In the picturesque town of Seward, Alaska, a unique and grueling tradition thrives every Fourth of July. It’s a race like no other, known as the Mount Marathon Race, and it has a history that traces back over a century. Claimed as the toughest 5K in the world!

The legend of this challenging race was born from a bet between two seasoned Alaskan residents, often affectionately referred to as “sourdoughs.” These two rugged individuals engaged in a heated debate about the feasibility of scaling and descending the imposing Mount Marathon in less than an hour. One of them boldly declared it to be “impossible.” To settle their dispute, and perhaps fueled by the camaraderie of a bar atmosphere, they decided to turn their wager into a race. Local merchants, always quick to seize an opportunity, decided to sweeten the deal by offering a lavish suit of clothes and other attractive prizes for the victorious runner. They also proposed that this epic race should become a celebrated holiday event, and why not make it a part of Independence Day?

The optimist among the two sourdoughs, unfortunately, lost the bet. The triumphant racer managed to conquer the challenging mountain but took a bit longer than the coveted one-hour mark, finishing in one hour and two minutes. Fast forward to 1915, and the Mount Marathon Race officially kicked off with its first organized event. Local businesses pitched in with prizes, and the race date was set on the Fourth of July. Interestingly, there was no fixed route for the racers, who were free to choose their path to the summit and back, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. James Walters emerged as the victor, completing the race in one hour and two minutes.

Over the years, this race, with its relentless 3.1-mile course that climbs a staggering 3,022 feet above sea level, became renowned as one of the most challenging short-distance mountain races globally. The course boasts an average slope of 34 degrees, reaching a spine-tingling 60 degrees at its steepest point. With time, the Mount Marathon Race grew in popularity, attracting over 1,000 participants, including men, women, and juniors, who took on this formidable challenge. The city of Seward transformed into a bustling hub, welcoming thousands of spectators who gathered to witness the mayhem and celebrate Independence Day.

The race kicks off downtown, right at the corner of Fourth and Adams, in front of the First National Bank Alaska. It concludes a block south from where it began, at Fourth and Washington. The juniors’ race starts early in the morning at 9 am, while the men’s and women’s races alternate their start times each year.

Reaching the halfway point, marked by a stone monument on Mount Marathon, racers find themselves 2,974 feet above sea level, a mile and a half from the finish line. The race’s total course distance covers approximately 3.1 miles, or 5 kilometers. The leading racers often reach the summit in 33 to 40 minutes, and the descent takes them 10 to 15 minutes. Uphill, they average a mere 2 mph, but downhill, they hurtle at an astonishing 12 mph. It’s not unusual for finishers to cross the line battered, bruised, and caked in mud.

To preserve the environment and ensure safety, race organizers have limited the number of entrants over the years. The race initially allowed 350 men, 350 women, and 200 juniors, but these numbers were adjusted in 2012 to permit 400 entrants for the men’s and women’s races. In 2013, the entry limit was once again lowered to 350 for both men and women. Participants secure their slots through a complex process, with priority given to veteran racers who’ve completed the required number of races. Those who participated the previous year but didn’t meet the prerequisite can obtain a waiver. Special invitations are extended to some, and the rest enter a weighted lottery system introduced in 2013, which improves their chances with prior applications. In 2019, a waitlist was introduced for the first time.

Former winners can enter the race until the morning of the event, keeping the competition fierce and diverse. Lottery application fees have been set at $20 for adults and $15 for juniors, with successful applicants paying additional registration fees of $85 for adults and $25 for juniors in 2019. So, as you plan your trip to Seward for this extraordinary race, remember that it’s not just a physical challenge; it’s a celebration of tradition, determination, and the indomitable spirit of the Alaskan wilderness.

Photos courtesy of  The Seward Journel, The Alaska Historical Society and The Hungry Runner.