Presented by ConocoPhillips Alaska Every year thousands of people celebrate summer solstice by taking part in the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon, one of Alaska’s premier races welcoming runners from across the nation and world. The event is crossing a major milestone as it celebrates its 50-year anniversary in 2024. As the largest marathon in Alaska, it showcases not only Anchorage’s spectacular trails but also its welcoming local community.
“The race has gotten bigger over the years, yet it still has such a community focus. To me, that is really important,” said Ryan McWilliams, marathon race director and UAA head coach for cross country, track and field. On Saturday, June 22, runners and walkers will again take to Anchorage’s trails for the event.
Between the marathon, half-marathon, 4.7K Solstice Classic, marathon relay and a free Kids Mile run, there is something for everyone. ‘Everyone who does it has a story’ The inaugural Mayor’s Marathon took place in 1974.
It’s one of Alaska’s older long-distance races, behind the Juneau Marathon, which held its first race in 1971, and Fairbanks’ Equinox Marathon, which began in the 1960s. “Every marathon is an odyssey and everyone who does it has a story of their own race,” said Anchorage resident Jim Renkert. Renkert is a local history buff.
He completed the marathon several times as a teenager in the 1970s. “It’s important for the current generation to learn about the race’s history,” said Renkert. .
