The Hatcher Pass Races take place in Willow, Alaska on August 1st, bringing runners to the scenic Matanuska-Susitna valley where Hatcher Pass is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The races are held along Hatcher Pass Road between Hatcher Pass Lodge and Willow, featuring challenging terrain with significant elevation changes that attract serious trail runners from across Alaska.
Hatcher Pass 50
Start: 05:00:00 • Fee: $150.00
Hatcher Pass 50 Rly
Start: 05:00:00 • Fee: $255.00
Marathon
42.2K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $125.00
Marathon Relay
42.2K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $200.00
On race day in August, temperatures hover around 12 degrees Celsius at the start of morning hours, making early starts chilly but manageable for seasoned athletes accustomed to Alaskan conditions. Humidity is high at about 84 percent, and a light drizzle with an average rainfall of 6 millimeters throughout the day can be expected. The trail conditions are firm and slightly soft, providing good traction yet requiring careful foot placement on switchbacks.
Since its inception, the Hatcher Pass Races have become integral to Alaska's running calendar, offering routes that traverse stunning mountain landscapes while testing endurance through steep ascents and descents. Participants not only enjoy breathtaking views of pristine wilderness but also contribute to a vibrant community event celebrating local nature and athleticism. The marathon route is slightly longer than 26.2 miles, making it ineligible for Boston qualification yet still marking Alaska off the list in long-distance runners' bucket lists.
The race venues stretch along Hatcher Pass Road with notable features including steep climbs early on followed by gradual descents towards the finish line near Willow Fishhook Road. The marathon course includes seven aid stations equipped with water, electrolytes, and snacks at intervals of two to five miles apart; 50 Mile participants encounter these twice during their journey.
In August in Alaska, mornings are crisp with temperatures ranging from a low of around 9 degrees Celsius up to a high of approximately 14.7 degrees by afternoon. Wind speeds average about eight kilometers per hour, and there's typically seven hours and thirty-eight minutes of sunshine throughout the day. UV index hovers at moderate levels around three point five.
The Hatcher Pass Races include several distance options: the challenging Hatcher Pass 50 Mile race for those seeking an extreme challenge, the relay events that split distances among team members, as well as traditional marathon and half-marathon equivalents. All races start early in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures before midday heat sets in.
To register, visit https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133927 where you can find detailed information about each race including fees (Hatcher Pass 50: $150.00; Hatcher Pass 50 Relay: $255.00 for a team of three runners). Bib pickup occurs the day before at Willow Fishhook Road from 8am to 6pm, requiring photo ID and proof of entry. Participants under eighteen must also bring parental consent.
The start location is on Willow Fishhook Road where all participants should assemble by their respective start times: Hatcher Pass 50 Mile/Relay begins early with a 5:00 am departure from the lodge while Marathon runners will begin at N Shirley Towne Dr in Willow starting at 9am. Teams must consist of exactly three members for relay events to qualify for awards.
The Hatcher Pass Races, taking place on August 1st in Willow, Alaska, offer an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and physical challenge, making it a unique destination event that combines the thrill of mountain running with community spirit and awe-inspiring landscapes.
