The Humpy's Marathon course begins in the heart of downtown Anchorage. Runners head west on 6th Avenue, north on H Street, then straight ahead on Christensen Drive to 2nd Avenue where the course turns left to join the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. They run past Westchester Lagoon, Earthquake Park, Postmark Drive and Point Woronzof. Runners turn around about 100 yards beyond a point formerly known by locals as “the Blue Bridge.” They run back north to Westchester Lagoon where they veer right (east) on the Chester Creek Trail. From the Chester Creek turnaround (the roundabout at the base of the hill beyond, or east of, the bridge to East High School) runners return to the lagoon and head back to the finish line in downtown Anchorage.
The Humpys Marathon was the 217th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 210th largest in 2022.
This year 10.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 7.7% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Humpys Marathon the 248th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 155th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.08 ranks it as the 316th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest course in Alaska.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Humpys Marathon a PR Score of 97.60. This PR Score ranks it as the 297th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 4th fastest in Alaska.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Humpys Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 191 feet (58m) Min Elevation: 3 feet (0m)
Overall the race start and finish were very well organized (better than the Mayor's Marathon) however there was a lack of planning around aid stations (no food provided and limited facilities). The course map was right, however the elevation chart provided was very incorrect (800 Ft of elevation not 200).
Race Tips
Course was very well defined (except for elevation). The course consisted of 2 out a back portions all on the coastal trail. You should fully expect to run into plenty of tourists on the coastal trail and it can become pretty condensed at times if people are not paying attention.
Organization and information pre event was extremely limited (no race day bib-pickup not clearly outlined on the website) Make sure you check your email for the single email the organizers send as it is easy to miss.
Derek's review of 2016 Humpys Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
In 2016 there was a movie night at Bear's tooth Thursday evening. Anchorage has a great running community and the place was packed for the selection of short running movies.
Race day was also good. Post-race massages and food were excellent.
Race Tips
The course has a total of 511ft of elevation gain. It is nearly completely flat aside from some small climbs around mile 5 and 12 during the coastal out and back and then a long gradual (beside a creek) climb up the Chester creek trail towards Goose lake (peaking around mile 20) and then a short 90 ft climb up to the finish at mile 26.
Very fast course and great for a PR. The weather is ideal for running this time of year.
Feel free to check out the Strava map for the course here https://www.strava.com/activities/684322985
This is a well run small to mid-size race (330 in full; 1000 in half. It has a very scenic course and can pretty much guarantee cool running temps. A few hills and false flats but mainly a flat course so PR's can be had. How many marathons can boast a good chance that you'll encounter a moose?
Race Tips
Race begins in downtown Anchorage but is mainly run on a paved bike path. The course is basically 2 out and backs. Two hills on the first out and back. The second out and back is a gradual up out but then gradually down when you need it on the final 10K. A short steep hill @ 25.5 hurts so be ready. Plenty of water stops and some gel also available.
There are a few host hotels w/in walking distance of expo and start/finish area but they are pricey. In fact Anchorage is generally a little pricey so even staying out of downtown isn't cheap. I parked @ the JC Penny garage which was super close and not too expensive. I arrived @ race 90 minutes early and could've arrived later.
VA's review of 2013 Humpys Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Well organized race with scenic views and the occasional moose. This is a small race of about 300-400 finishers and very well done. There are no on course race clocks, no big deal.
Race Tips
Most up hill portion in first 8 miles or so. Most of course is on paved trails. Easiest race day parking ever and it was free. Plenty of port-o-lets in the corral area.
Meter parking was free and plentiful on the weekend. Humpy's has great Alaskan food of comparable portions. Skinny Raven sports and Expo at Dena'ina Center are all a few blocks from the race start.
4.5 Stars from 4 Reviews
