Mount Marathon First-time Racers (and junior parents) — please read this important information!
- COURSE RECON REQUIREMENT — The race is in 15 days! Just a reminder that first-timers must complete the ENTIRE course in training — and sign a statement at bib pickup that they have done so — before they can collect their bib on July 3. NO EXCEPTIONS. If the first-timer is a junior, a parent or guardian must sign the statement.
- COURSE KNOWLEDGE: It’s not too late to get prepared in person — the next two weeks will have a lot of traffic on the mountain — and by watching these short MMR instructional VIDEOS (scroll down page) and this excellent SAFETY VIDEO. Become familiar with the multiple route options onto and off the mountain.
- SAFETY TOURS SATURDAY JUNE 21 and JUNE 28 — Safety tours led by experienced Mount Marathon racers are a great way for beginners to get tips on navigating up and down the lower third of the mountain. Meet near the gate on Upper Lowell Canyon Road at 11:45 a.m.; the events are free of charge. More info here: https://mountmarathon.
com/safety-tours-6-21-6-28/. The June 28 tour will have an option for going to the top to fulfill the course recon requirement. - COURSE CONDITIONS – (Photo above was taken on June 20) It is advisable to practice the mountain whether it’s sunny or raining, dry or slippery! Currently the up route is in good shape all the way to the summit. The down trail for adults has a sizable snowfield right off the top. Who knows how much snow, if any, will remain on race day?
After the snow ends are some unusual gravel piles to negotiate.
The trail through the Gut (creek) requires care as always; on June 19 there was still a snow tunnel to run through! Note that conditions can change daily or even hourly: it might be raining the night of July 3 and the course could dry out by July 4, or vice-versa. The race will be held rain or shine! - SAFETY MEETING FOR FIRST-TIMERS — All first-timers must attend the safety meeting at 6:45 p.m. July 3 at the Seward High School gymnasium. First-time juniors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bib distribution will occur immediately after the meeting.
- NOT A ROOKIE?: A rookie is someone who has never entered MMR or who has never officially finished a Mount Marathon race in the allotted time. If you believe you (or your child) are incorrectly classified as a first-time racer, please email director@mountmarathon.com.
Stay tuned for upcoming messages and best wishes for your preparations!
The Mount Marathon Race Committee &
Matias Saari, Race Director