60th Annual Equinox Marathon

31st Annual Equinox Relay

The Equinox Marathon is the premier running event in Interior Alaska. With most of the course on trails and a challenging climb up and over Ester Dome—and up and over it again!—it is a challenging marathon that will test your running abilities. But don’t worry if it seems too overwhelming! Our generous 10-hour time cutoff is great even for walkers who can keep a steady pace.

As the name suggests, the race takes place near the Equinox, in this case the autumnal equinox in the latter part of September. This is the time when we near the end of our beautiful, green Fairbanks summer, as the leaves turn yellow and orange, and trees begin to lose their leaves. But it is (usually) before winter’s snows begin to fall. The entire community comes out to run, volunteer, and spectate in this big end-of-summer social event.

We’re steeped in history and lore, and hope that you’ll join us!

Start Time

The Equinox marathon begins at 8:00AM, with a single mass start.

Finish Line Cutoff Time

The finish line for all Equinox events closes down at 6:00PM, 10 hours after the marathon start. Every person who finishes by 6:00PM will receive a finish time. Those who finish after 6:00PM will not be timed or receive any of the finish recognition items that those who finish before 6:00PM receive. We understand that it is a major achievement for some people to finish in any amount of time. However, the Equinox events have a policy of enforcing a firm cutoff time.

Marathon Course

Race Fee: $95-$285

Register