive GPS-based progress alerts at mile points on the course for current pace and estimated finish time.
• Post to your Facebook and Twitter walls.
• Have friends and family track your performance.

Live GPS Tracking

• Supporting spectators can track your blue dot moving along the course from home or at the race site.
• NearMe proximity alerts notify spectators when you are drawing near.
• Find each other using RaceJoy’s MeetUp tool.

Send-a-Cheer

• Receive fun, motivational audio cheers from your supporting fans.
• Send cheers to other racers at any time.

1998 - 2019 All Events

By clicking on the link above you can search for all events from 1998 through 2019. You can sort by Year, Event, Gender, Age Group, Division, Split and Bib Number.

Please note 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

…….START YOUR RACE

All events (Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5K, and Relays) will start in waves for 2021. 

Waves will be divided into 50 racers in five (5) minute time blocks.

Only the elite wave will start with a gun start, all other waves will be a rolling start.

Everyone must be socially distanced, six (6) feet apart. Once racers enter the corral, they will continue to proceed to the start, beginning their race as soon as they pass through the starting line.

Racer's times will be based on chip time, starting and finishing as they cross the start and finish lines.

WAVE START TIMES:

• Marathon: 7:00 – 8:30 am
• Half-Marathon: 8:30 – 10:45 am
• 5K: 10:45 – 11:35 am
  
  All courses will close at 4:00 pm. Detail waves times below.

UPDATE OR CHANGE YOUR WAVE TIME:

If you have not selected your wave time or would like to make changes/check your selected time click here for details on how to make any changes to your registration options.

WAVE TIMES:

MARATHON WAVE TIMES

• Wave 1 - 7:00 - 7:04
• Wave 2 - 7:05 - 7:09
• Wave 3 - 7:10 - 7:14
• Wave 4 - 7:15 - 7:19
• Wave 5 - 7:20 - 7:24
• Wave 6 - 7:25 - 7:29
• Wave 7 - 7:30 - 7:34
• Wave 8 - 7:35 - 7:39
• Wave 9 - 7:40 - 7:44
• Wave 10 - 7:45 - 7:49
• Wave 11 - 7:50 - 7:54
• Wave 12 - 7:55 - 7:59
• Wave 13 - 8:00 - 8:04
• Wave 14 - 8:05 - 8:09
• Wave 15 - 8:10 - 8:14
• Wave 16 - 8:15 - 8:19
• Wave 17 - 8:20 - 8:24
• Wave 18 - 8:25 - 8:30

HALF-MARATHON WAVE TIMES:

• Wave 1 - 8:30 - 8:34
• Wave 2 - 8:35 - 8:39
• Wave 3 - 8:40 - 8:44
• Wave 4 - 8:45 - 8:49
• Wave 5 - 8:50 - 8:54
• Wave 6 - 8:55 - 8:59
• Wave 7 - 9:00 - 9:04
• Wave 8 - 9:05 - 9:09
• Wave 9 - 9:10 - 9:14
• Wave 10 - 9:15 - 9:19
• Wave 11 - 9:20 - 9:24
• Wave 12 - 9:25 - 9:29
• Wave 13 - 9:30 - 9:34
• Wave 14 - 9:35 - 9:39
• Wave 15 - 9:40 - 9:44

5K WAVE TIMES:

• Wave 1 - 10:45 - 10:49
• Wave 2 - 10:50 - 10:54
• Wave 3 - 10:55 - 10:59
• Wave 4 - 11:00 - 11:04
• Wave 5 - 11:05 - 11:09
• Wave 6 - 11:10 - 11:14
• Wave 7 - 11:15 - 11:19
• Wave 8 - 11:20 - 11:24
• Wave 9 - 11:25 - 11;29
• Wave 10 - 11:30 - 11:34

Registration is OPEN!

Race Fees vary by event and will increase per the timeline provided. Specific race fees are available for viewing on the Registration page. 

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION CUT-OFF

There will be no registration on race day. Online registration closes at noon on Friday, June 19, 2026. You may register in-person at bib pickup until 3 PM Friday.

Presented By Moda Health

RACE START: 9:00 AM - There will be NO early start times. All racers must start within 15 minutes of the posted start time (9:00 - 9:15)
RACE START LOCATION: Delaney Park Strip in downtown Anchorage. On 10th Avenue, between N Street & M Street
RACE FINISH: Delaney Park Strip in downtown Anchorage.  West end of Park Strip between 9th & 10th Avenues
COURSE CLOSE: 3:00 PM - All participants must finish the race by 3:00 PM

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Solstice Classic is 4.7 miles and starts at the west end of the historic Delaney Park Strip, the first aircraft runway in the early 1920s. Racers are staged on 10th Ave., between M St. and N St. and the course heads south along N St. through Anchorage's oldest neighborhood before reaching Westchester Lagoon.

Once at Westchester Lagoon, the route heads east towards the Chugach Mountains while meandering along the forested Chester Creek Trail, allowing runners to catch a glimpse of the sparkling water and possibly fresh salmon heading upstream to spawn.

Two and a half miles in, the route passes through Eastchester Park and loops through Woodside Park— heading back the way you came along the Chester Creek trail. At this point, all runners are on their return to Westchester Lagoon. Finally, the course veers north back along N St., where you started through downtown to the finish line on the Delaney Park Strip. 

AID STATIONS

COURSE MARKINGS

Course Map (PDF) 

Interactive Course Map

Not an easy task! Spectating can be almost as difficult as running a marathon. However, depending on if you have a car, bike, or good running shoes there are plenty of viewing opportunities. Google map links are provided below. 

MARATHON & RELAY

• START - ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium at Kincaid Park - 9400 Raspberry Road
• MILE 5 - Pt. Woronzof Park - 9700 Point Woronzof Park (one way traffic on road during race, expect delays)
• MILE 9.3 - Westchester Lagoon - 1824 W 15th Avenue (located just 6 blocks south of the finish line)
• MILES 10 & 12.3 - Valley of the Moon Park - 610 W 17th Avenue (located about about 1 mile from Westchester on foot)
• MILE 11 - Anchorage Football Stadium - Park and walk south to Chester Creek Trail
• MILES 12 & 24 - Eastchester Park - 900 East 20th Avenue. Park and walk south to Chester Creek Trail
• MILE 14 - Davenport Fields - 2201 Lake Otis Parkway. Park and walk north to Chester Creek Trail
• MILES 13 & 22.5 - Goose Lake Bridge - 3220 E. Northern Lights Blvd
• MILE 18 - Benny Benson Secondary School - 4515 Campbell Airstrip Rd. Park and walk to Campbell Airstrip Road. You may park in the school parking lot or along the road. Runners will be on the bike path. 
• FINISH - Delaney Park Strip near the Rose Garden

HALF-MARATHON

• START - ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium at Kincaid Park - 9400 Raspberry Road
• MILE 3 - Start area (again). Racers begin at Kincaid Park and will run 1.5 miles to the east (towards the mountains) and then return back to the same start area making it mile 3)
• MILE 8 - Pt. Woronzof Park - 9700 Point Woronzof Park (one way traffic on road during race, expect delays)
• MILE 12.3 - Westchester Lagoon - 1824 W 15th Avenue (located just 6 blocks south of the finish line)
• FINISH - Delaney Park Strip near the Rose Garden

SOLSTICE CLASSIC

• START - Under the arch on 10th Avenue, between N Street & M Street
• FINISH - Delaney Park Strip near the Rose Garden

KIDS MILE

• START & FINISH - Alaska Airlines Center - 3550 Providence Dr.

Learn more about the RACEJOY app here to not only track your runner but also to send cheers along the way. 

Anchorage (and Alaska) has a lot to offer, so make sure you plan ahead and have enough time to see the sights. 

Visit Anchorage can help you plan your trip, but start early as Alaska is a popular place to visit - especially in the summer. Find out where to climb a glacier, see a moose, or catch a salmon. You can also find the best places to eat, sleep and dance the night away (after the marathon of course!).

Lodging
Find a place to stay at Visit Anchorage, whether you want a 5 star hotel or just a place to pitch a tent. Book early as most hotels (and campgrounds) will be full that weekend! A list of hotels offering discounts is available on the 'Hotel Discount' page of this website. Visit Anchorage will continue to seek out hotels interested in offering discounts. June - August is peak season all over Alaska so plan your 'dream of a lifetime' trip to Alaska early. 

Weather
The average weather found on race day is partly cloudy, winds averaging up to 10 m.p.h., humidity of 40% with a temperature range of 55-70 °F. Although it has only rained on race day 7 times in the past 31 years, runners and spectators should always be prepared for rainy weather.

Sunlight
Marathon participants soon find out why Alaska is known as the "Land of the Midnight Sun". On race day, sunrise on race day will be close to 4:15 a.m. and sunset will be close to 11:45 p.m. That’s almost 19 hours and 30 minutes of sunlight. You can run all day and all night!!!

Visitor's Quick Links:
Where to Stay
Things to See & Do
Anchorage Quick Facts
Travel Alaska

Visitor's Guide
Anchorage Visitors Guide
Alaska Vacation Planner

Anchorage is located within Dena’ina Ełnena, the traditional homelands of the Dena’ina Athabascan people. One of Alaska’s many distinct and diverse Indigenous groups, the Native people of Knik Arm are the K’enaht’ana, members of the Eydlughet (Eklutna) and K’enakatnu (Knik) tribes.

The Upper Cook Inlet regions between the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains have long provided abundant fishing, hunting, and gathering grounds, and the Anchorage Bowl area is filled with historically significant spots known for their roles in Dena’ina life. Traditional place names describe the areas’ geographical features and cultural uses: Point Woronzof, with its steep bluffs, was originally known as Nuch'ishtunt, meaning “Place Protected from Wind.” Earthquake Park, where land famously broke and shifted and sank into Cook Inlet during the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, was originally and aptly named Nen Ghiłgedi — “Rotten Land.” Kincaid Park was known as “Ułchena bada Huch'iłyut,” meaning “Where We Pulled up the Alutiiq Boats,” a name that tells the story of the last battle between the Upper Inlet Dena’ina and Ułchena raiders from Prince William Sound.

In the 20th century, the construction of the Alaska railroad and the ensuing development of the city of Anchorage brought significant disruptions to Dena’ina life in the area, and the 1918 influenza epidemic devastated local Dena’ina communities. 

But the Anchorage area’s Dena’ina roots remain strong. Today, residents preserve the culture in world-class institutions like the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum, through traditional subsistence activities like berry picking in the Chugach Mountains or fishing in Turnagain Arm, and via captivating public art installations, live performances, and arts and crafts handmade by modern Dena’ina artists.

Learning about the land's Dena'ina heritage is an important part of any visit to Anchorage. 

THE BEGINNING OF A MOVEMENT

In 2018 the Anchorage Parks Foundation received a grant from the Rasmuson Foundation to begin work on a parks and trails indigenous place names project. The project aims to creatively, accurately, and beautifully highlight the culture and history of Anchorage and our indigenous people.

Soon after the project began it became clear that parks and trails signage is a contributor and catalyst to a larger movement of indigenous Place Naming. 

The Anchorage Mayor's Marathon course travels throughout the lands of our indigenous people. 

For a greater understanding of the Dena’ina people and the Indigenous Place Names Project, please enjoy more at the Anchorage Park Foundation website.

We are proud of our people, and proud of our lands. The Place Names project is a step towards honoring the Dena’ina landscape of the Anchorage Area.

INDIGENOUS PLACE NAMES PROJECT 

There will be no virtual events in 2023.