Equinox Marathon and Relay
Sat, Sep 19, 2026, 8:00 AM AKDT
- Location
- Fairbanks, AK
- Beluga Field, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 99709
- Type
- TRAIL
Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.
At a glance
Conquer the challenging trails and significant climbs of Interior Alaska's premier marathon, testing your limits on Ester Dome.
- Competitive
CompetitiveThe Equinox Marathon and Relay in Fairbanks, Alaska, offers a significant challenge for runners. Known as the premier running event in Interior Alaska, the course features extensive trails and a demanding double ascent of Ester Dome. With approximately 3,300 feet of vertical climb, this marathon is designed to test both physical endurance and mental resolve. A three-leg relay option is also available, covering the full course for teams. Prepare for potentially variable weather and course conditions.
What to expect
- A highly challenging marathon course with extensive trail sections.
- Expect a significant 3,300-foot vertical climb, including two ascents of Ester Dome.
- Nine aid stations are provided along the course and one at the finish line.
Standout details
- Challenging climb up Ester Dome
- Most of the course on trails
- Approximately 3,300' vertical climb
- Three-leg relay option available
Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.
Distances & registration
3 optionsRegistration for all distances is through the official signup link above.
- 26.2 Miles
Sat, Sep 19, 8:00 AM AKDT · From $90.00
Opens Apr 30, 2026, 8:00 PM AKDT · Closes Sep 19, 2026, 3:30 AM AKDT
- 26.2 Miles
Sat, Sep 19, 8:00 AM AKDT · From $90.00
Opens May 13, 2026, 10:03 AM AKDT · Closes Sep 19, 2026, 3:30 AM AKDT
- 26.2 Miles
Sat, Sep 19, 8:00 AM AKDT · From $90.00
Opens May 5, 2026, 3:16 PM AKDT · Closes Sep 18, 2026, 8:00 PM AKDT
Vibe Check
Push Potential
Push Potentiallonger distance
The course
- Hilly
- Timed race
From the organizer
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 and emotional fortitude. The event starts and finishes at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Beluga Field. The event features the option of a three leg relay event, as well, that is run at the same time as the marathon and covering the full course. Marathon runners will endure approximately 3,300' of vertical climb. Weather on the day of the event can be highly variable, ranging from pleasant late summer/early fall conditions to unpleasant wintery conditions. Mirroring the weather conditions, course conditions can be highly variable as well. There are nine aid stations along the course, and one at the finish line. The race is sponsored by Running Club North. NOTE: Online registration closes at 11:59pm on September 17!
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