Travel Tuesday: Run Marathon Mountain, Alaska

So for Travel Tuesday, this post is more for the runner who loves to travel and try new things.  Let me introduce you to Marathon Mountain in Seward, Alaska

Once a year runners line up near the bottom of this mountain, to run the 3.1 out and back.  3.1 miles might not sound like much, but this race which started back in 1908, and is possibly known as the 2nd oldest foot race in America, is not for the weak at heart.  The race originally began as a challenge to see who could make it up and back in under an hour.

It's 3.1 miles, and the half way point is at an elevation of 3,022 feet.  So yes pretty much you climb 3,022 feet in just under 1.5 miles.

This race reminds me of a shorter version of Pike's Peak Marathon in Colorado.  In other words look at the bright side, there is only 1 hill in the first half, and the 2nd half is all downhill.

It may be hard to see in this picture, but if you look close you can see the trail.  The race is limited to 700 people because of safety reason's, and having too many people on the trail, as well as environmental impact.

This picture taken from Resurrection Bay, is of Marathon Mountain
You run from the town below, to the top and back.

Have I done this race?  Nope, but when I visited Seward and saw the mountain and a local told me about the history of it, and the July 4th race, I couldn't help but hope I make it back there one day to run this race!

IF YOU GO:

*  Race is on the 4th of July each year.

*  Race is a lottery, you can enter between January 1st and March 31st.  They'll notify you if you make the lottery.

*  The race is limited to 350 Men and 350 Women

*  Good news it's only 3.1 miles, you probably won't even need water until you finish!  But if you can't go 3 miles without water, you'd have to carry your own. (They have water and medical at the finish.)

*  There is a cut off time for finishers, so check into that before you enter.

*  Lots of endurance and strength will be needed, keep that in mind before entering.

*  They recommend you run the course prior to the race, just to get a handle of it before race day, for safety reasons.  Personally, I would do it the day before and take a camera, I bet the shots from the top are breathtaking, and on race day you probably wouldn't want to risk ruining a camera by bringing one!

*  Want more info, visit their website: Mount Marathon Race