Valley Thaw Out Races

Valley Thaw Out Races

Come join us as we celebrate the start of running season in Alaska with the Valley Thaw Out Races!

Event Details

• Date: April 25, 2026
• Location: 4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK
• Distance Options: Kids Fun Run, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon
• Age Restrictions: See age restrictions for each distance.

Course Information

All races will start and finish at Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm on Bodenburg Loop.

• 5K: Course will be an out and back on Bodenburg Loop. (Ages 7+)
• 10K: Out on Bodenburg Loop, RIGHT on bike path to Bodenburg Loop Rd. (Ages 7+)
• Half Marathon: Out on Bodenburg Loop, LEFT on bike path to turnaround by Virginia Ave. (Ages 10+)
• Marathon: Out on Bodenburg Loop, LEFT on bike path to the turnaround. (Ages 14+)
• Kid's Run: A fun loop around Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm. (Ages 10 & under)

Course Restrictions

• Traffic: Runners will run on the shoulder against traffic.
• Age Requirements: 5K and 10K are for ages 7+, Half is for ages 10+, Marathon is for ages 14+.
• Chaperone: Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
• No Strollers/Dogs: Strollers and dogs are not allowed on the course.

Race Caps

Race cap is 250 participants across all divisions (excluding kids run).

Start Times

• Marathon: 9:00 AM
• Half Marathon: 10:00 AM
• 10K: 10:30 AM
• 5K: 11:00 AM
• Kids Run: 11:30 AM

Bib Pickup

• April 23: 5:00-7:00 PM at AKtive Soles Performance Footwear Wasilla.
• April 25: Registration tent at Pyrah's.
• Marathon: 8:00-8:30 AM
• Half Marathon: 9:00-9:30 AM
• 10K: 9:30-10:00 AM
• 5K: 10:00-10:30 AM

Race Swag

All 5K/10K/Half/Marathon finishers will receive:

• Race Shirt: 2026 Race Shirt (if registered by March 21)
• Finisher's Medal: All finishers will receive a medal.
• VTOR Sticker: All finishers will receive a sticker.

Kid's finishers will receive:

• Finisher's Token: All kids will receive a token.
• VTOR Sticker: All kids will receive a sticker.
• Note: Last day for guaranteed shirt is March 21, 2026.

Registration Policy

Registration opens on November 7, 2025 at 8:00 AM and closes on April 18, 2026 at midnight. There are NO refunds or deferments allowed.

Race Partner

The Valley Thaw Out Races is a fundraising event for the MatSu Running Club, a non-profit running club in the Matanuska Susitna Valley.

More Information

For more details and to register, visit Valley Thaw Out Races.