Hatcher Pass is one of the most scenic areas in the Matanuska-Susitna valley and draws in hikers, runners, bikers, and sightseers throughout the year. The Hatcher Pass Marathon takes place after the gates through the Pass are opened to the public after being locked all winter due to immense snowfall. In the winter, it's an outdoor enthusiasts playground, but the summers are the true spice of life in this area. From July through September Hatcher Pass is THE place to be! 

The Hatcher Pass Marathon has become a staple in the Alaska running community, not just for its incredible location but also for its intense elevation gain of roughly 3900 ft. The first 25 miles of the race are uphill, some gradual, some steep, some switchbacks. This is a mountain pass after all. The last 1+ mile is a downhill burner to the finish. The course will travel along Hatcher Pass road from Willow, up to the top at Summit Lake and finish at the iconic Hatcher Pass Lodge. The route is slightly longer than 26.2 so it is not an official marathon course.

NEW for 2023 is the Hatcher Pass 50! This course will start at Hatcher Pass Lodge (the official finish) and run down to the marathon start in Willow before turning around and running the course back up to the finish. If you’re good at math, you will know this is not an exact 50 mile course, it’s really back to back marathons for a total of roughly 54 miles. Relay teams will also be allowed to register for and run the 50, with the same exchange points and each runner running two legs of the race; one down, one up.

Results