Equinox Marathon and Half Marathon

September 21 @ 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

The 2024 Equinox Marathon and Half Marathon will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks campus. It is the premier running event in Interior Alaska, combining trails and a demanding ascent over Ester Dome. The marathon commences with a mass start at 8:00 AM, while the Half Marathon begins at 10:00 AM. The Equinox Marathon is not certified as a Boston Marathon qualifier, and experienced runners are cautioned against expecting personal records on this challenging route.

Participants completing the marathon by 6:00 PM will be rewarded with the iconic Equinox Marathon patch. All finishers crossing the line by 4:00 PM can indulge in food and beverages, though service levels taper off after 4:00 PM.

The post-race party will be held at the adjacent UAF Student Rec Center. This gathering serves as a platform for participants to share tales of their accomplishments, with the evening featuring food, drinks, awards, speeches, and the occasional distribution of prizes—a fitting celebration of a day marked by remarkable achievements and community spirit.

Packet Pickup

Wednesday, 9/18 to Friday, 9/20
2:00PM to 7:00PM
Frosty Feet Running Company, 380 Old Chena Pump Road

Feed Stations

The marathon course is equipped with nine official feed stations, along with one at the finish line. Here’s a breakdown of the stations:

Mile 2.5: Intersection of Ballaine Road and Yankovich Road
Mile 5.5: Intersection of Yankovich Road, Miller Hill Road, and Lawlor Road
Mile 9: Intersection of Ester Dome Road and St. Patrick Road (marks the start of the Ester Dome climb)
Mile 11.1: Ester Dome Road at the north/upper end of Henderson Road
Mile 12.4: Ullrhavn Summit, where the “Out-and-Back” section begins
Mile 14.75: Turnaround point on the “Out-and-Back”
Mile 17.1: Ullrhavn Summit, just before descending the Chute
Mile 19.8: Henderson Road at the pullout just below the mine; formerly located on the pavement below the 20-mile sign, it has been moved up the hill slightly
Mile 22.8: East end of the powerline segment where it joins Gold Hill Road
At the finish line, full-service support will be available until 4:00 PM, with reduced services offered after 6:00 PM.

Parking:

Parking at the start/finish area is limited. Free weekend parking is available on the UAF campus, including the Taku Lot on Farmer’s Loop. Alternatively, you can park at West Valley/Hutch, carpool, or arrange to be dropped off. Regardless of your choice, arriving early is advised due to limited parking availability.