Ancestral Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the Alaska Native Nations upon whose ancestral lands this race resides. In Seward that is the traditional lands of the Sugpiq/Alutiiq People, who have lived and thrived here for thousands of years. Let us respect and acknowledge their culture, Sugt’stun language and history and the current Qutekcak Native Tribe.
Race Course
The race course (see detailed map on left and zoom in) includes areas of extreme challenge, with steep inclines, slippery loose rock and shale and obstacles such as ledges in a creek with running water and a “cliff” to descend near the end.
There is only one aid station with water at the top of the mountain (Race Point), but there is no guarantee this aid station will be available on race day. If weather permits, water, Powerade and medical equipment may be delivered by helicopter.
*SCROLL down to view instructional video covering various aspects of the mountain!
Preparation is Paramount
- All racers must have previous mountain running experience.
- First-time racers MUST complete the entire course in training – including the road sections – and sign a statement asserting they have done so before they can receive their bib after the safety meeting on July 3.
- Racers need sufficient fitness to achieve the cutoff times.
- Be prepared to get down the mountain, even if injured. Assistance is not guaranteed.
- Know all routes for getting on and off the mountain, including the Jeep Trail.
- Carry your own water, if needed, during the race. Spectators may give water or sustenance, but not gear or clothing, to racers. Racers must finish with all gear they started with.
- The terrain on Mount Marathon changes every year and there are inherent risks associated with mountain running and racing. Veteran racers should also practice the entire race course. Underprepared participants may endanger other racers, spectators and medical personnel, and jeopardize the sustainability of the race.
If you do not feel adequately prepared, do not participate in the race.
Adult Race Course
- Racers leave the start line at 4th Avenue and Adams Street, run one long block on 4th, take a left on Jefferson Street and follow the road to the base of the mountain. This distance is about a half mile.
- To access the start of the mountain, racers generally choose three main routes: the “cliff”, the Roots or the Switchback Trail.
- There is a cutoff time of 60 minutes at the halfway point of the mountain. Any racer who misses the cutoff must stop racing and descent the mountain.
- For the climb, there are several main trails, but racers may choose any route they wish. However, they must cross the timing mat while passing around the summit rock at Race Point.
- For the descent, most racers follow a different route than they climbed by taking the path through the scree and then the “Gut” (the creek). To exit the mountain, the standard routes are the “Cliff”, the Switchback Trail or the Jeep Trail (the Roots are NOT a viable route down).
The Waterfall route is for adult EXPERTS ONLY; a volunteer will verify during the race that this is your intended route before allowing you to continue. The Waterfall route may be closed by race officials, particularly in inclement weather. - Once racers return to the road, the finish line is about 2/3 mile away at the corner of 4th Avenue and Washington Street (this is about one block south of the start line).
- Water, orange wedges, physical therapy and medical services will be provided at the finish line.
- The total race distance is approximately 3.1 miles, with an elevation gain of nearly 3,000 feet.
Junior Race Course
- Racers leave the start line at 4th Avenue and Adams Street, run one long block on 4th, take a left on Jefferson Street and follow the road to the base of the mountain. This distance is about a half mile. The cutoff time for juniors to reach the gate near the picnic tables is 8 minutes.
- The junior race course follows the same route as the adult race, but only goes halfway up the mountain.
- There is a cutoff of 30 minutes to reach Squirrels’ Inn, which is about halfway to the Junior Race Point. The “Beeline Trail” is closed for juniors because it bypasses Squirrels’ Inn. Any junior slower than the cutoff time must stop racing and will be escorted down the mountain and reunited with a parent or guardian.
- Junior racers must round the marker at the halfway point (also known as the Junior Race Point) and descend the mountain to the finish line, which is one block south of the start line at 4th and Washington Street.
- The Waterfall Route is closed to junior racers and will be blocked off by race officials.
Land Ownership & Permits
The Mount Marathon Race operates under two permits: 1) the City of Seward (city property includes the course in town and the mountain until about Squirrels’ Inn) and 2) the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources (the area from Squirrels’ Inn to Race Point falls on state land)
Race Trademark®
The term Mount Marathon Race® is trademarked by the Seward Chamber of Commerce. All rights, including for merchandising or commercial purposes, are reserved.
Slope Steepness Averages 34 Degrees
View Mount Marathon Race Course Videos
Videos courtesy of KTVA News Channel 11; thanks also to guide Clint McCool
