Overview
The Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon draws approximately 34 finishers each April on a scenic road in Palmer, United States. One of Alaska's established spring marathons in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley with a community-focused field. The course runs through Mat-Su Valley farm roads and Palmer-area neighborhoods as winter loosens its grip. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon 2027 race day
The next Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 April 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon course route
The Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon is a rolling scenic road course with moderate climbs. Starts and finishes in the Palmer area on a spring thaw weekend loop. The course runs through Mat-Su Valley farm roads and Palmer-area neighborhoods as winter loosens its grip. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs.
Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon elevation profile
The Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens through https://www.valleythawout.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon elevation profile?
- The Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with moderate climbs, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon?
- The Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. The Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon is a scenic road through Palmer.
- What time does the Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon start?
- The 2027 Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.valleythawout.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in the Palmer area on a spring thaw weekend loop. Updated course maps are published at https://www.valleythawout.com/ each year.
- When is the Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon and how do I register?
- Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens through https://www.valleythawout.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon course flat?
- The course includes rolling with moderate climbs. Study the official course profile at https://www.valleythawout.com/ before setting pace targets.
- What landmarks does the Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon pass?
- The loop tours Palmer and Mat-Su Valley roads on a certified spring marathon course.
- What weather should runners expect at Valley Thaw Out Races Marathon?
- Early-spring Palmer conditions with thawing trails and cool morning temperatures.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
