Anchorage Mayor's Marathon Weekend 2026
- shawnayost
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
The Mayor's Marathon Weekend falls on the summer solstice, the longest period of daylight and shortest night of the calendar year. In Anchorage that meant sunset was 12:22 AM and sunrise was 3:33 AM. The race was on Saturday morning the marathon started at 7:30 AM and the half marathon started at 8:30 AM. The start line was at the ConocoPhillips Soccer Stadium at Kincaid Park. The easiest way to get there was by shuttle bus. From my hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Anchorage Downtown it was a couple blocks away to catch the bus to the start line. The finish line was at Delaney Park Strip in downtown Anchorage which was also close to the Four Points by Sheraton. There were 14 water stops for the marathon and 5 water stops for the half marathon. I ran the half marathon, and the majority of the run is on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which is nice and paved and not too many people on it besides other runners. There are breathtaking views of the Alaskan Range and the water. At the finish line there was live music and a beer garden and for snacks there was fresh fruit, potato chips from Alaska Chip Company, grilled cheese sandwiches from Franz Bakery, coffee from Kaladi Brothers Coffee, and cinnamon bread and cookies from Great Harvest Bread Co.
Expo and bib pickup was on Thursday from 4 PM to 8 PM and Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM. It was located at the Alaska Airlines Center on the UAA campus. We took an Uber to the Expo and from the Expo back into downtown.
My reviews of the race I give it a 9 out of 10, if you want to do a marathon or half marathon in Alaska, I recommend Anchorage Mayor's Marathon & half marathon. My review of the hotel we stayed in for the 2 nights in Anchorage 6 out of 10. I wouldn't stay there again the location was great but, it needs some remodeling. The toilet paper roll holder was barely connected to the wall, the carpet was very worn, the elevator is very slow to open and close. The review on the restaurants we ate at the Orso I give it 10 out of 10 it was the best meal we had in Alaska. Wild Scoops very good ice-cream 10 out of 10. Alaskan Burger and Brew 8 out of 10, a little greasy for my taste. Kobuk Coffee Company, I didn't eat here but, my husband did and he said the coffee and the old fashion donut he had was a 10 out of 10. The Sandwich Deck the French dip was 9 out of 10, could use a roll that was less bready, but the Ajus was flavorful. The Philly Cheesesteak sandwich was 7 out of 10, I have had better. Overall, I enjoyed our time in Anchorage we even went to the movie theater and watched a movie the afternoon after the race.
Comments