Alaska is one of North America’s best kept secrets. From the gorgeous spectacle of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) to an average of 16 ½ hours of daylight in the summer months, Alaska is a nature-lover’s paradise. The cool temperatures and breathtaking scenery make Alaska a must for any runner. Come check out some of the best half marathons in Alaska.
Frank Maier Half Marathon-Juneau
The Frank Maier Half Marathon takes place in Juneau and is a USATF-Certified course. This race is fairly small so there will be no need to fight for elbow room! The race starts and finishes at Sandy Beach and is ran at or near sea level. This race takes place on a two lane highway and will give runners an awesome view of glaciers, forests, mountains, whales, the ocean, and the occasional bear or moose!
The Course
The Frank Maier Half Marathon features and out and back course with once-in-a-lifetime views. For the first mile of the race, runner will gain close to 75 feet of elevation. At the fourth mile, runners will traverse a small hill in which they will gain and then lose another 75 feet of elevation. Miles 6-9 will follow the same pattern: runners will gain 75 feet and then lose another 75 feet of elevation.The last mile of the race is a gentle downhill slope which will cause the runners to lose 75 feet of elevation. This course should not be difficult, but you may want to practice on a few hills. Register for the race here.
Reviews
“This is a beautiful course for someone who enjoys running without crowds, but enjoys beautiful scenery and a few eagles flying right overhead. Excellent organization, nice people, cool weather. The only problem is that it is so good that it will probably get bigger. Hilly course is not an easy one, but still very enjoyable. Gave it a “five” on spectators because I enjoyed running just me and the eagles.”-D.C., Marathonguide.com
“Running along the ocean, gazing at a glacier and whales-Am I dreaming? No, it’s my 11th fantastic trip to Juneau, where Kim and Bryan direct a wonderful race. There are flexible start times for any pace. The volunteers are terrific and the after run meal of fresh salmon steaks and veggie burgers (for we few who can resist the salmon)is unsurpassed[.]”-Larry Macon, Marathonguide.com
Mayor’s Midnight Sun Half Marathon – Anchorage
The Mayor’s Midnight Sun Half Marathon takes place in the coastal lowland of southern Alaska. This race is typically held in June so runners can expect mild temperatures. The average temperature for Anchorage for this time of year ranges between 48 and 63 degrees, so you may want to pack a jacket! Mayor’s Midnight Sun is considered one of the best races in the country-so if you’re searching for an Alaska race you should give this one a try. Get registered here.
The Course
The Mayor’s Midnight Sun Half Marathon is a loop course that starts and finishes at the Delaney Park Strip. Part of the race takes place on a bicycle path at Westchester Lagoon. The first portion of the race is on paved surfaces and the the first three miles are fairly flat; however, you can expect the course to get a little hillier later on. Between miles 8 and 10, runners will experience a second hilly section. The last few miles of the race flatten out, allowing for an easy finish.
Reviews
“Loved this course. Saw a moose during the first half of the race. It rained the entire time so it was nice and cool. Lots of dirt roads and trails, which were awesome. Some running on main roads, but not bad. Very organized and well put together. Great support at the finish line: Bread, cookies, fruit, blankets, water – amazing!!!.”-E.E., Marathonguide.com
“I have to admit that I was surprised by the difficulty of the course. The portion covered in gravel and rocks was tough. However, the scenery, the organization, and the support made up for it! Throughout the race there was plenty of water, sports drinks, pretzels, and oranges! The course is very well marked. The police support was outstanding… and the weather was cool and cloudy!”-D.I.,Marathonguide.com
Skinny Raven Half Marathon – Anchorage
The Skinny Raven Half Marathon is USATF Certified and in 2016 was selected by the RRCA to host the Alaska State Marathon Championship. As such, if you are looking for some extra souvenirs from your trip to Alaska, the RRCA Championship will present an additional eight awards to the top female and top male runners several different age groups. The half marathon is limited to 1,500 participants, but there are usually less than 1,000 competitors, so you shouldn’t have a problem claiming your spot. Click here to sign up.
The Course
The Skinny Raven Half Marathon is an out and back course. The first mile of the race winds around downtown Anchorage then takes the runners to a the Coastal Trail for approximately two miles. After mile three, the majority of the race takes place on wooded trails until the runners turn around close to mile seven. Between the last half a mile and the finish, there is a final “big” hill so make sure you save a little gas for this last climb.
Reviews
”The organization and course support were the highlights for me and I like the size, small but large enough. Except for the aid stations virtually no spectators but that’s fine with me. The aid stations were frequent, well stocked and staffed with friendly students and adults. I don’t appreciate the two hills, especially the one at the end. They could both be avoided. Do remember that Anchorage is in a rain forest!”-C.Y., Marathonguide.com
“I loved not having any cars around. Run was on paved trails in mostly wooded areas. Very nice, very comfortable weather. First turn-around was just past the airport. Had a 747 landing directly overhead. VERY COOL. Less than a mile later, a moose and baby. MORE COOL. Lots of water. Great support. Nice finish area with food and music. Very festive enjoyable end zone. THANKS !!”-S.C., Marathonguide.com