Roy Neese

Anchorage Mayor's Marathon

The longest day of the year means a long distance race for many in Anchorage. The Anchorage Mayor's Marathon & Half Marathon is a summer solstice tradition more than 40 years in the making. Runners from all over the world head to Anchorage on June 22, 2024, for the race.

The Race

Organized by the University of Alaska Anchorage and Anchorage Parks & Recreation, five running races are held simultaneously - including the Midnight Sun Marathon (26.2 miles), Alaska Half Marathon (13.1 miles), a marathon relay (4 x 6.5 mile legs),  Coastal 5K and Buddy Half Marathon, in which teams of two or three runners split the half marathon course into sections relay style, and a 5-miler.

The race expo takes place June 20-21, with the races taking to the course on June 23, 2023. Online registration is available through the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon website. The Healthy Futures Kids' Mile, also takes place June 15. It's a free kids race run as part of the race weekend.

Post-Race Festivities

The finish line at Delaney Park is a few blocks away from another big event. The Summer Solstice Festival in downtown Anchorage is filled with all-ages fun. Toast your success at a nearby brewery, replace all those burned calories at a nearby restaurant.

Catch your breath after the race, and find some breathtaking sights just beyond the city. Glacier and wildlife cruisesflightseeing tours to Denali or Prince William Sound, and day tours are great ways to add Alaska sights to your race in Anchorage.

Places to Stay

After a full day of activity, there's nothing quite like unwinding in a cozy room at a boutique hotel, charming cottage, lakeside lodge, B&B or full-service hotel.

Anchorage RunFest

One of Alaska's premier running events, Anchorage RunFest is held annually during August. The event draws racers of all abilities for races ranging from a mile to 49 kilometers.