Alyeska Day Lodge, Girdwood AK
Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
Race Overview
Giddy up!
This trail marathon covers some of the amazing trails in Girdwood, Alaska. Our town is known for over 30 plus meandering trails through the beautiful temperate rain forest. This is NOT the race to run if it's your first marathon. "This marathon feels like an ultra run" says marathon finishers, so perhaps volunteer to sweep race course, or work at an Aid Station your first year. Volunteers are guaranteed a spot the following year! OR...sign up for the 5K Family-Friendly Race and then volunteer and cheer on the finishers!
Course Details
This run includes the infamous Winner Creek Trail, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Iditarod Trails, Nordic 5K Loop, Tiny Trail, Athabascan Trail, California Creek Trail, Abe's Trail, Beaver Pond Trail, Bird-to-Gird Trail, Winner Creek Extension Trail, Alyeska Bike Path, and various Alyeska Resort mountain trails including the NEW Kettle Pond Trail.
Event Schedule
- Date: October 3, 2026
- Full Marathon Start: 9:00AM
- Half Marathon Start: 10:00AM
- Location: Alyeska Day Lodge, Girdwood, AK
Aid Stations
- 1: Alyeska Daylodge
- 2: Nordic 5K Loop / Winner Creek Trail connection
- 3: Middle Iditarod Trail at USFS parking lot
- 4: Crow Creek Rd at California Creek Trailhead
- 5: Bird-to-Gird Path Trailhead
Participation Guidelines
Select the full 26.2 (ish) mile marathon, 13.1 (ish) mile half-marathon, or the 5K Race. The races start and end at the Alyeska Daylodge in Girdwood. Aid stations will be stocked with snacks and water. We will have pitchers to fill YOUR hydration packs or bottles. Carry your water!
- Wildlife Precaution: This is a BYOBS race (Bring Your Own Bear Spray).
- Parking: Available at the venue, along with restrooms and storage for warm gear.
- Refund Policy: NO REFUNDS offered, even if the race is cancelled due to weather.
- Dog Policy: Please leave dogs at home. This applies to racers and spectators.
Cut Off Times and Safety
AGAIN THIS YEAR! There will be a time cut-off for the Marathon. Marathon ONLY - not half marathon. The cutoff will be 4.5 hours at the Crow Creek Rd Aid Station. This policy is for the safety of runners and volunteers. If you are interested in walking the course, then sign up as a volunteer course sweep instead of racing.
- Technology Policy: AIRPODS are discouraged to stay alert to wildlife and other runners.
- Communication: Race Day schedule and updated maps will be emailed to all Race Participants and Wait List Participants.
- Water Safety: We will decide if Marathon Racers are running across Glacier Creek 5 days prior to the race.
- Post-Race Treats: Yummy Bake Shop sweet rolls, cookies, and Coast pizza will be provided after the race!
Additional Information
This is a fundraiser for the Girdwood Nordic Ski Club, using the funds to maintain snow machines, trails, and signage. We do not offer refunds unless for extenuating circumstances such as deployment or volunteering instead of racing.
We appreciate all of you coming to play outside in Girdwood and sharing our love for the Girdwood trail system. Three categories will be available for each race: Men's Division, Women's Division, and Non-Binary Division.
Join Us!
See you soon! For full details, please visit the race page: Girdwood Marathon.
