Valley Thaw Out Races

🏃‍♂️ Event Overview

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

• Date: April 25, 2026
• Location: 4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK
• Distance Options: Kids Fun Run, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon
• Family-Friendly: There is a distance for everyone in this event.

🎟️ Race Details

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.

🏁 The Course

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: Runners will head out on Bodenburg Loop until they reach the Glenn Highway, they will then turn RIGHT onto the bike path and run down to the next Bodenburg Loop Rd where they will turn RIGHT again and follow the road back to Pyrah's. Full disclosure...this full loop is just a bit longer than a strict 10K. (Ages 7+)
• Half Marathon: Runners will head out on Bodenburg Loop until they reach the Glenn Highway, they will then turn LEFT onto the bike path and continue on the bike path until the turnaround by Virginia Ave. From the turnaround they will take the bike path to the SECOND Bodenburg Loop Rd where they will turn RIGHT and follow the road back to Pyrah's. (Ages 10+)
• Marathon: Runners will head out on Bodenburg Loop until they reach the Glenn Highway, they will then turn LEFT onto the bike path and continue on the bike path until the turnaround at the Trunk roundabout. NOTE: The official marathon course is still being created (dependent on permits) but it will likely follow the bike path up Bogard to Colony HS and back. On the way back runners continue on the bike path to the SECOND Bodenburg Loop Rd where they will turn RIGHT and follow the road back to Pyrah's. (Ages 14+)
• Kid's Run: A fun loop around the beautiful farmlands of Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm. (Ages 10 & under. Adult/Older sibling may chaperone runner.)

🚫 Course Restrictions

We will NOT be closing traffic to Bodenburg Loop Road. Runners will run on the shoulder against traffic. The 5K and 10K are open to children 7 and over, the Half is open to children 10 and over, the Marathon is open to children 14 and over. YOU are responsible for ensuring that your child understands the rules of the road. Any child under the age of 10 MUST have an adult running with them for the duration of the race. Race volunteers will assist with any crossings and blind corners. Due to these conditions there will be NO STROLLERS OR DOGS allowed on the course. Failure to adhere to these regulations WILL result in a disqualification and/or removal from the race.

📅 Race Caps and Registration

In compliance with our permits for this event, the race cap is 250 participants across all divisions (excluding kids run). We anticipate selling out quickly and once we do will establish a wait list for those hoping to get in.

⏰ Start Times

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

🎽 Bib Pickup

Thursday, April 23: 5:00-7:00pm at AKtive Soles Performance Footwear Wasilla, (984 N Meridian Pl, Suite D, Wasilla, AK)

Saturday, April 25: at registration tent at Pyrah's (4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK)

• Marathon: 8:00-8:30am
• Half Marathon: 9:00-9:30am
• 10K: 9:30-10:00am
• 5K: 10:00-10:30am

Yes, you may pick up your friend's bib. No, you may not exchange your shirt size.

🏅 Race Swag

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

• 2026 Race Shirt (if registered by March 21)
• Finisher's Medal
• VTOR Sticker

Kid's finishers will receive:

• Finisher's Token
• VTOR Sticker

NOTE: The last day to register and be guaranteed a shirt is Saturday, March 21, 2026.

💡 Registration Policy

Registration will open on November 7, 2025 at 8:00am and close on April 18, 2026 at midnight. Due to the cost of putting on events like this there will be NO refunds or deferments allowed. (Please consider purchasing race insurance at checkout if this is a concern for you.) There is NO day of race registration.

🤝 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. A portion of the race proceeds go directly to the club in support of their mission to help new and seasoned runners meet personal goals, create community, and increase the joy and satisfaction of running. For more information you can visit their website here: MatSu Running Club

For more details about the Valley Thaw Out Races, please visit this link.