Name: Valley Thaw Out Races
Start: 2026-04-25T09:00:00-08:00
Location: Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm

Come join us as we celebrate the start of running season in Alaska with the Valley Thaw Out Races!
Grab your friends, family, and cohorts and sign up to run some spring miles together! There is a distance for everyone at this family friendly race. Races include a kids Fun Run, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and NEW this year...a Full Marathon. Please see age restrictions for each distance.
The Valley Thaw Out Races are a fundraiser for the MatSu Running Club, a non profit group offering coached running workouts and group runs throughout the spring and summer.

THE COURSE:
All races will start and finish at Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm on Bodenburg Loop. 4350 Bodenburg Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
5K: Course will be an out and back on Bodenburg Loop. (Ages 7+)
10K: Runners will head out on Bodenburg Loop until they reach the Glenn Highway, they will then turn RIGHT onto the bike path and run down to the next Bodenburg Loop Rd where they will turn RIGHT again and follow the road back to Pyrah's. Full disclosure...this full loop is just a bit longer than a strict 10K. (Ages 7+)
Half Marathon: Runners will head out on Bodenburg Loop until they reach the Glenn Highway, they will then turn LEFT onto the bike path and continue on the bike path until the turnaround by Virginia Ave. From the turnaround they will take the bike path to the SECOND Bodenburg Loop Rd where they will turn RIGHT and follow the road back to Pyrah's. (Ages 10+)
Marathon: Runners will head out on Bodenburg Loop until they reach the Glenn Highway, they will then turn LEFT onto the bike path and continue on the bike path until the turnaround at the Trunk roundabout. NOTE: The official marathon course is still being created (dependent on permits) but it will likely follow the bike path up Bogard to Colony HS and back. On the way back runners continue on the bike path to the SECOND Bodenburg Loop Rd where they will turn RIGHT and follow the road back to Pyrah's. (Ages 14+)
Kid's Run: A fun loop around the beautiful farmlands of Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm. (Ages 10 & under. Adult/Older sibling may chaperone runner.)

COURSE RESTRICTIONS:
We will NOT be closing traffic to Bodenburg Loop Road. Runners will run on the shoulder against traffic. The 5K and 10K are open to children 7 and over, the Half is open to children 10 and over, the Marathon is open to children 14 and over. YOU are responsible for ensuring that your child understands the rules of the road. Any child under the age of 10 MUST have an adult running with them for the duration of the race. Race volunteers will assist with any crossings and blind corners. Due to these conditions there will be NO STROLLERS OR DOGS allowed the course. Failure to adhere to these regulations WILL result in a disqualification and/or removal from the race.