Hatcher Pass Marathon schedule

2012 women’s champ Shawn McTaggart was among the first to take advantage of early sign-up for the fourth annual Hatcher Pass Marathon & Relay, scheduled to start at 9 a.m., July 12, in Willow. Entry fees will go up on June 21.

Runners may register online for the full marathon or the three-person relay, via ultrasignup.com. Registration on race day is also available. Entry fee is $40 online until June 21 and then $50 until July 11, and $60 on race day. Teams pay $120 to enter the relay online until June 21 and then $150 until July 11, and $180 on race day.

The Mat-Su Valley’s only 26.2-mile race begins at the Willow Creek bridge on Shirley Towne Road, near mile 43.25 of Willow Fishhook Road. The mostly graveled race course, which features a cumulative elevation gain of almost 4,000 feet, follows Willow Fishhook Road over the summit of the pass and finishes near Independence Mine State Park. The first 25 miles climbs continuously, followed by a steep mile-long descent to the finish line.

Hosted by the Willow Running Club, the race has attracted nearly 100 runners each year. Runners interested in participating should visit the club’s website at www.willowraceseries.com, look up Willow Race Series on Facebook, or email race organizer Andrea Hambach at andreahambach722@yahoo.com to learn more about this event.