Moose's Tooth Marathon and Marathon Walk

The marathon attracts local Anchorage runners as well as athletes from out of state; almost a third of the 317 finishers in 2011 were from out of town and many belonged to the Fifty States Marathon Club or to Marathon Maniacs. The course is relatively flat, is USATF-certified, and is a Boston Marathon qualifier.

Marathoners and half marathoners start together, wind through downtown streets, then head out onto the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. When runners reach Westchester Lagoon (approximately mile 3), half marathoners split off to the left, while marathoners bear right to continue along the Coastal trail. They follow the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail alongside Knik Arm to a turnaround point known by locals as “the Blue Bridge.” Runners then head north back to Westchester Lagoon where they veer right (east) onto the Chester Creek Trail. From the Chester Creek turnaround at Goose Lake, runners return to the Lagoon and head back to the finish line in downtown Anchorage.

Participants receive a long-sleeve technical shirt and a finisher medal. The race is professionally timed. Start time is 9:00 a.m. Limited to 500 runners.

Moose's Tooth Marathon Walk

There were 16 marathon walkers in 2011. Walkers begin at 8:00 a.m., and must reach mile 23 (Valley of the Moon Aid Station) by 2:30 p.m., as well as cross the finish line by 3:30 p.m. to be considered an official finisher. Transportation from Valley of the Moon back to the start/finish area will be provided. In addition to receiving a long-sleeve technical shirt, all those who finish by the 3:30 p.m. deadline receive a finisher medal. The race is professionally timed. Limited to 100 walkers.

Start/Finish Area

The marathon starts and finishes in downtown Anchorage near Town Square and the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.

Awards

Top three male and female finishers in each age group (five years deep) receive awards. Award ceremonies for each race are held in Town Square.

Aid Stations

All aid stations will have water and nearly all will have Gatorade. The event does not provide food at any of the aid stations; this is a "BYOGu" event, so be sure to pack some with you if needed. Aid stations are located approximately every 2 miles. For exact locations, please see the appropriate course map.

Medical Support

Two formal medical tents will be set up along the Big Wild Life Runs Course: one at Westchester Lagoon, and one at the Start/Finish area. Medical personnel, primarily resident physicians from Providence Family Practice Residency program, will patrol the course and provide first aid as needed.

USATF Certification

The Big Wild Life Runs marathon course is USATF certified. View the course certification document.

Best Places to Watch the Event

Elderberry Park
Westchester Lagoon
Lyn Ary Park
Postmark Aid Station
Woronzof Aid Station
Valley of the Moon Park
Woodside/East Chester Park
Davenport Fields
Tikishla Park/Scotty Gomez Ice Rink

For addresses and/or directions, see the course map.

Entertainment

There will be entertainers at various points along the course and at the finish to encourage and energize runners.

Maps

We would like to thank Brian Looney and CRW Engineering Group, LLC for providing these maps. Thanks also go to Bonnie Swanson, Big Wild Life Runs Executive Race Committee, for spearheading the mapping project and to Heidi Beer and Shane Garling, also volunteers, for helping. View the marathon course map.

Course Profile

The graphic shows an approximation of the course profile and is not to scale.

Moose's Tooth Marathon Course Directions

Detailed directions are compiled on a separate page. View the the directions page.

Still have questions?

Please check the FAQ page by clicking here.

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