However you like to run...we've got a race for you.
Come join us as we celebrate the start of running season in Alaska with the Valley Thaw Out Races!
The Valley Thaw Out Races are a fundraiser for the MatSu Running Club, a non profit group offering coached running workouts and group runs throughout the spring and summer.
Grab your friends, family, and cohorts and sign up to run some spring miles together! There is a distance for everyone at this family friendly race. A 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and a kids 1K fun run!
5K: (Ages 7+)
10K: Full disclosure...this full loop is just a bit longer than a strict 10K. (Ages 7+)
Half Marathon: (Ages 10+)
Kid's Run: (Ages 7 & under. Adult/Older sibling may chaperone runner.)
Registration will open November 4 at 8:00AM.
Due to the cost and effort of putting on these races we will not be offering refunds, deferrals, bib exchanges or race transfers.
Join us in the land of the midnight sun for the fourth year of AKtive's Backyard Ultra!
The race will be held at Government Peak Recreation Area, the backyard of Alaskas favorite mountain playground, Hatcher Pass. The course is a 4.167 mile (6706 meter) loop through single track and ski trails with moderate elevation gains/losses (~500ft per loop). AKtive's Backyard 2025 is a Bronze Ticket race in the Individual Backyard Championship. Winner will receive entry into a Silver Ticket race to compete for a chance to run at Bigs Backyard.
AKtive's Backyard will follow all standard Backyard Ultra rules and regulations. Racers will receive complete instruction and rules in the race handbook after registering. Day and night loops will be the same. While we brag about our midnight sun, it can still get a bit dark in the wee hours of the morning so headlamps are recommended between the hours of 11-4am.
The course trails will be clear and well marked but there can be thick vegetation surrounding the trails so always keep an eye out for wildlife and consider bringing bear spray or deterrent (whistle/horn). Weather in Alaska is anybody's guess. We always hope for dry, runnable trails but you should be prepared for rain and mud as well.
Registration will open November 4 at 8:00AM.
Due to the cost and effort of putting on these races we will not be offering refunds, deferrals, bib exchanges or race transfers.
Hatcher Pass is one of the most scenic areas in the Matanuska-Susitna valley and draws in hikers, runners, bikers, and sightseers throughout the year. The Hatcher Pass Marathon takes place once the gates through the Pass are opened to the public after being locked all winter due to immense snowfall. In the winter, it's an outdoor enthusiasts playground, but the summers are the true spice of life in this area. From July through September Hatcher Pass is THE place to be!
The Hatcher Pass Races have become a staple in the Alaska running community, not just for the incredible location but also for the intense elevation gain/loss. The first 25 miles of the Marathon course are uphill, some gradual, some steep, some switchbacks. This is a mountain pass after all. The last 1+ mile is a downhill burner to the finish. Total elevation gain in the Marathon is around 3900ft. The 50 Mile course begins with a steep climb before descending the rest of the way down to the midway turnaround point (the Marathon start). 50 Milers then follow the Marathon course back up to the finish. Total elevation gain of the 50 Mile is 5000 ft. All courses will travel along Hatcher Pass road between Hatcher Pass Lodge and Willow. The Marathon route is slightly longer than 26.2 so it won't qualify you for Boston but it will mark Alaska off your 50 States challenge. Likewise, the 50 Mile course is basically back to back marathons making it roughly 54 miles.
The Relay event is a 3-person relay with each team member running either one 8-9 mile leg for the Marathon or two legs for the 50 Mile. Relay teams MUST consist of three (3) runners. Only teams with the required number of runners will be eligible for top finish awards.
Registration will open November 4 at 8:00AM.
Due to the cost and effort of putting on these races we will not be offering refunds, deferrals, bib exchanges or race transfers.
Starting at Government Peak Recreation Area runners will make their way up Government Peak via the race trail. Once to the top of Government Peak participants will continue to follow the ridge line over to April Bowl and down to the Summit Lake Parking lot. Once at the parking lot runners will continue down the road to Independence Mine!
The race itself is about 8ish miles with around 5,000 ft vertical gain.
This race is challenging and covers a variety of terrain including steep uphill trail, loose rock, shale, tundra, dirt road and a tiny portion of paved road at the very end. Weather and conditions can change the terrain very quickly making it more difficult/dangerous. It is ultimately the responsibility of the participant to be aware of their surroundings.
All participants will be required to sign a waiver that they have completed the entire course at least once prior to race day.
If you are not comfortable in the backcountry, with vertical gain, loose footing, and steep ridges this race is not for you.
Due to safety for all runners we require you to carry at least 500 calories, a light jacket, and hat/gloves.
Registration will open November 4 at 8:00AM.
Due to the cost and effort of putting on these races we will not be offering refunds, deferrals, bib exchanges or race transfers.
Join us at Matanuska Lakes State Rec Area for an exciting day of trail running!
Whether you are a seasoned trail runner or a beginner taking your first steps into the world of trail running, this event is designed to embrace all ages and abilities, with varying distances to suit your preference. This is an opportunity to challenge yourself, push your limits, and discover the power within you. We encourage you to bring your family, friends, and colleagues to join in the fun!
Race distances include a 5K, 10K, 25K, 50K and a Kids Run. All races will take place on the beautiful single track and grass trails that make up the Matanuska Greenbelt.
All races will start and finish at the campground area of Mat Lakes Rec Area and will start every 30 minutes beginning with the 50K at 8:00AM.
Registration will open November 4 at 8:00AM.
Due to the cost and effort of putting on these races we will not be offering refunds, deferrals, bib exchanges or race transfers.
Join us for a brand new AKtive Events race and our race season finale at Skeetawk Ski Area where the only goal is to run as many one mile loops as you can in a given amount of time. Choose from 12, 6, or 4 hours of racing the beautiful new Meadow Loop trail atop Skeetawk in Hatcher Pass.
Runners will begin at the start tent in the Skeetawk parking lot and make their way up the Altitude gravel path (.39 miles) before veering left to the entrance of the Meadow Loop trail (.54 miles). Here runners may choose to run the Meadow Loop in the direction of their choice, clockwise or counter clockwise. After completing one full loop, runners will head back down Altitude and check in at the start tent before heading back up on their next loop.
Minors are welcome from the ages of 12-17 for any session of time. Parent/guardian must be on site for the duration of the run.
Children under the age of 12 may sign up for the Kid Loop to run any amount or duration of loops with a parent/guardian who is registered. Must be running with a parent at all times. They do NOT have to run the entire duration of time the parent is registered for.
Registration will open November 4 at 8:00AM.
Due to the cost and effort of putting on these races we will not be offering refunds, deferrals, bib exchanges or race transfers.
AKtive's Backyard Ultra:
Miles Raney ('22) & Chris Kirk ('23) - 22 Laps
Hatcher Pass Races:
50 Mile
Kamie Miller ('23) - 8:49:15
Gabriel Gomez ('24) - 8:52:29
Marathon
Sam Tilly ('14) - 2:51:24
Jana Van Stee ('20) - 3:33:15
Veins of Gold:
Lars Arneson ('24) - 1:42:33
Christy Marvin ('23) - 1:51:02
Lakes TrailFest:
50K
Ryan Haylett ('24) - 4:22:34
Olivia Route ('24) - 5:15:28
25K
Micah Templin ('24) - 2:02:14
Kristin Wetzel ('24) - 2:18:06
10K
Matt Manzo ('24) - 47:14
Haley Dees ('23) - 57:19
5K
Ty Clare ('23) - 29:47
Mary Epchook ('23) - 36:29
Death By a Mile:
12 HR
Joe Davis & Jason Dashow ('24) - 35 laps
6 HR
Emma Corby ('24) - 20 laps
4 HR
Josh Taylor ('24) - 18 laps
The Alaska Mountain Running Grand Prix Point System complies with the World Mountain Running Association standards.
Other Mountain Races