Anchorage Mayor's Marathon

Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan adventure at the Anchorage Mayor's Marathon, Half Marathon, and Solstice Classic, set for June 20, 2026, in the stunning landscapes of Anchorage, AK. This celebrated event, a summer solstice tradition for over 50 years, draws thousands of runners from across the globe, all eager to experience the Land of the Midnight Sun with roughly 19 to 22 hours of functional daylight. Runners can choose from a full 26.2-mile marathon, a 26.2-mile marathon relay, a 13.1-mile half marathon, or the 4.7-mile Solstice Classic, ensuring a distance for every ambition. Typical race day conditions are ideal, with comfortable highs around 66°F and lows around 51°F, and only a 3% chance of precipitation.

The Anchorage Mayor's Marathon offers a truly unique and picturesque point-to-point course. Beginning at the ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium in Kincaid Park and concluding at the festive Delaney Park Strip in downtown Anchorage, the route is a diverse tapestry of Alaskan beauty. After a downhill start through a cottonwood forest, runners join the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, following the Cook Inlet for miles with breathtaking views of the Alaska Range and the possibility of spotting beluga whales. The journey continues onto a mix of paved pedestrian trails and forested paths, winding through the University of Alaska Anchorage campus, past Westchester Lagoon teeming with birds, and into the expansive Far North Bicentennial Park—a 4,000-acre wilderness area where moose, bears, and salmon streams are common sights. While offering a net downhill profile, the course is known for its hilly nature, including a significant uphill stretch between miles 11 and 19, and a memorable steep ascent nearing the finish line.

Runners consistently praise the race for its superb organization, well-managed aid stations stocked with water and sports drinks, and the vigilant presence of mobile medics along the trail. The lively finish line festival at Delaney Park Strip is a highlight, offering food, drinks, and the popular opportunity for a photo with "Hank the Moose". As a USA Track & Field certified Boston Qualifier, this marathon provides a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience amidst Alaska's stunning natural grandeur. Proceeds from the event support both the Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department and the University of Alaska Anchorage Athletic Department.