Valley Thaw Out Races

🏃‍♂️ Race 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 99645
• Distances: A kids Fun Run, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and NEW this year...a Full Marathon.
• Family Friendly: There is a distance for everyone!

🎉 Fundraising Effort

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, turn right onto the bike path, and follow the road back to Pyrah's. (Ages 7+)
• Half Marathon: Runners will go out on Bodenburg Loop, turn left onto the bike path to the turnaround by Virginia Ave, and return back to Pyrah's. (Ages 10+)
• Marathon: Runners will go out on Bodenburg Loop, turn left onto the bike path to Airport Rd, then follow the course 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)

🚦 Course Restrictions

We will NOT be closing traffic to Bodenburg Loop Road. Runners will run on the shoulder against traffic.

• Ages: 5K and 10K are open to children 7+, Half Marathon to children 10+, and Marathon to children 14+.
• Adult Supervision: Any child under the age of 10 MUST have an adult running with them for the duration of the race.
• Volunteers: Race volunteers will assist with any crossings and blind corners.
• Prohibited Items: There will be NO STROLLERS OR DOGS allowed on the course.

📅 Race Details

In compliance with our permits for this event, the race cap is 250 participants across all divisions (excluding kids run).

⏰ 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

🏅 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.

🔗 Race Registration

To register for the race, visit this link.