Valley Thaw Out Races

🏃‍♂️ Welcome to the Valley Thaw Out Races

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

🎉 Event Overview

• Date: April 26, 2025
• Location: 4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
• Fundraiser: 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.
• Distances: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and a kids 1K fun run!

🏁 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, then turn RIGHT onto the bike path until the next Bodenburg Loop Rd. (Ages 7+)
• Half Marathon: Runners will head out on Bodenburg Loop, turn LEFT onto the bike path until the turnaround by Virginia Ave, then follow the road back. (Ages 10+)
• Kid's Run: A fun loop around the beautiful farmlands of Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm. (Ages 10 & under: Adult/Older sibling may chaperone.)

🚧 Course Restrictions

We will NOT be closing traffic to Bodenburg Loop Road. Runners will run on the shoulder against traffic. Children 7 and over are allowed for the 5K and 10K, while children 10 and over can participate in the Half Marathon. Children under 10 MUST have an adult running with them. There will be NO strollers or dogs allowed on the course. Failure to adhere to these regulations WILL result in disqualification or removal from the race.

🏅 Race Caps

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: once we do, we will establish a waitlist for those hoping to get in.

⏰ Start Times

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

📋 Bib Pickup

Thursday, April 24: 5:00-7:00 PM at AKtive Soles Performance Footwear Wasilla, (984 N Meridian Pl, Suite D, Wasilla, AK)

Saturday, April 26: at the registration tent at Pyrah's (4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK)

• Half Marathon: 9:00-9:30 AM
• 10K: 9:30-10:00 AM
• 5K: 10:00-10:30 AM

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

🎽 Race Swag

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

• 2025 Race Shirt (if registered by March 23)
• 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 Sunday, March 23, 2025.

📅 Registration Policy

Registration will open on November 4, 2025, at 8:00 AM and close on April 19, 2025, 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. 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

🔗 Get Involved

To sign up for the Valley Thaw Out Races, visit the official page: Valley Thaw Out Races