If this is your first-ever half marathon, the hosts of Girdwood Marathon and Half Marathon warn against allowing this race to be your first. As its eighth (8th) year in operation, this mentally and physically challenging race brings out the most savage of runners! As for the event’s mission, the Girdwood Marathon is largely a fundraising event for the Girdwood Nordic Ski Club. If you want to support local, this is surely the event to partake in. Covering some of the most scenic and sought-after trails in Alaska, this race located in the quant town of Anchorage takes runners through the beautiful and amazing temperate rain forest. Along the course, runners will acquaint themselves with several famous Alaskan landmarks including Winner Creek Trail, California Creek Trail, Bird-to-Gird Trail, and several Alyeska Resort mountain trails to boot!
Girdwood Marathon & Half Marathon
October 5, 2024
Anchorage
Trail
Ready to sign up?
100-500
Fast & Flat
Forested
High: 48°
/ Low: 34°
Gather your running shoes and meet at Alyeska Day Lodge for the anticipated start of the Girdwood Half Marathon. This updated clockwise looping course takes runnings uphill along Chair 3 Road followed by the first downhill section along Chair 7 Slope Road. From there, runners turn around and climb the road they just descended from toward the tunnel under Arlberg Road. Just before reaching the tunnel, runners turn left onto Winner Creek Extension. Once runners exit this trail, they’ll be shot uphill from Sitzmark, finding themselves back at the start line. But the race isn’t finished yet, for it’s only just beginning… Upon recrossing the start line, runners will head toward Glacier Creek Bridge via the Alyeska Bike Path. Crossing the bridge, runners then enter Town Square heading toward Tiny Trail. Along this portion of the course, runners will enter onto many tangent trails including California Creek Trail, Abe’s Trail, Beaver Pond Trail, and Bird-to-Gird Path, ultimately passing the Railroad Station, revisiting Glacier Creek Bridge, and back toward Alyeska Day Lodge to finish. Unique from most races, this race invites participants to BYOBS, that is to say, bring your own BEAR SPRAY! Depending on the weather, you might also want to bring a change of clothes for after the race, for you might just find yourself dredging through water creeks and muddy trails throughout. As for the aid stations, there are 4-5 throughout, providing runners with unlimited water, snacks, and runners’ favorite – gummy bears!
Overview
If this is your first-ever half marathon, the hosts of Girdwood Marathon and Half Marathon warn against allowing this race to be your first. As its eighth (8th) year in operation, this mentally and physically challenging race brings out the most savage of runners! As for the event’s mission, the Girdwood Marathon is largely a fundraising event for the Girdwood Nordic Ski Club. If you want to support local, this is surely the event to partake in. Covering some of the most scenic and sought-after trails in Alaska, this race located in the quant town of Anchorage takes runners through the beautiful and amazing temperate rain forest. Along the course, runners will acquaint themselves with several famous Alaskan landmarks including Winner Creek Trail, California Creek Trail, Bird-to-Gird Trail, and several Alyeska Resort mountain trails to boot!
Course Description
Gather your running shoes and meet at Alyeska Day Lodge for the anticipated start of the Girdwood Half Marathon. This updated clockwise looping course takes runnings uphill along Chair 3 Road followed by the first downhill section along Chair 7 Slope Road. From there, runners turn around and climb the road they just descended from toward the tunnel under Arlberg Road. Just before reaching the tunnel, runners turn left onto Winner Creek Extension. Once runners exit this trail, they’ll be shot uphill from Sitzmark, finding themselves back at the start line. But the race isn’t finished yet, for it’s only just beginning… Upon recrossing the start line, runners will head toward Glacier Creek Bridge via the Alyeska Bike Path. Crossing the bridge, runners then enter Town Square heading toward Tiny Trail. Along this portion of the course, runners will enter onto many tangent trails including California Creek Trail, Abe’s Trail, Beaver Pond Trail, and Bird-to-Gird Path, ultimately passing the Railroad Station, revisiting Glacier Creek Bridge, and back toward Alyeska Day Lodge to finish. Unique from most races, this race invites participants to BYOBS, that is to say, bring your own BEAR SPRAY! Depending on the weather, you might also want to bring a change of clothes for after the race, for you might just find yourself dredging through water creeks and muddy trails throughout. As for the aid stations, there are 4-5 throughout, providing runners with unlimited water, snacks, and runners’ favorite – gummy bears!
