83rd Running
July 4, 2010

The foot race is a climb and descent on Mt. Marathon - a mile and a half up and a mile and a half down, complete with cliffs, scree fields, waterfalls, and a spectacular view.  This annual event draws runners from around the world.

2010 winners

Junior Boys: Alexander Babos  27:29

Junior Girls: Allison Ostrander  31:15

Women's Race: Cedar Bourgeois  51:48

Men's Race: Trond Flagstad  44.40

Full race results here.

ABOUT The Race

Over the years, this home town historical event has drawn increased participation ~ resulted in new milestones.  54 women finished the first-ever women's race in 1985, juniors began logging their age-group records in 1994, and 2005 heralded the beginning of the "staggered start" for the senior races.  The popular Mini Marathon race starts them out young - toddling just a few feet to victory!

The tradition of the Mount Marathon Race^®, according to folklore, began when two sourdoughs had an argument about whether it was possible to climb and descend the mountain in less than one hour.

"Impossible" one said, and to settle the argument and the resulting wager it was decided to hold a race with the loser to furnish drinks for the crowd.

At the same time, enterprising merchants put up a suit of clothes and other attractions for the winner and proposed the race take place on a holiday - why not the 4th of July?

The optimistic sourdough lost his bet. The winning racer took one hour and two minutes. Official records disclose that the Mount Marathon Race^® actually began as an organized run in 1915 and has since become a regular part of the Independence Day celebration in Seward.

The Mount Marathon Race^® application process takes place beginning January 1st each year and closes at midnight, Alaska time, on March 31st.  If you are interested in running Mt. Marathon, be sure to check out the Race Details here.

See a map of the race route here.

2009 Photo
Gallery 

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