Runners prepare for the Valley’s only 26.2-mile race

WILLOW — The Hatcher Pass Marathon, the Mat-Su’s only 26.2-mile race, is staged to take place for the third consecutive year on Saturday. Runners may continue to register online for the full marathon or the three-person relay at ultrasignup.com until noon today. Registration on race day is also available. Full marathon entry fee is $50 online or $60 on race day. Teams pay $140 to enter the relay online or $160 on race day.

Race day sign-up and bib pick-up starts at 7 a.m. at the Willow Creek bridge on Shirley Towne Road near Mile 43.25, Willow-Fishhook Road. Race start is scheduled for 9 a.m., with the fastest runners expected to finish in about three hours near Independence Mine State Park. The challenging course takes participants on the mostly graveled road 25 miles, with nearly 4,000 feet cumulative elevation gain, followed by a steep descent of just over a mile from the summit to the finish line.

Carpooling is highly encouraged due to the limited parking space available at the start and finish. A $5 parking fee is collected by Alaska State Parks near the finish at Independence Mine.

For more information, visit willowraceseries.com.