Mt. Marathon in Seward, Alaska
Sorry I’ve been quiet lately — it’s been a very busy summer. I’m packing now for a three-week trip to Alaska to visit my sister and her family, and will be taking my youngest with me. Before I leave, I wanted to share a memorable experience from last year’s visit.
Last Fourth of July our family spent the holiday in Alaska and witnessed one of the most exciting races I’ve ever seen: the Mt. Marathon race in Seward. It’s a short but intense course — roughly 3.1 miles total — that sends runners straight up and back down the mountain.
Mt. Marathon rises to 3,022 feet (921 m) above sea level, making the climb steep and the descent equally dramatic. The race is a unique combination of endurance, balance, and technical downhill running. Spectators line the streets of Seward and the mountain slopes, cheering participants as they sprint uphill and then charge back down.
I wish I had more time to write a full account of the race and the weekend, but for now I’ll share several photos from last year’s trip and a few short video snippets I took. The images below capture the steep terrain, the crowd energy, and some of the dramatic moments near the finish line.
Note: the short video clips I recorded show the start of the race and the final descent. If you watch closely you can spot a runner dressed as “Gumby” early on, and later heading off the mountain — a fun reminder of the race’s colorful characters.
Race day atmosphere and runners making their way on the mountain.
Steep climbs and exposed sections make this race both challenging and spectacular to watch.
The descent demands precise footing and courage — the crowd roars as runners come down.
Seward provides a stunning backdrop for the race — ocean, town, and mountain all in view.
Near the finish: exhausted but exhilarated runners return to the streets of Seward.
The final stretch is fast and often chaotic — a thrilling sight for spectators.
Finish line moments—relief, celebration, and a lot of sore muscles.
Yes, that’s a Gumby costume — adding fun and character to the race.
Crowds and ridge-line running make for unforgettable race-day photos.
End-of-race scenes: community, celebration, and relief.
Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope to share more photos and stories from this summer’s visit once I’m back. Cheers!