The Mount Marathon Race is a footrace of about 3.1 miles up and down Mount Marathon in Seward, held every Fourth of July. The first organised race took place in 1915.[1]
| Held | Every July 4 |
|---|---|
| Course | About 3.1 miles |
| Halfway marker | 2,974 ft |
| First organised race | 1915 |
| Men’s record | 40:37 (2024) |
| Women’s record | 47:09 (2022) |
Course
The race starts at Fourth and Adams in downtown Seward and finishes one block south, at Fourth and Washington. The halfway point is a stone marker on the mountain at 2,974 feet, about 1.5 miles from the finish. The source notes that a long-cited summit figure of 3,022 feet was unverified, and a mapping project measured 2,974 feet. Leaders reach the high point in 33 to 40 minutes and finish from the turn in 10 to 15 minutes.[1]
History
Legend says the race began as a bar bet about running to the summit and back in under an hour. Claims put the first run in 1908, 1909 or 1912, but the source says there is no evidence for any date before the first organised race in 1915, when local merchants donated prizes. The winner, James Walters, finished in 1:02:00. The first women’s race was held in 1985, with 54 finishers.[1]
Fields and records
Until 2012 the field was capped at 350 men, 350 women and 200 juniors, and the junior field rose to 300 in 2017. Juniors are 17 and younger and run to the halfway point and back. David Norris set the men’s record of 40:37 in 2024, Allie McLaughlin the women’s record of 47:09 in 2022, and Chad Resari finished at age 85 in 2021.[1]
FAQs
When is the Mount Marathon Race? Every Fourth of July.
How long is the course? About 3.1 miles.
When was the first organised race? 1915.
Sources
Key facts
- First organised 1915
- Men’s record 40:37
Quick checkWhen is the Mount Marathon Race held?Show answer
Every Fourth of July
Sources
- Wikipedia. Mount Marathon Race. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue